‘I have had the opportunity to lead an extraordinary faculty and students who very much have earned this
      recognition right beside me’
     
      Nancy Landgraff, 62, of Ron Joy Place, Boardman, whose leadership has brought national and statewide accolades to Youngstown State University’s Department of Physical Therapy, is the second President James P. Tressel Endowed Chair in Leadership.
      “Dr. Landgraff’s hard work, expertise and her commitment to the physical therapy profession over the course of 25 years at YSU has transformed PT into one of the university’s most successful academic programs,” said Brien Smith, provost, who made the appointment. “We are fortunate to have someone of Nancy’s caliber and passion here at YSU.”
      The endowed chair was created in 2021 through a $1.6 million gift from a group of YSU Foundation trustees in recognition of Tressel’s leadership at YSU and across the region. The honor is bestowed annually on a YSU department chair with an established record of outstanding leadership. The award also comes with a stipend and expenses to support development and growth of the department. Nancy Wagner, chair of the YSU Centofanti School of Nursing, was the first recipient.
      “During her 25 years at Youngstown State University, Nancy has had numerous accomplishments across all academic realms, including in teaching, research and scholarship, and university, community and national service,” Jeffery Allen, dean of the YSU Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, said in his nomination letter.
      Landgraff, who holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, said she was humbled by the appointment. “At YSU, I have had the opportunity to lead an extraordinary faculty and students who very much have earned this recognition right beside me,” she said. “For all of them, I am truly grateful.”
      Landgraff, who also holds a bachelor’s in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s in Health Science from the University of Florida, worked nearly 15 years in the PT profession before joining the YSU faculty in 1997, becoming chair in 2012.
      Under Landgraff’s leadership, the YSU Doctor of Physical Therapy program has been named the statewide Program of the Year for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) by the Ohio Physical Therapy Association, besting the state’s 10 other PT programs to receive the award.
      The YSU DPT, a 2.5-year full-time doctoral program started in 2008, has grown from annual cohorts of 19 students to annual cohorts of 45 students. The program has graduated 376 students, including 35 at Spring Commencement this past May.
      As chair, Landgraff also oversaw the renovation and expansion of PT training and academic spaces in Cushwa Hall, and she supported the development of a new PhD program in Health Sciences and a new master’s program in Health and Human Services, both of which continue to grow.
      Landgraff’s scholarly work is extensive, including nearly three dozen academic presentations across the world, from New Orleans to the Netherlands, San Diego to China. She has received more than two dozen research grants totaling nearly $100,000 and authored seven peer-reviewed scholarly articles and three abstracts. She also provides editorial/manuscript review for several scholarly journals related to neurological and cardiovascular disease as well as the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
      Landgraff’s community service is equally extensive, volunteering for Walk With a Doc, the Marquette Challenge (for PT research), Where There’s a Wheel There’s a Way (accessibility awareness), Women in Science and Relay for Life. She had held leadership positions with the Ohio Physical Therapy Association, the America Heart/America Stroke Association in Mahoning County and Ohio Living-Park Vista Retirement Center. She also has served as a PT consultant for Steward Health/Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Warren.
      Landgraff also has an extensive list of honors, including an Excellence Award for Department Chairperson in Teaching, Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society, YSU Watson Merit Award for Academic Leadership, YSU Distinguished Professor Awards for Public Service and for Scholarship, the American Physical Therapy Association’s Dorothy Briggs Memorial Scientific Inquiry Award and Ohio Physical Therapy Association Research Committee’s Recognition for Contribution to Research

     NEW CENTURION---The family of James G. Nagle, of Pinetree Lane, honored him last Saturday at Boardman Park where he was feted on his 100th birthday. Mr. Nagle was born July 12, 1922 and is a retired school teacher at Lowellville High School where he taught science classes. His wife, the former Lenore McLaughlin Kerrigan Nagle, passed away on June 17, 2010. Pictured, from left, surrounding Mr. Nagle are Pat Kerrigan, Maureen Kerrigan, Betty Winland, Kitty King, Nancy Kerrigan and Tom Kerrigan.

      The Butler Institute of American Art is offering classes for new docents (volunteer tour guides). Docents are trained museum volunteers who offer teaching, understanding, and appreciation of art through guided tours of the permanent collection. Docents provide a valuable support to the operation of the museum and to the public through their understanding of the museum’s collection. “The docents are a dedicated group of well-trained volunteers who continue to be one of The Butler Institute of American Art’s most valuable resources,” says Joyce Mistovich, director of education. No previous museum experience is necessary, but a willingness to participate and commitment to study the masterpieces in the museum collection is required. Classes will begin in mid-September 2022 and run through mid-April 2023.
     
      For additional information call Joyce Mistovich, Director of Education, in The Butler Education Department. 330.743.1107 ext. 1101

     Meeting last week, the Boardman Local School Board named Nick Deniakis as the new Supervisor of Transportation for the district at an annual salary of $56,605. He replaces Interim Director Kathy Fait. Deniakis has more than a decade of mechanic, shop foreman and supervisory experience and has been a mechanic at Boardman Local Schools for the past year. He’s a Boardman HS graduate, Class of 2001, and says he’s looking forward to working with a great team of drivers and serving the families of Boardman. The school board also granted limited, one year contracts for the 2022-23 year for Gina Rohan, math teacher at Boardman HS, replacing Jeana Carpenter; Victoria White, district psychologist, replacing Cynthia Davenport; and Eleni Yargo, science teacher at Boardman HS, replacing Larry Davis.

     “This evening is a testament to Mr. DeBartolo’s belief that if we all continue to work together, we can provide opportunities to the young people in our valley.”
     
      BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      An elegant evening at the Covelli Center in downtown Youngstown last Friday, June 17, raised more than $200,000 for the Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Guests enjoyed food stations from some of the area’s top restaurants and chefs, a live auction that included a trip to the next Super Bowl, and music featuring the sounds of Frank Sinatra presented by local crooner Angelo Babbaro and the Skatch Anderssen Orchestra. Some 350 people attended the event.
      And, the game of football spiced the evening with many grid celebrities, including coaches and players in attendance---Among them, former Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, who was silent when asked about his ‘Immaculate Reception’ in 1972 that gave his team a 13-7 playoff win over the Oakland Raiders. The play is often heralded as the greatest play ever.
      On hand were many members of the San Francisco 49ers. (The team was purchased by the Boardman-based DeBartolo family in 1977 and under the leadership of Ed DeBartolo Jr. became the first franchise in NFL history to win five Super Bowl titles).
      As introduced by Dr. John York, co-chairman of the Niners, they included---
       •Azeez Al-Shaair, a fourth year undrafted free agent linebacker. Last year Azeez had 102 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.
       •Aaron Banks, who was a 2021 second round All American draft pick out of Notre Dame. He will be the Niners left guard in the upcoming season.
       •Samson Ebukam, who is in his sixth year in the NFL and second with the 49ers. He had 4.5 sacks as a defensive lineman last year.
       •Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, who is entering his fourth season as a linebacker for the 49ers. After spending his rookie year on the team’s practice squad, he has appeared in 28 games, including three starts, over the last two seasons.
       •Talanoa Hufanga, who is entering his second season as a safety for the 49ers. Hufanga came to San Francisco as a fifth-round draft pick out of University of Southern California in the 2021. He returned the blocked punt for a touchdown in the NFC divisional game against the Green Bay Packers, as the 49ers won, 13-10.
       •Drake Jackson, will be in his rookie season as a second round defensive lineman from USC. He was second team All-PAC-12 pick twice during his collegiate career.
      Also on hand were a pair of Forty-Niner Hall of Famers, Tom Rathman and Bryant Young.
      Rathman spent 23 years with San Francisco as both a player and coach. He was a member of two back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams (Super Bowl XXIII and XXIV). Following his playing career, he spent 15 years coaching San Francisco’s running backs, including Frank Gore, over a pair of stints (1996-2002 and 2009-16). Rathman finished his NFL career with 2,020 rushing yards, 320 receptions for 2,684 yards with a total of 34 touchdowns.
      Young is the Niners’ newest Hall of Famer. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this August. He was the 49ers first round pick (7th overall) in the 1994 draft. He played his 14 seasons with the team and was a member of the Niners Super Bowl XXIX team. He was the NFL’s defensive Rookie of the Year in 1994, named All Pro four times. After a devastating leg injury in 1998, he was the Comeback Player of the Year in 1999.
      In addition to members of the Niners, several local football personalities were at the Memorial Scholarship Foundation event.
      They included Paul McFadden and Jim Tressel, out of Youngsown State football lore; and current Penguins Head Coach Doug Phillips; and former Cardinal Mooney standout Ed Muransky (current owner/operator of Southwoods Health).
      McFadden, who is currently president of the Youngstown State University Foundation, gained note for his barefoot kicking style. He made the Philadelphia Eagles roster as a 12th-round pick in 1984 and earned Rookie of the Year honors. McFadden played in the NFL with the Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants for six seasons (1984-1989). McFadden was originally recruited at YSU as a soccer player, and moved onto the gridiron in 1981 as a placekicker for the Penguins under Head Coach Bill Narduzzi. The first field goal he ever attempted, he made, from 54 yards out, at Murray State.
      Tressel, current president of Youngstown State, led the Penguins to four national titles and six appearances in national championship games. After a stellar coaching career at YSU, he moved on to Ohio State where he won the national title in 2002 and his teams also dumped rival Michigan seven times during his tenure as head coach.
      Muransky played football for Cardinal Mooney High School under legendary Head Coach Don Bucci. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. He played in 24 games and was a member of the Raiders Super Bowl XXVIII championship team.
      Phillips came to YSU from the University of Cincinnati, where he was an assistant coach under Luke Fickell. Since Tressel’s tenure, only Bo Pelini, Phillips predecessor, has led the Pens to an appearance in the national title game.
      The grid game not withstanding, the accent of the evening was on the DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
      “This evening is a testament to Mr. DeBartolo’s belief that if we all continue to work together, we can provide opportunities to the young people in our valley,” Dr. York said.
      The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships over the past 25 years and strives to provide advanced education for deserving valley students well into the future.
      Denise DeBartolo York and her husband, Dr. John York, San Francisco 49ers co-chairs and longtime education advocates, awarded 17 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties during ceremonies held in May at the Lake Club.
      The scholarships, part of The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, totaled $170,000 and were presented to the recipients at The Lake Club during a luncheon for the students and their families.
      The scholarship was first established by DeBartolo York’s father and several close friends, who worked to provide commendable youth the opportunity to continue their education.
      The scholarship foundation, run by the Yorks in Mr. DeBartolo’s honor, serves to provide the same platform for excellent area youth in need of financial assistance.
      Presenting sponsor for the event was Phantom Fireworks and the Zoldan family.
      Major sponsors included Brown & Brown, Bury Financial, the Cafaro Foundation, Compco Industries, Covelli Enterprises, Candy and Edward DeBartolo, Furrie Vitullo Group Sparkle Markets, Garry and Wanda Mrozek and family, Hill Barth & King, JJ Cafaro Investment Trust, Mercy Health, Mercy Health Foundation, Muransky Companies, PNC, Rick’s Boot Factory Outlet, RT Vernal Paving, Simon Property, Trumbull Supply, Wesley Family Foundation/FLICORE, and Woeber Mustard Company.

     Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has named Dr. Sergul A. Erzurum, a well-known local ophthalmologist and vice president of Eye Care Associates, to the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees.
      A YSU alumna and Boardman native, Dr. Erzurum, is a surgeon and owner of the Center for Advanced Eye Surgery in Poland. She will serve a term that starts June 27, 2022, and runs through April 30, 2031. She replaces Atty. James E. ‘Ted’ Roberts, whose term has expired.
      Co-founder of Sight for All United and the founder of Doctors for Sight, Dr. Erzurum earned a bachelor’s degree in Combined Science from YSU in 1984 and a doctorate in Medicine from Northeast Ohio Medical University in 1988. She did her ophthalmology residency at Northwestern University in Chicago and pediatric fellowship at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She is currently a full professor and master teacher at the Northeast Ohio Medical University and a clinical associate professor at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
      She also served as chair of the Division of Ophthalmology at Northside Hospital in Youngstown until 2018 and as vice chair of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group, a national research group. She has a long list of research activities, more than 60 publications and presentations and extensive professional service, including a current member of the Ad Hoc Vision Advisory Board for the Ohio Department of Health.
      Among her recognitions and awards: National Philanthropy Day Award, Essilor Difference Maker Award, Advocate Award from Akron Children’s Hospital and the Dedicated Service Award from the United Way of the Mahoning Valley.

     On Saturday, June 18, the Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will ordain Rev. Mr. Connor Hetzel to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The ordination liturgy will take place at the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown at 10:30 a.m.
      Upon ordination as a priest, Deacon Hetzel will be assigned to serve as a Parochial Vicar (Associate Pastor) at a parish in the Diocese of Youngstown. His assignment will be announced during the ordination Mass.
      Deacon Hetzel, 27, is the son of Brian and Kristen Hetzel, of Havenwood Dr. He was born in Rockford, Illinois, and attended Catholic schools in both Illinois and Wisconsin, before his family moved to Boardman in 2004 and became parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo Parish. He attended St. Charles School for two years, was homeschooled for four years, and then attended and graduated from Boardman High School.
      He is a graduate of Youngstown State University, with a bachelor’s degree in physics. While there, he was an active participant at the Newman Center. In May 2022, he received his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology from Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology in Wickliffe, Ohio (near Cleveland).
      As a transitional deacon, while he completed his seminary formation, Deacon Hetzel was assigned to Christ Our Savior Parish in Struthers followed by St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Canton.
     
      PICTURED: Connor Hetzel will be ordained into the priesthood on Sat., June 18. The soon to be Father Connor Hetzel will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at 2:00 p.m. on Sun., June 19 at St. Charles.
     

     CHRISTOPHER J. ANDERSON, 33, OF 77 CLIFTON Dr., Boardman, was named chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party on June 4 during a confab held at St. Luke Church on South Ave. Anderson will succeed Joyce Kale-Pesta. Anderson says his goal is unity, modernizing communications through social media campaigns, protecting incumbents, building a strong list of democratic candidates, and running fully coordinated campaigns. “Job one will be uniting our party and getting us moving in the same direction,” Anderson said. In Nov., 2017, the Ohio Democratic Party selected Anderson as the state’s young Democrat of the Year. Other officers of the Mahoning County Dem Party include Kale-Pesta, first vice-chairman; Rick Calutti, treasurer; Katherine Miller, secretary; Jaladah Islam, vice-chair/labor relations; and Tito Brown, vice chair/minority affairs.

     George Hill, 46, who was convicted two years after the May, 2020 death of his girlfriend, Jennifer Mullen, 35, of Shields Rd., was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court last week by Judge Anthony D’Apolito.
      Mullen died May 31, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Health Center from injuries sustained at her Shields Road apartment that she shared with Hill.
      Hill was arrested by Boardman police in Feb., 2021, after he was indicted by a Mahoning County Grand Jury in Dec., 2020 on charges murder, felonious assault and domestic violence in connection with Ms. Mullen’s death.
      On May 31, 2020, near 6:40 a.m., Boardman police were called to Mullen’s residence at 49 Shields Rd. when Hill reported she had overdosed.
      Hill told Ptl. Jamison Diglaw he resided with Mullen, who had been his girlfriend for a year.
      “He stated he called for medical attention when brown foam was found coming out of Mullen’s mouth and he could not wake her up,” Officer Diglaw said.
      Hill told police he and Mullen had been drinking at the Steel City Bar in Youngstown and she became intoxicated after consuming six to seven Long Island ice teas; and also claimed she had an argument with a bartender, then they drove back to her residence about 2:00 a.m.
      Once at the residence, Hill claimed that he and Mullen began to argue, after which, according to police, Hill said Mullen went to bed when he noticed she was bleeding from a head wound so he placed a towel on her head to stop the bleeding.
      Hill told Ptl. Diglaw he then went to sleep “for an hour or two” and when he awakened, he saw a brownish foam coming from her mouth and he could not wake her up, “but she was breathing.”
      “He believed it may have been an hour or two before he called EMS, due to him having to charge her phone, as his phone does not make calls,” Officer Diglaw said.
      Mullen was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where she died.
      Det. Greg Stepuk, of the Boardman Police department, said an autopsy was conducted in Cuyahoga County “showed little or no alcohol,” adding a urine sample confirmed no alcohol or drugs were in her system.
      Det Stepuk said he spoke with a bartender at Steel City who said vodka and Sprite was Mullen’s drink of choice.
      According to Det. Stepuk, Mullen suffered a fractured skull and had injuries and bruises all over her body.
      “Due to the amount of injuries, we believed she was severely beaten,” Det. Stepuk said.
      Hill also came to the attention of Boardman police in late Aug., 2019 after allegations were made that a 65-year-old man who lived on Argyle Ave. had been bilked-out of some $30,000 by caregivers over a four-month period.
      Reportedly Hill had lived at the home for several months, until he was asked to leave the home.
      At the time of his arrest on the murder charge, Hill was on the most wanted list of the U.S. Marshal’s Office.
      Mullen was a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A proposed stormwater park, dubbed the Forest Lawn Stormwater Park, to be located on the property of the current Market St. Elementary School, 5555 Market St., received a boost last week with the announcement that the project has been awarded a $750,000 capital grant from the state of Ohio.
      When completed, the Forest Lawn Stormwater Park will be a 14.6-acre green space on the property of the former elementary school that will be designed to improve surface water flows impacting up to 1,400 homes.
      It will include the creation of a passive park where people can gather and walk along a lighted sidewalk, complete with security cameras, as well as the entire site will be re-forested with appropriate plantings.
      Once completed, during heavy rainfalls, the project will be able to hold up to the equivalent of 9-feet of water (an estimated one million gallons) spread over the surface the size of a football field.
      Already the stormwater park has received allocations totaling some $3 million, including a $1.2 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), $1 million from Mahoning County Commissioners Anthony Traficanti, David Ditzler and Carol Rimedio-Righetti, a $500,000 grant from the state of Ohio and a $320,000 grant from H-2 Ohio.
      The current grant award will be used for property acquisition, parking lot construction and construction of an environmental education pavilion, thanks to the lobbying efforts of State Rep. Al Cutrona and State Sen. Michael Rulli.
      The environmental education pavilion will maximize educational opportunities at the stormwater park.

     63 seniors received diplomas from Cardinal Mooney High School during commencement exercises held Sun., May 29 at Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown, Oh.
      Recognized as valedictorian of the Mooney Class of 2022 was James Campbell, and salutorian was Drew Pecchia.
      Cardinal Mooney High School Class of 2022
      Mohamed Attia, Asia Baker, Emoni Barnes, Shayla Berger, Silas Blackshear, James Campbell, Demetrius Chambers, Vito Colella, Olivia DeCesare, Jack Desmond, Bridget DiVencenzo, Michael DiVencenzo, Daqua Douglas, Edward Driscoll, Brandon Evans, Alexa Fecko, Natalie Femia, Alexandra Fernandez Sanchez, Emyrre Figueroa, Alaina Francis, Jenna Frommelt, Isiah Givens, Tyler Hayes, Mick Hergenrother, Millie Heschmeyer, Tyrin Howell, Zachary Hryb, Jenna Hughes, Elise Johnson, Andre Jones, Asia Jones, Lavella Jones, James Litman, Brandon Lott,
      Christina Maruca, Davontae Miller, Brian Moore, Matthew Morales, Joseph Morrison, Dalton Nickell, Drew Pecchia, Jackson Pepperney, Jack Phillips, Savvas Pizanias, Alyssa Rapp, Grace Raymer, Gianna Reali, Savanna Reali, Zy’ere Rogers, Angelina Rotunno. Domingo Ruiz, Nailah Salahuddin, Alaina Scavina, Trinity Spencer, Sharlie Stewart, Tionde’ Stewart, Isabella Thomas, Mitchell Tofil, Keelee Torma, Savanna VanSuch, Kevon Weaver, Leona Whatley, A’niya Williams.
     

     Commencement for the Spartan Class of 2022 will be held Sunday, June 5 at 2:00 p.m. Approximately 346 graduating seniors will walk from Boardman High School into Spartan Stadium and be seated on the field for the ceremony.
      Stadium gates will open at 12:45 for guests. Graduates may bring as many guests as they wish to Spartan Stadium. Tickets are not required for an outdoor event.
      In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the high school gymnasium.
      The Boardman High School Class of 2022 has earned and accepted more than $3.7 million in scholarships.
      There are 26 ‘First in Class’ students who earned a perfect 4.0 gpa during their high school career. They are Lainey Beichner, Brendan Butler, Carter Cailor, Stephen Conti, Alexander DePinto, Li Peng DiMuzio, Lilliana Donatelli, Myra Garzanich, Taylor Greenaway, Marrwa Kermagi, Madison Lester, Jenna McCollum, Jenna Olexa, Alyssa Olsen, Nina Pilolli, Adrianna Quinlan, Nadia Rawhneh, Karlynn Riccitelli, Gabriella Roller, Brynna Schobel, Brittany Sellers, Ava Valko, Kira Vasko, Aroonrassamee Wongkeaitaroon, Justin Yocum and Anna Zheng.
      84 students earned honors diplomas for rigorous coursework completed.
      149 students are honors graduates with a 3.5 GPA or above.
      45 seniors also earned the President’s Award for Educational Excellence for superior academic achievement in math and reading.
      Boardman High School Class of 2022
      Rahma Ababseh, Mohammad Abbadi, Tawfiq Abuenaaj, Moaath Abuoraq, Riley Adams, Jamil Albdour, Alyssa Alberti, Ayed Alemaishat, Tyler Allison, Devon Alm, Aseel Alsamameh, Benjamin Alvarico, Amari Anderson, Louis Andrews, Gerick Angel, Annmarie Anos, Khalid Aras, William Arcuri, William Armour, Justin Atwood, Rachel Baghurst, Kaitlynn Baker, Jason Balentine, Anthony Barber, Ethan Barrett, Rees Beckman, Lucas Beeman, Lainey Beichner, Jordan Bell, Megan Bendel, Mario Berardi, Hollis Bernacki, Rachael Bharat, Allen Biggart, Justin Bina, Connor Blasco, Jacob Blazina, Kevin Bonavia, Alec Bosnjak, Samantha Breen, Cassidy Bryan, Benjamin Bucci, Luca Buonamici, Brendan Butler, Anthony Butto, Carter Cailor, Kayla Campbell, Chase Caroline, Ashli Casanova, Timothy Case, Ella Catanzarite, Scarlett Cave, Taylor Cayson, Seth Cervello, Weixi Chen, Daniel Chiaberta, Aiden Chunn, Logan Ciavarella, Sanayah Clay, Kellie Coffer, Faith Colkitt, Victoria Colovos, Viviana Condoleon, Cole Congson, Stephen Conti, Corey Cook, Jac Cordon, Adriana Cordova Rivas, David Coss, Phillip Crawford, Emily Crump, Tatyanna Cruz-Banks, Andre Joshua Cubarrubia, Leah Cuttica, Angelina D’Apruzzo, Jack Dascenzo, Kennedy Davis, Theodore Davis, Harmony DeFrank, Eric DeLeon, Trey DePietro, Alexander DePinto, Connor Dettmer, Nikol Diaz Rosario, Makenzie Dietz, Li Peng DiMuzio, Jacob Dohar, Lilliana Donatelli, Patrick Dorazio, Aaryan Dorff, Xavior Dorff, Gabriel Dorn, Lucas Dray, Charles Duncan, Atticus Duster, Lydia Eicher, Bella Eliser, Dre’Ana Elliott, Gavin Fernandez, Alec Ferrebee, Daniel Fetty, Emmah Fishbeck, Malysea Flood, Braedynn Flynn, Danielle Flynn, Elijah Foster, Mary Frommelt, Jason Fuese, Mia Gagliano, Rhiannon Gallimore, Olivia Garland, Yazmine Garner, Myra Garzanich, Thomas George, Erin Giampietro, Emma Gigax, Kamryn Gilger, Jacqueline Gollings, Lynnz Gonzalez, Daniel Gordiejew, Michael Grace, Jack Graff, Vanessa Graham, Destini Gray-Scott, Taylor Greenaway, Alyssa Greenwalt, Raymond Griggy, Leslie Grimes, Emma Haase, Khadija Hadidan, Brianna Hall, Helena Haloulos, Noelle Hammar, Mia Hammerton, Shania Hancox, Ashley Harding, Nat Hardy, Nathan Hargrove, Jayden Harris, Dana Haus, David Haybarger, Destinee Hayes, Sierra Hernan, Shane Hetzel, Anthony Hightower, Sa’Riya Hildreth, Thomas Hite, Caroline Ho, Samantha Hoffman, Sofia Hoffman, Aidan Holt, Aaron Horton, Dylan Humphreys, Aaron Hura, Ella Huston, Tristen Hutchko, Kaylie Hutter, Ahmad Imeishat, Antonio Jacobson, Naiume Jairam, Patricia Jeffrey, Elizabeth Johnson, Todd Johnston, Allison Jones, Noah Jones, Evan Jornigan, Brayden Joseph-Robinson, Nikolaus Keil, Austin Kelly, Madison Kelso, Marrwa Kermagi, Guevara Sanad Khatib, Kaylee Khlem, Naji Khoury, Camden Kidd, Declan Klein, Zachary Knickerbocker, Ypatia Kolidakis, Ryder Kreps, Ashton LaBelle, Korynne Lamparty, Donte Lancaster, Raiden Lateef, Katelyn Laughlin, Keisha Laviena, Rocco LaVolpa, Lyna Le, Malcolm Leicht, Sarah Leipply-Caban, Ayden Lesko, Eden Lesnansky, Madison Lester, Daisy Li, Alex Lindeman, Andrew Lipinsky, Adam Lipka, Isabella Loccisano, Ryne Loftus, Brandon Lotz, Cortland Love, Jenna Madick, Arabella Malie, Mason Martin, Maximillian Martin, Tatyana Martinez, Carter Mascola, Hunter Mathie, Keaton Mayhew, Grace McCarty, Jenna McCollum, Joslyn McConnell, Riley McCurdy, Aiden McIntyre, Bresiah McMeans, Paige Mercer, Meekah Meuter, Aidan Miller, John Miller, Emma Mills, Elijah Mitchell, Adam Mohammad, Dominic Mordocco, Abdul Rahman Mousa, Carter Mraz, Joseph Mullarkey, Ibraheem Mustafa, Kaiden Nagel, Thomas Nawrocki, Cara Neuroh, Nicholas Niarhos, Steven Nock, Anthony Noday, Christian Odom, Sean O’Horo, Grace Oklota, Jenna Olexa, Elion Oliver, Alyssa Olsen, Katya Paige, William Parker, Roderica Patterson, Patrick Pavetic, Autumn Payne, Emma Pekar, Carlos Perez, Lukas Peters, Nina Pilolli, Benjamin Piper, Josephine Porter, Alexus Pratt, Adrianna Quinlan, Max Rassega, Nadia Rawhneh, Caitlyn Realty, Karlynn Riccitelli, Tyrel Richards, Gabriella Roller, Benjamin Rolston, Breigh Rougk, Jemma Rudolph, Miranda Russell, Luke Ryan, Lizette Salas, Zachary Saluga, Ryan Sam, Mariah Santistevan, Amelia Sapienza, Quentin Sawman, Kaytelynn Sayers, Anthony Scarano, Brynna Schobel, Bryce Sconyers, Dante Scott, Brittany Sellers, Kevin Serrino, Joseph Sferra, Alexis Sharp, Kalyssa Shoemaker, Alliyah Shorterage, Noah Shurell, Carsyn Sikora, Nicholas Simione, Isaac Sipus, Ethan Slick, Dylan Slipkovich, Jaylin Smith, Madalyn Smith, Vivien Smith, Nathan Smrek, Paige Snyder, Morgan Spearman, Joseph Steiner, Tierra Stevenson, Maurion Stigall, Haylie Stilson, Riley Storey, Bailey Strickland, Ethan Strickland, Blaie Strines, Isabella Strines, Keira Stringer, Lianna Sulebi, Cierra Sullivan, Brandon Swader, Kathryn Taghaboni, Jaden Taylor, Santino Testa, Colin Thomas, Terence Thomas, Cameron Thompson, Marcell Tomlin, Alejandro Torres, Chloe Treadway, Jason Triveri, Alayna Turillo, Ava Valko, Alayna Varley, Kira Vasko, Matthew Vasko, Alissa Vaughn, Logan Vega, Dominic Vennetti, Nicholas Vivacqua, Alexandria Vouvalis, Katherine Wamsley, Brynna Welsh, Aubriellen Wheatley, Mia Wichert, Griffin Widrig, Robert Williamson, Jessica Winsen, Aroonrassamee Wongkeaitaroon, Elena Woods, Josiah Worsencroft, Christopher Yambar, Justin Yocum, Guy Young, Daniel Zahran, Dylan Zets, Amy Zheng, Anna Zheng, Colin Ziak, Connor Zimmer.

     A HALF CENTURY AFTER RIDING A BICYCLE ACROSS AMERICA, 70-year-old Carl Foote, of Maple Dr., Boardman, is making the trek again, this time in an effort to raise $3 million for Alzheimers Disease research. His cross country adventure began on May 21 in Oakland, New Jersey and he hopes to complete his journey on July 9 at Crater Lake Oregon. “Upon retirement, I thought I might recreate my ‘once in a lifetime experience’ of crossing America on a bicycle while adding the component of fundraising for a charity. Having recently had a family member suffer from Alzheimers, I looked for a way to help fight this memory robbing disease,” Foote said, adding “This trip will be a bigger challenge that when I was 20-years-old. With each mile, each climb, each pedal stroke will be the thought and hope that we will eliminate this terrible disease.”

     Denise DeBartolo York and Dr. John York, San Francisco 49ers co-chairs and longtime education advocates, awarded 17 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties during ceremonies held last week at the Lake Club.
      The scholarships, part of The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, totaled $170,000.00 and were presented to the recipients at The Lake Club during a luncheon for the students and their families.
      The scholarship was first established by DeBartolo York’s father and several close friends, who worked to provide commendable youth the opportunity to continue their education.
      The scholarship foundation, run by the Yorks in Mr. DeBartolo’s honor, serves to provide the same platform for excellent area youth in need of financial assistance.
      “The objectives of the foundation are to reward those students who have proven themselves as role models and leaders in their community. My father believed that all students who have worked hard to achieve their goals while contributing to their community, should be afforded the opportunity to receive a college education, regardless of their financial situation”, said DeBartolo York.
      2022 scholarship recipients are Cassidy Claypoole, Austintown; Monica Cobbin, Columbiana; Sarah Cornelius, Austintown; Ryssa Coudriet, Niles McKinley; Jenna Croy, Youngstown Rayen Early College; Aiden Exline, Girard; Jazzlyn Flores, Campbell; Lauren Haynie, Champion; Catie Herberger, Hubbard; Samantha Joki, Austintown; Emily McKarns, United Local; Ashely Nicholas, Champion; Quentin Pew, South Range; Cadence Pounds, Austintown ; Evan Sahli, Austintown; Brynna Schobel, Boardman; and Peyton Shorthouse, Struthers.
      More than 375 applications were received by The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which included grade transcripts, student essays and recommendations from guidance counselors and principals. Scholarship award winners are determined by academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.
      The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships over the past 25 years and strives to provide advanced education for deserving valley students well into the future.
     

     Boardman police are investigating a shooting incident that happened on May 19 about 9:30 p.m. at the London Square Apartments, 411 Rockdale Ave., unit 22.
      Nine police officers responded to the call, interviewing at least eight people about the incident.
      When police first arrived, they were met by Laneise Coggins, 58, of 1400 Springdale Ave., Youngstown, Oh., and James Jordan, 41, of 442 West Marion, Youngstown.
      “Jordan was holding Coggins’ chest, and she was asked if she was shot by gunfire,” police said, noting the woman replied she was “only experiencing chest pains that occurred as a result of the shooting.”
      According to police, unit 22 is rented by 53-year-old Ronetta Mitchell, and she was hosting a cookout.
      Mitchell said at the time of the shooting she was in her bedroom, talking to her son on the phone.
      Coggins told police that Rayvon Parker, 23, “came to the apartment to get his childrens’ mothers, Isis Taylor, 21, of 37 North Bon Air, Youngstown; and Ashma’Ray Lee, 24, of 37 North Bon Air, Youngstown, and his four, juvenile children.”
      Coggins told police when Jordan attempted to stop Parker from entering the apartment that Parker brandished a handgun and the two men began to struggle when the gun was fired outside of the residence.
      Coggins further stated she got in-between Parker and Jordan and as police were heard arriving, Parker fled with Ashma’Ray and their three children.
      “Coggins advised it appeared as if Ashma’Ray was not leaving with Parker under her own free will, and she suspected “Ashma’Ray and the children may be in danger,” police said.
      Taylor told police that when Parker arrived at the apartment he was “extremely agitated” and she went to a bathroom when Parker “came up to her with a gun is his hand,” telling Taylor that she needed to “come home with him.” Police were told the pair were arguing over the handgun when a bullet was discharged into a ceiling.
      Jordan told police he did not want to get involved and denied that Parker shot at him.
      Police recovered four spent rounds and one live, hollow point round.
      Det Greg Stepuk is investigating.
      In addition to Jordan, Coggins, Mitchell and Taylor, police said additional witnesses included Kelsey Iesha Mayris, 25, of 34 Hilton Ave., Youngstown; Darnise Rochelle Coggins, 39, of 2249 Jacobs Rd., Youngstown; and Odyessie Odessa Butler-Reed, 20, of 225 Ferndale, Youngstown.

     A lengthy issue over vehicles and other items on the property at 8057 Aquadale Dr. ended this week when a suit brought against the resident, Stanley Feret, was dismissed. The case was brought forward by the Boardman Township Planning/Zoning Office. Assistant Mahoning County Prosecutor Karen Gaglione said the property had been cleaned-up.
      Issues with property maintenance were given to Feret in May, 2021, when the county prosecutor’s office asked Feret to clean-up the property, citing ‘abandonment of euipment’ including barrels, buckets, wire shelving, windows, plastic cabinets, an indoor stationary bike, foot lockers, indoor furniture, desks, wooden chairs, garbage bags, portable toilets, tarps, appliances, vehicles and trailers on the property.
      “You were given time and the opportunity to correct the zoning violations, but as of the date of this letter, no work has been done on the property to correct the violations,” Atty. Gaglione told Feret.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting last week, Mahoning County Commissioners Carol Rimedio-Righetti, Anthony Traficanti and David Ditzler received an appeal from Boardman Township officials seeking the development of a regional system top handle emergency medical calls.
      In a letter to the commissioners, Boardman Trustees Brad Calhoun, Thomas Costello and Larry Moliterno said the EMS network in Mahoning County is comprised of various local entities and private companies, all of whom seem to be struggling with staffing shortages and rapid response times to calls “largely because (EMS services] are a very substantial burden for any one community or company alone.
      “We believe the best approach is a regional one that would provide for cost sharing with all communities involved, better resource management and a stable EMS system that can provide support for our county,” Boardman Trustees said.
      The Trustees noted they are aware that Lanes Life Trans ambulance services has “pulled out of Struthers, Campbell, Lowellville and Coitsville; and that AMR ambulance services has asked the city of Youngstown to supplement their operations in order to be able to continue to provide coverage.
      “The Canfield Fire District is asking their voters for additional tax funding to hire personnel as they are currently jumping back and forth between their fire trucks and ambulances” and noted that “Austintown Township is buying ambulances but has limitations on when they can actually provide EMS services.”
      “Seeing all these issues, we believe that EMS services could best be addressed regionally. It is our hope that working together, we could reach out to other communities and private companies to discuss and develop a county-wide strategy that helps every community receive quality and cost effective EMS services,” the Boardman officials said, noting the issue impacts every Mahoning County resident.

     A 46-year-old man, George Hill, was found guilty of murder, felonious assault and domestic violence following a trial in a Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on Mon., May 2. Hill was charged in the May, 2020 death of Jennifer Mullen, 35, at her Shields Rd. apartment.
      Hill told police the night Mullen died that he and Mullen went to a Youngstown bar where Mullen became drunk after consuming Long Island Iced Tea drinks. Hill told police that Mullen hit her head in the bathroom of her apartment, after having six or seven drinks, and he could not wake her.
      Assistant county prosecutor Jennifer McLaughlin said that blood and urine tests performed on Mullen detected no alcohol and that Hill had lied about the kind of drinks he claimed Mullen drank.
      The case was tried before Judge Anthony D’Apolito. Lead investigator on the case was Det. Greg Stepuk, of the Boardman Police Department. Hill, who will be sentenced later, faces 15 years to life on the murder charge, and additional jail time on the domestic violence and assault charges.
      Hill was arrested by Boardman police in Feb., 2021, after he was indicted by a Mahoning County Grand Jury in Dec., 2020 on charges murder, felonious assault and domestic violence in connection with Ms. Mullen’s death.
      On May 31, 2020, near 6:40 a.m., Boardman police were called to Mullen’s residence at 49 Shields Rd. when Hill reported she had overdosed.
      Hill told Ptl. Jamison Diglaw he resided with Mullen, who had been his girlfriend for a year.
      “He stated he called for medical attention when brown foam was found coming out of Mullen’s mouth and he could not wake her up,” Officer Diglaw said.
      Hill told police he and Mullen had been drinking at the Steel City Bar in Youngstown and she became intoxicated after consuming six to seven Long Island ice teas; and also claimed she had an argument with a bartender, then they drove back to her residence about 2:00 a.m.
      Once at the residence, Hill claimed that he and Mullen began to argue, after which, according to police, Hill said Mullen went to bed when he noticed she was bleeding from a head wound so he placed a towel on her head to stop the bleeding.
      Hill told Ptl. Diglaw he then went to sleep “for an hour or two” and when he awakened, he saw a brownish foam coming from her mouth and he could not wake her up, “but she was breathing.”
      “He believed it may have been an hour or two before he called EMS, due to him having to charge her phone, as his phone does not make calls,” Officer Diglaw said.
      Mullen was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where she died.
      Det. Greg Stepuk, of the Boardman Police department, said an autopsy was conducted in Cuyahoga County “showed little or no alcohol,” adding a urine sample confirmed no alcohol or drugs were in her system.
      Det Stepuk said he spoke with a bartender at Steel City who said vodka and Sprite was Mullen’s drink of choice.
      According to Det. Stepuk, Mullen suffered a fractured skull and had injuries and bruises all over her body.
      “Due to the amount of injuries, we believe she was severely beaten,” Det. Stepuk said.
      Hill came to the attention of Boardman police in late Aug., 2019 after allegations were made that a 65-year-old man who lived on Argyle Ave. had been bilked-out of some $30,000 by caregivers over a four-month period.
      Reportedly Hill had lived at the home for several months, until he was asked to leave the home.
      At the time of his arrest on the murder charge, Hill was on the most wanted list of the U.S. Marshal’s Office.
      Mullen was a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School.

     POWELL, OH.---Angelo John Iannucci, 89, passed away on Friday, April 22.
      Angelo was born on April 1, 1933, to Angelo M. and Mary Lou Caizzo Iannucci, in Youngstown. His sharp wit and keen sense of humor were second-to-none, and often attributed to his April Fool’s Day birth date.
      He loved all things Italian---the pasta, the culture and the sports cars. He was known for his sweet tooth and looked forward to all sweet treats. He was an avid reader of books, magazines and newspapers, and knew so much about so many things.
      Angelo loved all things football. He was a diehard fan of both The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. On Saturdays in the fall, he was all about college football, whether it was attending in-person or viewing endless games on television.
      Angelo was a 1951 graduate of Boardman High School, where in addition to starring at running back on the football field, he was a valued member of the Spartan track and field squad. He earned three letters in each sport. On the gridiron he earned All Tri-County League and All Mahoning County honors. He was inducted into the Boardman High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985 and to the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012.
      Angelo attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., where he earned a B.A. degree in English in 1955.
      During his stellar collegiate football career as a Scarlet Knight, he earned three varsity letters. He was awarded the Homer Hazel Trophy as a junior in 1954. As the captain of the 1955 squad, he was an All-East selection as both a junior and senior, earning Honorable Mention All-American laurels his final season.
      Upon graduation, he spent one year in New York City employed by the nation’s seventh largest corporation at the time, Union Carbide. From 1956 to 1959, Angelo served in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of captain.
      For 50 years, Angelo made a name for himself as the ‘go-to-guy’ in the beer, wine and soft drink industry.
      From 1959 to 1970, he served as sales manager for Superior Beverage in Youngstown. He later worked as the general manager for Western Reserve Distributing Company in Painesville, Oh., from 1970 to 1982. Angelo purchased the company in 1983, serving as the owner/CEO until 2002, when he sold it to Gil Schwartz Distributing Company. From 2003 to 2009, he was the brand manager for Heritage Beverage in Mentor.
      Throughout his 89 years, Angelo touched countless lives and is loved by many. He will be dearly missed by his family. Angelo is survived by his wife, Dolores; three children, Joen, Jon and Robert; three grandchildren, Michael Haring, and Anna and AJ Chadwick; sister, Katherine Iannucci; and nieces, Andrea Lepore and Christina Tanger.
      He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Michael Lepore; and numerous aunts and uncles.
      Angelo (‘Poppy’) will be missed by his friends and caregivers at the Ganzhorn Suites in Powell. A special thanks to Kelly, Zach, JJ and Rowe for serving as his special guardian angels, and to Ebony and Natalia for providing such compassionate care. Much heartfelt gratitude to Poppy’s favorite Ganzhorn visitors (also special guardian angels)---Tracy, John and Johnny Haring, and Morgan (Kuntupis) Koch---whose visits always made him smile and laugh.
      A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
      Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.NewcomerColumbus.com.

     For the first time in its 15 year history, Boardman’s Rock Orchestra, Project Mayhem will hold an encore performance–this time outdoors in Spartan Stadium.
      Tickets are now available for an outdoor Mayhem Concert set for Friday, June 3 at 8:00 p.m.. There will be seating in the home stands and blanket-only lawn seats on the field.
      “Our March concert was sold out with more than 1,600 fans in the Boardman Performing Arts Center,” said Mayhem Music Director Bill Amendol. “This show will be a ‘Best Of Mayhem’ performance with more than 60 percent of the songs as new material from the indoor concert that we performed in March.”
      The two-hour event combines the talents of the Boardman Orchestra with vocals by Boardman students in a ‘Trans-Siberian’ style performance.
      “This electrically charged show will rock Spartan Stadium,” said Amendol.
      Tickets are $10 general admission. The public may purchase tickets at Boardman High School at the main front entrance on any school day between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Rain date for Mayhem is Saturday, June 4 at 8:00 p.m.
     

     NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
      The Boardman Township Board of Appeals shall hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 7:00 PM, go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/board-of-zoning-appeals/ for further information for consideration of the following cases:
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-15
      Newton Murphy, on behalf of Kimberly Lucarell, property owner, 6745 Applewood Blvd, Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 7.05 Fencing, Walls, Hedges, and Similar Structures (E) (3) (a) (i) to have a six foot (6’) fence (11) eleven feet from the property line on a corner lot. The property is further known as LOT 522 135 X 160 IRR APPLEWOOD ACRES PL 15, Parcel 29-017-0-038.01-0. Said property is zoned R-2-Residential, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-16
      Haider Ali, on behalf of Noureen Fatima, property owner, 428 438 E Western Reserve Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 7.06 Stormwater Management, Site Drainage, and Compliance (B) for an exemption from stormwater management to add additional impervious surface to make up for property purchased for right-of-way expansion by the County Engineers on Western Reserve Rd. The property is further known as GL 31 DIV 4 & GL 31 DIV 4, Parcel 29-037-0-006.00-0 & 29-037-0-007.00-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-17
      Ward Martin, property owner, 1474 Walker Mill Rd, Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 4.09 Area, Setback, and Other Site Development Standards Table 4.09-1 to reduce the front setback from 50’ to 16’ on Paulin Drive and the side yard setback from 9’ to 4’ on a corner lot. The property is further known as LOT 2 100 X 220 PAULIN PL, Parcel 29-051-0-033.00-0. Said property is zoned R-1A-Residential, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-18
      ECHO PARTNERS 2002, property owner, 478 Boardman Canfield Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 12.11 Permanent Signs in Nonresidential Districts (C) (1) to have a pole sign with 13’ supports 10’ higher than the allowed 3’ high supports. The property is further known as LOT 2 263.57 X 800.52 IRR RP WARD PLAZA ASSOC PL 2 RP LT 2 WARD ASSOC 1, Parcel 29-067-0-062.02-0. Said property is currently zoned GB-General Business, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-19
      Robert Baluch, property owner, 8415 Hickory Hill Dr., Boardman, Ohio 44514, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 8.03 (B) (3) to eliminate the 25’ riparian setback. The property is further known as LOT 78 148.31 X 188.79 IRR FOREST HILLS PLAT 2 & LOT 79 157.05 X 188.79 IRR FOREST HILLS PL 2, Parcel 29-049-0-013.78-0 & 29-049-0-013.79-0. Said property is currently zoned R-1A Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-20
      Greenheart Companies on behalf of Aaron & Wendy Fishbeck, property owner, 605 Berklee Dr., Boardman, Ohio 44514, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 4.09 Area, Setback, and Other Site Development Standards Table 4.09-1 to reduce the front, east, setback from 35’ to 28’ and the west side setback from 9’ to 6’. The property is further known as LOT 45 90 X 170 REPLAT OF LOT 23 IN THE REPLAT OF BRISTOL PARK ESTATES PLAT NO 1, Parcel 29-108-0-001.46-0. Said property is currently zoned R-1A Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      Text and maps of the request may be viewed at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing. Please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Atty. John F. Shultz, Chairman
      Boardman Township Board of Appeals
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development
     

     NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
      The Boardman Township Board of Trustees will conduct a Public Hearing on the following amendment to the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution and Township Zoning Map on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 5:00 PM. Go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/zoning-commission/ for further information.
      AMENDMENT A-2022-02
      Baker, Bednar, Snyder & Assoc. on behalf of TOB KIA REAL ESTATE LLC, property owner, requests a zone change for 7870 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property in its’ entirety to GB-General Business zoning district. The property is further known as LOT 1 386.10 X 770.00 (IRR) TAYLOR KIA PLAT NO. 1, Parcel 29-093-0-033.00-0. Said property is currently zoned GB-General Business & R-1 Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      To view a hard copy of the texts and maps at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing, please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Peter W. Lymber, Chairman
      Boardman Township Zoning Commission
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP,
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development

     Mill Creek MetroParks presents “Art and Memory: Reflections of Ron Mistovich” showcasing the range of Mistovichs’ creative energy and talent as an artist. This free art exhibit will be displayed in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens through July 24, during the normal operating hours of Tuesdays thru Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
      Mistovich passed away at the age of 71 in Nov., 2019 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was a 1966 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School. He received his bachelor of science degree in Art Education from Youngstown State University and his master’s degree in Studio Art from Kent State University. He was an art educator for Struthers City Schools for 35 years. He also served as an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University in the Art Department.
      He enjoyed creating art in various mediums, whether at his home studio or in the classroom. Not only was he respected for his abstract painting and being a master art educator, but his creativity also extended to printmaking, sculpture, enamel and jewelry.
      His artwork is exhibited in multiple permanent collections nationally, including The Butler Institute of American Art, as well as many private collections.
      Mistovich served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Charles, where he designed the new church’s altar.
      Mistovich, who resided on Presidential Ct. in Boardman, was the recipient of the outstanding art educator award by The Steel Valley Art Teacher’s Association for his noteworthy contributions to the field of fine art and education.
      He continued painting throughout the last days of his life.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A 25-year-old Lisbon man was arrested by Boardman police on Sun., Apr. 24 after police indicated he had been at the Holiday Inn, 7410 South Ave., and Sheetz, 134 Boardman-Poland Rd., parading around as if he was a federal law enforcement officer.
      Logan Daniel Malik, of 39055 Harvey Rd., Lisbon, was charged with impersonating a police officer.
      An employee of the Holiday Inn told police that Malik came to the business about 6:00 p.m. and identified himself as a U.S. Marshal, stating he was looking for “skin heads” and the marshal’s service “had arrested five of them earlier at the Southern Park Mall.”
      The Holiday Inn employee said that Malik was “shaking so bad and she did not want to agitate him because he had a gun.”
      Shortly thereafter, police were told the same man was at Sheetz and the car he was driving was stopped by law enforcement.
      “Malik was wearing civilian clothes with a police tactical vest, a gun holstered on his right waist and a badge on his left waist. The badge on his waist was a Washingtonville police badge,” Ptl. Shannon Chaffee said, adding inside Malik’s wallet, he carried a Leetonia police badge.
      Malik told Boardman police Lt. Brian Habeger he was at the Holiday Inn “asking about people the U.S. Marshal’s service are looking for, because his dream is to be a U.S. Marshal, but he never told police he is a U.S. Marshal.”
      Malik told police “he never identified himself as a federal law enforcement officer while he was in Boardman, however he ‘jokingly’ told someone at Sheetz that he had a warrant for them, but quickly told them he was joking around,” Officer Chaffee said.
      Lt. Habeger contacted Chief Ken Faust of the Washingtonville PD, who confirmed Malik was a member of his department, and was not on a U.S. Marshal’s task force, “nor would he have any Washingtonville police business in Boardman.”
      Lt. Habeger also spoke with Chief Alan Haueter of the Leetonia PD, who said at one time Mailk served as a police officer there “but was let go a couple years ago and was supposed to turn his badge in.”
      After booking, Malik was released on a summons.
      Boardman police took possession of a 9mm handgun, a taser, a police vest, a baton, a pair of handcuffs and the police badges from Malik.

     Meeting on Monday night, Apr. 25, the Boardman Local School Board accepted the resignation of Ryan Dunn, 31, as the system’s transportation director.
      Dunn was pinned underneath a 3-ton tractor at the Boardman School Bus Garage, 8252 Raupp Ave., about 4:19 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 18, a day there were no classes scheduled. According to reports, the only, other person in the garage at the time was a 15-year-old boy who witnessed the accident and called 9-1-1.
      “I need help now,” the teenager yelled out in the 9-1-1 call, telling the dispatcher who handled the call “A tractor ran over the transportation director...Get here now, I can hear his bones breaking...Please help me. Hurry up.”
      A police report of the accident says that Dunn got off the tractor while it was “slightly moving forward. The tractor drove-up Dunn’s leg to the middle of his lower back, before coming to a stop, pinning Dunn to the ground.”
      A report completed by Boardman fireman Shawn Conroy said that Dunn’s left leg was pinned under the right, rear tractor tire.
      Conroy said emergency crews used a 10-ton jack to lift the tractor off Dunn, who was then transported by ambulance to a hospital.
      Ten Boardman Fire Department personnel responded to the scene.
      According to several sources, recently installed security cameras inside the school bus garage could have captured the incident, however a hard drive was removed from the system shortly after the mishap.

      Farmers National Bank has announced plans to combine its current Boardman branch at 102 W. Western Reserve Rd., with its North Lima branch at 9001 Market St., North Lima, a tenth of a mile away and across the street.
      The Boardman branch will close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22 and the ‘combined’ North Lima branch will open on Monday, April 25.
      The North Lima location is a newer built branch, with size that is more reflective of today’s banking model.
      The North Lima interior has been renovated to showcase Farmers’ new interior branding package.
      “We are excited by all the possibilities that will come with our new combined branch,” says Amber Wallace, chief retail and marketing officer. “This move will allow us to continue offering our comprehensive slate of financial services, while adapting to an ever-changing banking model.”

     BY GREG GULAS
      Boardman News Sports
      bnews@zoominternet.net
      The 53rd Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame Banquet, sponsored by Briarfield Health Care Center and Ed and Diane Reese, is scheduled for Sunday, May 1 with a dozen new members set for enshrinement during ceremonies at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center, 7440 South Ave., Boardman.
      The class was originally set for installation May 3, 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused cancellation of induction ceremonies in both 2020 and 2021.
      Former Ohio State University and NFL quarterback, and current YSU assistant football coach, Mike Tomczak, will serve as guest speaker.
      This year’s class includes Phil Annarella (football, posthumous), Mike Banks (basketball), Dr. Andrew Bushey (baseball), Sandra DePizzo (bowling), Jim Evans (sports media), Tim Filipovich (basketball), Denise Gorski (contribution to sports), Tim Joyce (basketball), Joe McHenry (all-sports award), Rick Shepas (football), John Turco (football) and John Zebroski (golf).
      A standout receiver at both Cardinal Mooney High School and Youngstown State University, Shepas played for and learned the game from three local coaching icons in Don Bucci at CMHS, and both Bill Narduzzi and Jim Tressel at YSU, head mentors who would shape and mold him into the coach he would become on the scholastic and collegiate level years after his playing days concluded.
      A 1983 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, he played for Bucci from 1980-82 and as a receiver, wreaked havoc on opponent defenses to the tune of 45 career receptions – ranking second to his brother, Bob, who caught 50 passes from 1967-68 – where he remains third on the Cardinals’ all-time career list.
      He served as game captain during his senior season with his six touchdown receptions still tied for ninth all-time and his 20.4 yards per catch average, also tied for ninth all-time.
      As a senior he caught 32 passes, still fourth all-time for a season while his 596 receiving yards that same year is third in the all-time single season ledger.
      His 130 yards receiving against Howland in 1982 remains fourth all-time while his six receptions against Cleveland St. Joe’s, also during his senior year, is still tied for second in a single game.
      Inducted into the Cardinal Mooney High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998, a little known fact about this year’s inductee is that he is ambidextrous, someone equally adept at throwing a spiral at great length with both arms.
      Upon graduation he accepted a scholarship to Youngstown State University, playing his first three seasons under Narduzzi (1983-85) and his final collegiate campaign under former head coach and current YSU President Jim Tressel.
      During his years as a Penguins’ wide out, he earned four letters and served as team captain his senior year.
      A two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team selection (1985-86), he earned third-team All-American laurels those same two seasons.
      He finished his career with 150 receptions – second all-time at the time of his graduation and currently tied for third overall – and compiled 2,263 career receiving yards, which remains third all-time on the Penguins’ career receiving list.
      He was inducted into the YSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.
      Upon completion of his collegiate career, he was with the Cleveland Browns (Mini-Camp; May-June, 1987) and Green Bay Packers (Training Camp, 1987), finishing his playing career as a wide receiver, defensive back and kick returner as a member of the Pittsburgh Gladiators of the Arena Football League (1988).
      He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from YSU in 1987, majoring in sports management and minoring in health and physical education, earned his teacher certification from Hiram College in 1989 and Master of Education in Sport Science from Ashland University in 1991.
      He began his successful coaching career at Poland Seminary High School (1990-96) with stops also at Seneca Valley (PA) High School (1996-98) and tradition-rich Massillon Washington High School (1998-2005) scholastically, then at Waynesburg University (2005-17) on the collegiate level.
      Success has followed this year’s inductee at every stop along the way, coaching teams to seven play-off appearances and four league titles while earning seven “Coach of the Year” honors during his high school years.
      He also served as a coach in the Big 33 Football Classic (1996).
      His 97-35 (.734 winning percentage) career record as a high school head coach includes a 12-win season while at Massillon, the first Tigers’ head coach to win that many games in a single season.
      While at Waynesburg he posted a 69-55 overall mark (his 69 wins is most all-time amongst all WU head coaches), going 47-38 in the PAC (President’s Athletic Conference) with one league championship (2012) and five ECAC post-season bowl appearances (2007, 2011-14).
      Most recently, his work with the Youngstown City Schools has been lauded as he helped restore athletic departments at East and Chaney High School while bringing back the Golden Bear at EHS.
      He was instrumental in reforming the Steel Valley Conference – he brought together Cardinal Mooney, Chaney, East and Ursuline as its first members – also serving as its first commissioner.
      He and his wife, the former Christine DiVincenzo, are the parents of three daughters, Maria, Katy and Gina. They reside in Boardman.
      Individual tickets are $60 each, tables of eight $480 and further information can be obtained by calling 330-506-6774, or by visiting the Curbstone Coaches website at www.thecurbstonecoaches.org.
     

     Did you know that Boardman Park, the Green Oasis, offers visitors the chance to see a living fossil? No, it isn’t a topiary of a dinosaur. The living fossil is the tree Dawn Redwood, or Metasequoia Glyptostroboides.
      From fossil data, the Dawn Redwood is known to have existed as many as 50 million years ago. It is the sole living member of the genus Metasequoia, which literally means ‘almost a sequoia.’
      The Dawn Redwood is closely related to the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). All redwoods are cone-bearing trees and get their common name from their reddish-brown bark and heartwood.
      The Dawn Redwood is a large, fast-growing, deciduous (the tree loses its leaves in the fall), pyramidal evergreen tree that grows up to 100 feet tall with attractive, feathery foliage. It has spreading branches that droop with age. New growth is light green, maturing to a deep green in the summer, and eventually turning red-bronze and falling off in autumn. While the bark and foliage of the Dawn Redwoods are similar to the other redwoods, it is distinct in that it is deciduous and develops a widened trunk-base as it matures. It is the shortest of the Redwoods. The tree prefers moist, deep, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. It is tolerant of wet soils and has minimal pest and disease problems.
      This tree was once one of the most widespread tree species in the northern hemisphere during the Tertiary period (from 66 million to 2.6 million years ago). The Dawn Redwood was first described in 1941 based only on fossil evidence. It was believed to have been extinct for millions of years.
      However, six years later in 1947, during an expedition to Southwest China, T. Kan, a Chinese forester of Beijing National Central University, found three strange deciduous trees he had never seen before. These trees were found to belong to the fossil species of Dawn Redwood. The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University made arrangements to collect seeds from the discovery site. The seedlings grown from these seeds were then distributed to universities and arboreta around the world in an attempt to preserve the species.
      In 2012 Boardman Park was very fortunate to be the proud recipient of ten Dawn Redwood trees that were most graciously donated by the late Clarence R. Smith Jr.
      Mr. Smith, who had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and was quite knowledgeable about plants and landscaping, sadly passed away in April of 2021, at the age of 93. It is definitely a tremendous benefit to have these beautiful and unusual specimens added to the landscape of the Boardman Park.
     
      This article, by Daniel Slagle,
      executive director of Boardman Park, is
      one of several stories The Boardman News will provide this year as the park observes its 75th anniversary.
     

     The Boardman Board of Education met on Thursday, April 7 in a special board meeting and unanimously approved hiring Arthur J. Ginnetti, 40, as the district’s new treasurer. Ginnetti officially begins on May 2, taking the reins from interim treasurer, Ryan Jones.
      Ginnetti will receive an annual salary of $105,000.
      Ginnetti joins Boardman Local Schools after serving as the chief financial officer/treasurer with the Youngstown City School District.
      Ginnetti began his career as treasurer in the Struthers City School District in 2011. He then served as assistant treasurer and then treasurer in Austintown Local Schools before taking the CFO position with Youngstown City Schools in 2018.
      “The school board is excited to welcome Mr. Ginnetti, and we look forward to working with him,” said Board President John Landers. “We believe his experience in similar-sized school districts, his reputation for detail, and his desire to make Boardman his home will serve the district well.”
      “I’ve enjoyed my time in every district where I’ve worked and I look forward now to being a Spartan,” said Ginnetti. “My goals will always be to continue the success of Boardman schools, to make sure our students thrive, and to keep a watchful eye on our fiscal responsibilities to the community of Boardman.”

     Boardman police are scheduled to interview at least one person in connection with a claim that an assault on an 81-year-old landlord may have led to his death.
      Luidi Farina, 81, of 3179 Chablis Lane, Poland, died on Sun., Mar 27.
      Two days before Farina’s death, his wife, Maria, 75, told police her husband was at 5751 Sheridan Rd. to collect rent money. She told police a “middle-eastern man confronted Luigi, and an argument took place...and the man struck Luigi in the right side (just below the rib cage) with a wide metal object that resembled a baby gate.”
      After being struck, Farina grabbed a baseball bat he had in his vehicle to defend himself as he and the man continued to argue.
      Later the same day, Farina was complaining of pain and soreness, and shortness of breath, his wife said and he went to the emergency department at Mercy Helath/Boardman where he received pain medication.
      The following day, Farina was transported by ambulance to Mercy Health/Youngstown, “still complaining about chest pain and shortness of breath,” his wife said, adding that her husband died while there.
      Farina’s cause of death is awaiting a coroner’s ruling.

     On Monday, May 30, Boardman Township observe its 118th annual Memorial Day remembrance, including a parade from Center Intermediate School to Boardman Park, where ceremonies will be held at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theater.
      ‘We are proud to honor those who have served, are serving, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while in military service to our country,” said mark Luke, of the Boardman Kiwanis Club that organizes the event.
      Groups participating in the parade assemble at the Boardman Center Intermediate School at 7410 Market St. at 9:00 a.m. and the parade will begin at 10:00 a.m.
      Prior to the Parade, and starting at 9:00 a.m. the Memorial Mile (a running road race) which follows the same route as the parade will get underway. Applications to run in the event are available at Walgreen’s, the YMCA and Second Sole.
      Following the parade, at 11:00 a.m., the Memorial Day Service will be held.
      Keynote speaker will be James Guterba, a United States Marine Corps and Vietnam Conflict veteran, and a retired educator with the Boardman Local Schools.
      Lauren Johnson will lead us in the invocation and LTC Bill Moss, USAF retired, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and place a wreath in honor of deceased veterans
      The Boardman High School National Honor Society President will place a wreath in honor of currently serving military personnel. Luke will serve as master of ceremonies. The Boardman High School Wind Ensemble conducted by Mr. Tom Ruggieri will provide music for the service.
      In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held in the Center Intermediate School Auditorium at 10:00 a.m.
      All veterans and community members can join together to recognize, remember and express their solemn thankfulness for the historical sacrifices of military forces to preserve the American way of life.

     Southwoods Health announces The Surgical Hospital at Southwoods has been named a “Best Hospital for Patient Experience” as reported by Becker’s Hospital Review. Southwoods is one of only 10 hospitals in Ohio named to this list, and the only hospital in the tri-county area with a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
      The ratings are based on figures using Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores from ten, topic-specific measures. The CMS summary star rating combines this information about different aspects of patient experience of care to make it easier to compare hospitals. The ratings come from the CMS Care Compare website and represents their most recent scores.
      “It is an honor to once again be named a top hospital for patient experience,” said Ed Muransky, Chief Executive Officer at Southwoods. “These types of awards are a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our physicians and staff. Their commitment to providing the best care possible to our patients is unmatched.”
      Southwoods Health is owned and operated by the Muransky family and area physicians. It includes The Surgical Hospital at Southwoods, an acute care hospital. The hospital continues to expand its scope of services, that includes inpatient, outpatient and robotic-assisted surgery, as well as endoscopy services.
      Southwoods Health also provides an expanding array of ancillary health services at locations throughout the Mahoning Valley. These locations include Southwoods Imaging, offering the most technologically advanced diagnostic imaging services in the area; Southwoods Pain & Spine Center, offering services to treat chronic pain and the region’s most advanced spine surgery program; Southwoods Sleep Centers, diagnosing and treating sleep disorders; Southwoods Physician Services, a multi-specialty physician group; and Southwoods Express Care, providing same day, walk-in non-emergent services.

     The following students were inducted into the Boardman High School National Honor Society during ceremonies held last week at the Performing Arts Center---
       Benjamin Ams, Caleb Austin, Julia Basista, Lauren Bero, William Bierlair, Ethan Blevins, Kay Budrovic, Jonah Bukovac, John Cagnina, Marley Cheff, Emily Choleva, Daniel Csernik, Natalie Davis, Madison Dravecky, Ethan DunLany, Kamryn Duritza, Carson Essad, Morganne Evans, Zoey Fick-Mills, Anna Fink, Leah Franke, Camille Goske, Jenna Greene, Konner Hines, Taylor Hurd, Katelynn Kershaw, Aliza Khan, Chloe Khoury, Jasmine Le, Luke Leonard, Elizabeth McCrea, Sara Merzic, Alex Micco, Alexis Mihok, Madison Murphy, Megan Murphy, Anthony Nigro, Kate Pendleton, Gabrielle Picino, Olivia Pickens, Gianna Pinciaro, Genevieve Quinlan, Caleb Satterfield, Alexander Schmitt, Reagan Smith, Lillian Snyder, Kathleen Sullivan, Jason Sweder, Gia Triveri, Devyn Tusinac, Emma Vondran, Owen Waller, Austin Ward, Aidan Wittman, Jacob Wolf, Syydney Yauger, Andrew Yocum, Ava Young, Rees Beckman Sandra Breen, Samantha Hoffman, Megan Bendel, Olivia Garland and Robert Williamson.
      A total of 58 juniors and six seniors were inducted based on their dedication to the four pillars of NHS---Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.
      To be eligible for consideration for NHS, a student must be a junior or senior and have a minimum 3.2 cumulative grade point average.

     On Mar. 16, the Boardman Local School Board held a special meeting, during which Kathy Fait was granted a one-year, limited contract as interim supervisor of transportation for the school district, effective Feb. 22.
      Her appointment to the post came after the system’s Director of Transportation, Ryan Dunn, 31, was involved in an accident at the system’s school bus garage at 8252 Raupp Ave.
      Police were called to the bus garage at 4:19 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 18. They were told that Dunn was trying to move a 3-ton International Harvester tractor.
      At some point, police were told, Dunn got off the tractor, while it was apparently still in gear and slowly moving forward.
      “The tractor drove-up Dunn’s leg to the middle of his lower back, before coming to a stop, pinning Dunn to the ground,” Ptl. Troy Mackall said.
      Dunn was eventually freed by Boardman Fire Department personnel and was transported to Mercy Health/Youngstown for further medical assistance.
      A witness to the accident was identified as 15-year-old Gregory Carbon, police said.

     Boardman, Ohio — Although the COVID-19 Pandemic caused many uncertainties, the
      Boardman Civic Association was thrilled to be able to hold all four of its events in-person in 2021, honoring both individuals and businesses that have helped create a strong community.
      BCA has set the dates for their 2022 events.
       • Scholarship Awards Dinner, Mon., May 16
       • Candidates/Issues Dinner, Mon., Sept. 19
       • Community Awards Dinner, Mon., Oct. 17
      For the third year in a row, BCA will maintain its current officers for the 2022 year. The reelected officers are as follows:
       • President – Tommy Testa
       • Vice President – Meg Harris
       • Secretary – Mark Luke
       • Treasurer – Jeff Barone
      BCA is also excited to announce that they have added a new member to the Board of Directors. Makenna Ozenghar, Vice President, Client Service of Farris Marketing, has joined the Board.
      The Boardman Civic Association is a group of local business, civic and community leaders that are invested in the growth and development of the Boardman area. The Boardman Civic Association welcomes any Boardman resident or business to join and participate in its events. Visit www.BoardmanCivic.com for more information or contact Meg Harris at MHarris1421@yahoo.com

     NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
      The Boardman Township Board of Appeals shall hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 7:00 PM, go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/board-of-zoning-appeals/ for further information for consideration of the following cases:
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-10
      ASTRO MCCLURG LLC, property owner, 415 McClurg Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 6.01 Accessory and Temporary Use Regulations (C) (3) for a height increase from sixteen feet (16’) to eighteen and a half feet (18.5’). The property is further known as GL 31 DIV 4, Parcel 29-038-0-016.00-0. Said property is currently zoned I-Industrial, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-11
      LAAD Sign on behalf of MEIJER STORES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, property owner, 1400 Boardman Canfield Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 12.11 Permanent Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts Table 1: Maximum Building Sign Area Allowance per facade to increase sign allowance by an additional forty three (43) Square foot of signage & (7) (c) for a projecting sign 6.56 SF larger than allowed and internally illuminated. The property is further known as LOT 1 TOO LARGE FOR DIMENSIONS MEIJER STORES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP PLAT NO 1 Parcel 32-090-0-021.00-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-12
      Fast Signs on behalf of BDMN REAL ESTATE ASSOC, property owner, 1280 Boardman Canfield Rd. Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 12.11 Permanent Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts Table 2 to reduce the required five foot (5’) front property line setback to zero (0’). The property is further known as LOT 3 150 X 300 ROYCE CIRCLE PLAT 2, Parcel 29-090-0-024.04-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-13
      CARNEGIE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, property owner, 1500 Boardman Canfield Rd. Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 4.07 Permitted Uses (3) Conditional Uses to operate a carwash. The property is further known as LOT 2 190.45 X 289.64 IRR MERCY HEALTH YOUNGSTOWN LLC PLAT NO 1, Parcel 32-090-0-021.02-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-14
      Janice Jones, property owner, 446 Tudor Lane, Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 7.05 Fencing, Walls, Hedges, and Similar Structures (E) (3) (a) (i) to have a six foot (6’) fence up to (2) two feet from the property line on a corner lot. The property is further known as LOT 151 70 X 195 IRR N ENG LANES 4OT 38 101.7 X 163 IRR HITCHCOCK WOODS PL 1, Parcel 29-009-0-319.00-0. Said property is zoned R1-B-Residential, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      Text and maps of the request may be viewed at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing. Please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Atty. John F. Shultz, Chairman
      Boardman Township Board of Appeals
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development

     LEGAL NOTICE
      The Boardman Township Zoning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing on the following amendment to the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution and Township Zoning Map on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 5:00 PM. Go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/zoning-commission/ for further information.
      Following the recommendation of the Zoning Commission, the proposed amendment will be referred to the Board of Trustees for final determination.
      AMENDMENT A-2022-02
      Baker, Bednar, Snyder & Assoc. on behalf of TOB KIA REAL ESTATE LLC, property owner, requests a zone change for 7870 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property in its’ entirety to GB-General Business zoning district. The property is further known as LOT 1 386.10 X 770.00 (IRR) TAYLOR KIA PLAT NO. 1, Parcel 29-093-0-033.00-0. Said property is currently zoned GB-General Business & R-1 Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      AMENDMENT A-2022-03
      Universal Development on behalf of C & D Interests LLC, property owner, requests a zone change for Tippecanoe Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44406, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property to PUD-Planned Unit Development zoning district. The property is further known as GL 11 DIV 4, Parcel 29-117-0-004.00-0. Said property is currently zoned AG-Agricultural, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      To view a hard copy of the texts and maps at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing, please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Peter W. Lymber, Chairman
      Boardman Township Zoning Commission
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting on Monday night, Boardman Township’s Board of Trustees, Larry Moliterno, Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun approved an operating budget of $22.659 million for 2022, an increase of $1.17 million over 2021.
      The budget includes $603,932 in funding from the American Relief Act.
      Some $9.507 million of the 2022 budget goes to the police department. $4.842 million is budgeted for the fire department, $3.617 million will go to the road department, and $436,863 for the office of planning/zoning. The police department’s budget reflects an increase of some $500,000 over its 2021 budget.
      Also included in the budget is $1.99 million for administration/fiscal, and $995,667 for Federal Emergency Management Agency projects in the Wildwood Dr.-Ewing Rd. area.
      Trustees formally swore-in Shawn Conroy as a captain in the Boardman Fire Department.
      Fire Chief Mark Pitzer said that Conroy is a nine year veteran of his department.
      “He is a good steward of the fire service, a good leader and a valuable asset to the fire department,” Pitzer said.
      Trustees approved liquor permits requests for the Fire Fox Cafe, 7393 California Ave.; Roxbury Pizza Co., 558 East Western Reserve Rd. and Combine Brothers Bar and Grille, 7412 Market St.
      Chris McFall addressed the board about the request by Fire Fox, saying he will be investing $250,000 into the business (where a hookah bar is now located) and has plans for a lunch and dinner menu, and will create a bar and patio area.
      McFall said he expects the business to have an annual payroll of between $400,000 and $500,000, and he expects the transition to be completed by October or November for the restaurant and bar.
      McFall said recently completed renovations at the Southern Park Mall were a factor in his decision to invest in the Fire Fox.
      Tom Guerrieri, of Daffodil Trail, made a plea to Trustees for road resurfacing in the Ivy Hills neighborhood.
      Guerrieri said there are about 100 residents of his neighborhood and noted the first four-tenths of a mile of roadway are in deplorable condition. Moliterno, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said a firm has been hired to study township roads and the results of the survey will determine what roadways will be resurfaced this year.
      “The survey is the right thing to do for the 40,000 residents of Boardman Township,” Moliterno said.
      Road Superintendent Marilyn Kenner said grant monies are used for the annual resurfacing program, and daily traffic volume is a requirement for obtaining grant funds.
      She added that sales tax monies can also be used for road resurfacing and they are not dependent on traffic counts.
      There are about 144 miles of township maintain road in Boardman and resurfacing costs are about $120,000 per mile, Moliterno noted.
      Mrs. George Turner, of 84 Mill Creek Dr., expressed concerns over the Western Reserve Transit Authority’s proposal to turn Market St. into a two-lane highway for cars (also with a turning lane).
      Moliterno replied WRTA’s proposal is “not necessarily the best plan,” adding “We have no control over this.”
      Mr. Turner told the board since the Ohio Department of Transportation has closed Brookwood Rd. (for a traffic study) “Brookwood is more hazardous than ever.”
      “We did not approve of that closing,” Chairman Moliterno responded.
     

     Boardman Park is fortunate to have several very large magnificent Northern Red Oaks grace its landscape. Four of these Oaks can be seen along the North Trail. These beauties are most likely a couple of hundred years old. The stately Oaks, along with all the other trees, are the foundation of the park’s beautiful landscape.
      “I can’t imagine the Green Oasis without trees,” says the park’s executive director, Dan Slagle.
      The Northern Red Oak trees have many uses, and they are quite beneficial to both humans and animals. The tree provides shelter for nesting for mammals and birds. Many birds, rabbits, deer, squirrels as well as insects feed on the leaves, seedlings, and acorns of the tree.
      Environmentally, these Oaks sequester carbon in their mass as they grow. The Oaks convert large quantities of carbon dioxide to various organic compounds that make up wood. Oak trees therefore provide a means for helping to offset the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels related to the use of fossil fuels.
      Oak canopies also mitigate the effects of global warming by reducing ground surface temperatures.
      “On a hot summer day at the Green Oasis you can find a nice cool spot to relax and picnic under of one our oaks Trees.” Slagle says, adding “ They also improve air quality by storing carbon dioxide and exhaling oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. The leaves of an oak tree absorb airborne pollutants. It has been observed that one tree can absorb up to 10 lbs. of air pollution in a single year.”
      Oaks reduce water pollution by absorbing fertilizer nutrients, pesticides and other trace contaminants in soil, allowing compounds to break down slowly and be taken up as nutrients. Just one of these large oak trees will intercept and mitigate 7,000 gallons of stormwater each year, which helps slow the eroding energy of rain by intercepting rainwater on leaves and stems surfaces during storms.
      Identifying Features
      Leaves of Red Oak are alternate, moderately shiny, broadly obovate, with seven to eleven lobes that have bristles terminating each tooth on the forward-pointing lobes. Red Oak often has impressive late fall color, ranging from brick red to scarlet, although some trees may have golden- yellow, yellow-brown, or chartreuse foliage in autumn.
      The Flower of Red Oak is monoecious (both male and female flowers on the same tree), having pendulous pollen-bearing catkins in mid-spring that are the ‘showy’ golden-brown flowers seen from a distance.
      Fruit of the Oak is an acorn, which results from the miniature female flowers that take two years to develop into mature acorns. As such, they are not obvious until the second year, when they fill out rapidly during the summer and ripen.
      The bark of the immature Red Oak is light gray, very reflective in the winter sun, and surprisingly smooth. As the bark matures, it develops shiny gray flattened ridges that have intervening darker fissures. Only on very aged specimens lowermost portion of the trunk will have deep furrows and tall ridges with a dark gray to near-black color.
      This article is one of several stories
      The Boardman News will provide this year
      as Boardman Park observes its
      75th anniversary.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      The Boardman Police Department is continuing an investigation into the homicide 50 years ago of 12-year-old Bradley Bellino, whose body was found in a dumpster behind the Boardman Plaza on Apr. 4, 1972. Bellino was a fifth grade student in the Boardman Local Schools at the time of his murder.
      A belt (from JCPenney) was found strapped around his neck. The strap bore teeth marks; and body fluid, not Bellino’s, was later discovered on the boy’s pants.
      On Apr. 12, 1972, then Mahoning County Coroner Dr. David Belinky ruled Bellino’s death was the result of strangulation. Dr. Belinky said the interval between the onset of death and actual death was “sudden,” and suggested the lad may have been sexually molested.
      Three years ago, police contracted with Parabon Nanolabs, of Reston, Va. to conduct snapshot, genetic genealogy analysis of DNA evidence, including body fluids.
      “DNA testing has continued since that time and we have been collecting the DNA of potential suspects,” Capt. Albert Kakascik of the Boardman police Department told The Boardman News.
      After an intensive investigation following the discovery of the body, for years the investigation into the Bellino murder stood dormant, until 2001, when the Boardman Police Department revisited the case but could not develop any new leads. However, sources suggest a list of at least 20 possible suspects had been developed, and several search warrants were served on possible suspects, to no avail.
      “Only four or five of those people seemed to stand out,” Capt. Kakascik said.
      50 years ago, 12-year-old Bradley Bellino, of 61 McClurg Rd., left home at noon, apparently walking to the home of a friend, Donald Templeton, 733 Teakwood Dr., in Applewood Acres.
      A criminal complaint obtained by The Boardman News says about 7:30 p.m. on Mar. 31, the boy failed to return home, and the following day, Debbie Bellino notified police about 3:20 p.m. that Bradley was missing.
      Three days later, at 8:02 a.m. on Apr. 4, employees of Varie Bros. Trash Co. called police saying they found a body in a dumpster behind the Boardman Plaza.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      After 13 visits to 8057 Aquadale Dr. since Jan. 7, 2021, Boardman Township’s Planning and Zoning has filed suit in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court seeking to have a 45-ft. long school removed from the property.
      The school bus that has been parked on the driveway of the property for more than a year.
      Named as defendants in the court action are Stanley Feret, 8057 Aquadale Dr.; Andrea Osiniak, 74 Forest Garden Dr.; Stasha Feret, (also known as Stasha Dyke), 3253 Hazelwood Ave., Downingtown, Pa.; and Luanna Feret-McNichol, 529 West Embargo St., Rome, New York.
      In addition to the school bus, parked and/or stored on the property are vehicles and trailers in the yard, as well as an oversized recreational vehicle.
      According to the lawsuit, using the property for storage is in violation of the zoning code, as it relates to residential areas.
      “Defendants were notified that they were in violation of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution…[and] have failed to come into compliance,” says the suit filed by Mahoning County Assistant Prosecutor Karen Markulin Gaglione. Dating back to May, 2021, defendants in the matter have been notified at least three times by the county prosecutor’s office that using the property for storage of vehicles, including the school bus, is in violation of the Boardman Township zoning codes.
      “In order to avoid potential criminal and/or civil enforcement action, you must abate any and all outstanding zoning violations,” Gaglione said.
      “Since the vehicle bus exceeds the 24-foot allowable limit, it is not allowed to be parked on the property,” Beth Duzzny, Boardman Township property maintenance program coordinator said.
     
      PICTURE: BOARDMAN TOWNSHIP HAS FILED A COMPLAINT FOR A permanent injunction to prohibit storage of a 45-ft. school bus on the property at 8057 Aquadale Dr. Township zoning officials have visited the property 13 times since Jan. 7, 2021 In addition, the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office has, at least on three occasions, notified the property owner the bus must be moved, in order to bring the property into compliance with township zoning regulations.

      Two sisters, Denise Gorant Gliwa and Connie Gorant Fisher, both in their mid-60s, and born and bred in Youngstown, recently launched the podcast, Bite Your Tongue — building healthy relationships with your adult children.
      The sisters, who both attended Boardman High School and worked weekends and holidays at their father’s well-known candy company - Gorant’s Chocolatiers, are excited about sharing this new venture.
      “It was kind of on a whim,” said Denise. “We hit a point in our lives where our kids were gone, we’d been working at the same craft of over 30-years and wanted something new to learn, she added.
      The two knew they wanted to launch a podcast, but picking the topic became tricky.
      The sisters, along with another dear friend, Dr. Ellen Braaten, a Harvard psychologist who specializes in younger children, began exploring subjects of interest.
      The three woman had raised their now adult children together and realized that although everyone was talking about the ins and outs of their relationships with their adult kids, grand-parenting and when to bite their tongues, there was not a podcast dedicated to the topic.
      “There were a few episodes we found that dealt with the topic,” said Ellen, “but nothing that explored it to the level that we wanted to do it.”
      So the idea was born.
      “This was always my sister’s idea, said Connie, adding “She’s been thinking about doing podcast for years and I came along for the ride.
      “Ellen and Denise became the hosts and I became the software engineer. It was learning curve for me because technology was never my thing, but learning something new at this stage of my life is a good way to keep my brain active and growing.”
      “We are having a lot of fun,” said Denise, but doing a podcast, even twice a month, is harder than we anticipated.
      “Ellen, who is also writing a book and spends half of her time in Prague, is not always able to join us, but we keep plugging away.”
      Each episode explores different areas of parenting adult children. They have 26 episodes under their belts and listenership is growing.
      One of the most popular episodes has been “When they are Grown: The Real Pain Begins,” with Williams College Professor Dr. Susan Engle who wrote a story with that same title in The New York Times.
      Other episodes cover topics such as:
       •Whose Wedding is it Anyway: Discussing the stress of wedding planning
       •After the Empty Nest: Building Our Own Lives
       •Talk the Talk: Strategies and Tools for Giving Advice
       •Talking to Your Adult Kids About Finance
       •When They are Grown: The Real Pain Begins
       •Mothering Difficult Adult Children
       •Legal Documents your Adult Children need Now
       •Mental Health Matters
       •When Grown Kids Disappoint Us
      The list goes on an on. They find top experts in the fields including authors, celebrities, speakers and the media.
      “The most difficult part is finding the very best guests with the best experience who can really address our topics.” says Denise.
      “It’s important”, she adds, “because these years when our children are adults is the longest relationship we will have with them. Let’s make it a good one.”
      Connie adds that some people have said,“parenting adult kids, we are done. But really it is not about parenting, but instead continuing a healthy and connected relationship.”
      Both sisters remember their time in Boardman so fondly and visit often.
      “There is no place like home,” says Connie. “And we hope our friends and family in the Mahoning Valley will enjoy connecting with us through this podcast.”
      You can listen to the podcast by visiting the website at biteyourtonguepodcast.com or it is also available on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
      Feel free to reach out to them with ideas or thoughts about the podcast or episodes you love. Email biteyourtonguepodcast@gmail.com

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A principal technical specialist for a world-wide professional service firm suggested to Boardman Trustees on Monday night changing Market St., at least from Midlothian Blvd. as far south at Mercy Health (McClurg Rd.), into a two-lane highway with outside lanes on both sides of the road preserved (dedicated) for use by public busses and bicyclists. “There would be turning lanes,” said the technical specialist.
      Timothy Rosenberger, of WSP USA, said the proposal has been under development “and the next step is a design phase to determine precisely what to do.” WSP employs some 49,000 persons world-wide. According to its web site, the firm provides technical expertise and strategic advice to clients in many areas, including transportation and infrastructure, as well as property and buildings.
      In 2020, the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) received a $250,000 United States Department of Transportation grant to develop a comprehensive transit-oriented development – or TOD – plan for the Market Street corridor in Youngstown and Boardman.
      “It’s a way of trying to enhance transportation connections,” said Dean Harris, WRTA executive director said at the time.
      The WRTA says a “Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is land development that makes it easier and safer for people to get around by walking, biking or using public transit. Most new development in the past half century has been oriented to driving, with the result that land uses (like retail, housing, and office space) are strictly separated and buildings are surrounded by a sea of parking. TOD attempts to put public transit, bicycling, and walking on an even playing field with driving.
      “Market Street in the city of Youngstown has many older buildings in a state of disrepair, and vacant parcels ripe for redevelopment. The intent of the TOD plan is to use upgraded transit and multimodal infrastructure improvements and connections to create new economic initiatives like redeveloping and repurposing buildings that are in disrepair, and constructing new development on available parcels.”
      According to the WRTA, “The Boardman portion of the corridor needs sidewalk and crosswalk improvements to benefit pedestrians, and also offers many opportunities for ‘in-fill’ development.”
      “In many ways, TOD is a return to the way that Youngstown and its neighborhoods were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when most people traveled on foot or by streetcar. The ultimate goal of TOD is to create dense, walkable villages around key transit stations, in which most of the resident’s daily needs – groceries, coffee shops, health clubs, restaurants, schools, churches – are within a short (15 minute or less) walk, while jobs, educational and health care opportunities in other parts of the city are accessible by bus,” the transit authority says.
      Rosenberger said the quarter-million-dollar grant “opens the way for improvements at bus stops all along Market St.” He then suggested the “idea of putting special treatment bus lanes (including on Market St. in Boardman) so busses don’t compete with traffic…and bicycles and delivery vehicles” could also use those lanes.
      Boardman Trustee Larry Moliterno replied to that concept saying such a plan would likely increase congestion on Market St., adding Boardman Township does not have “auxiliary roads” to handle more traffic on Market St.
      Rosenberger suggested a TOD plan could be used to spur economic development along Market St. in Boardman, including with townhouse or apartment buildings on the site of the current Center Middle School, or at the Southern Park Mall.
      He said state and federal funding is being sought for “lighted shelters” at WRTA bus stops. Rosenberger said ridership on WRTA busses that service Boardman Township is “about 200 persons a day,” and the transit authority “needs to attract more riders.”
      Tabled until a later date was a motion to hire legal counsel for potential fire code enforcement at a building at 5600 Market St. Fire Chief Mark Pitzer said there were “concerns” over use of the second floor of the building for apartments that do not meet fire codes.
      “We could be in court unless they comply with the fire code,” the fire chief said.
      In other matters, Township Trustees awarded a bid of $581,188 to Boak and Sons for roof replacement at the Boardman Township Road Department garage; and authorized the purchase of eleven sets of body armor for the Police Department at a cost of $13,386. Police Chief Todd Werth said upwards of 75 per cent of the cost will come from grant money.

     Boardman High School senior Sean O’Horo took sixth place last weekend in Div. I in the 175-lb. bracket at the Ohio State wrestling championships held at the Schotenstein Center in Columbus. O’Horo ended his season with a 45-4 record.
      After winning his first two matches, O’Horo dropped a 9-0 decision to Chase Stein of LaSalle; and then was blanked by Kurt Thompson of Cincinnati Moeller, 11-0. During that match, O’Horo tweaked a ham string and forfeited his match for fifth place with Mitchell Broskie of Dublin Coffman.
      It was against Broskie that O’Horo earned a semifinal berth with a 4-3 decision over the #3-rated wrestler from Dublin Coffman. In the first period of the match, Broskie notched the first two points with a reversal, but O’Horo came back with two seconds left in the period for a reversal to knot things at 2-2. The second period saw Broskie riding strong on the top position, but again near the end of the period, O’Horo scored two more points with a reversal and a 4-2 lead going into the final period, where Broskie escaped for a point, but O’Horo held on to claim a 4-3 victory..
      O’Horo opened the state tournament against Jerrell Young, of Cleveland St. Ignatius. He was down 2-1 in the final minute of the third period, and secured a victory in the match with a final second pin over Young.
      “Sean was banged-up in his semifinal loss which made Sunday morning’s wrestle back match tough to get ready for. He couldn’t warm up the way he needed to and it showed, losing 11-0. After that we thought it wasn’t a good idea to try and wrestle for fifth place so he medically defaulted to finish sixth place.
      “The state championship is a tough tournament and so many factors come into play. Sean was on a roll and we had a shot to get into the finals, but it didn’t go that way,” Boardman Head Coach Dom Mancini said.
      Luke Geog of Lakewood St. Ed won the 175-lb state title with a major decision over Stein.
      South Range High School sent three wrestlers to the state meet, including Ray Cmil, in the Div. III 132-lb. class. Cmil wrestled his first, two prep seasons at Boardman High School.
      Cmil garnered a second place finish, dropping the championship match to Hunter Long, of Wayne Trace.
      In the 106-lb. bracket, the Raiders Hunter Newell placed seventh; and in the 165-lb. division, Lorgan Cormell claimed a seventh place.

     Meeting in February, the Boardman Board of Education approved a contract with the Alta Care Group, 7620 Market St., for mental health services for Boardman High School students and staff at a cost of $4,878.
      According to the contract, “Services to be provided for the benefit of Boardman Local School students and faculty include some or all of the following...in a manner consistent with the school system’s protocol for referrals to outside mental health providers, and determined to be appropriate by the Mental Health Individualized Treatment Plan, if one so exists:
       •Behavioral consultation services to students, teachers, and/or any Student Assistance Team members toward the goal of minimizing disruptive behaviors and decreasing classroom removals (i.e. suspensions, expulsions, etc.) so as to increase exposure to the learning environment.
       •Attendance at student specific school meetings as necessary and appropriate.
       •All necessary paperwork necessary for the fulfillment of job responsibilities.
       •...Any services described in this agreement that must be performed on the premises of Boardman Local Schools will be performed during hours that are determined by [Alta Care] (totaling six hours per day), but at a time that is mutually convenient to [Alta Care] and the Boardman Local Schools.
      The school board accepted the following resignations:
       •Betsy McCrate, high school math teacher, effective June 30; Rabia Ait El Madani, high school cleaning, effective March 16; Anita Burns, Stadium Drive Elementary School noontime monitor, effective February 22; and Joanne Gardner, Stadium Drive Elementary School noontime monitor, effective February 25.
      The school board approved the following appointments:
       •Daniel Dota, one-year limited contract for the 2022-2023 school year effective August 15. Dota earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Youngstown State University. He will be a health and physical education teacher at Boardman High School replacing Seth Antram. Dota replaced Antram as head football coach at Boardman.
       •Lauren Gerberry, one-year limited contract for the 2022-2023 school year effective August 15. Ms. Gerberry earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Youngstown State University. She will be a science teacher at Boardman High School replacing Mark J. D’Eramo
       •Suna Abukwaik, one-year limited contract as a Teacher Aide at Robinwood Elementary School for the 2021-2022 school year effective March 1. This is a new position.
       •Ryan Campana, one-year limited contract as a custodian at Center Intermediate School effective January 31. He is replacing Brian Huddleston.
       •James Higham, one-year limited contract as a bus driver for the 2021-2022 school year. He is replacing Lara Wanamaker.
       •Esther Plourde, one-year limited contract as a teacher aide at Robinwood Elementary School for the 2021-2022 school year. She is replacing Kyle Gray.
      Supplemental contracts were awarded to Rick Sypert, high school girls cross country head coach; Lindsay Bates, high school girls softball assistant coach; Fred Mootz, high school girls softball head coach; and Matt Pavone, high school girls lacrosse head coach.
     

     “I invite all to pray for the people of Ukraine...What is happening there
      right now is beyond words and is so unjust.”... We need to pray for the
      people of the Ukraine. We need to pray for an end to this unjust action.
      We need to pray for an end to evil,”
      Bishop David J. Bonnar, head of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
     
      “With the weight of the atrocities happening in the world, especially to the people of Ukraine, we feel it is important for our community to come together and stand in solidarity as people who are about peace and non-violence.”
      Pastor Erin Shank of Trinity Episcopal Church, New Castle, Pa.

     BOARDMAN TOWNSHIP ROAD DEPARTMENT Full Time Assistant Road Superintendent
      The Boardman Township Trustees are seeking to fill the position of Full Time Assistant Road Superintendent. Applicants are required to possess a valid Ohio Driver’s CDL A or B License, work experience in construction or road maintenance, working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, and pass a pre-employment physical and drug test. Full job description available at www.boardmantwp.com/road. Interested applicants may send a resume to bmetzger@boardmantwp.com or mail to Boardman Township Road Department, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512. Deadline to apply is March 30, 2022. No walk-in or late resumes will be accepted. Boardman Township is an equal opportunity employer.
      William D. Leicht, Fiscal Officer
     

     Market St., from Roche Way to Southwoods Dr., will be the site of the 44th St. Patrick’s Day Parade that gets underway on Sun., Mar. 13 at 1:00 p.m. More than 120 units will march in the event that attracts upwards to 25,000 persons along the parade route. Special honorees at this year’s event will be H. William ‘Bill’ Lawson, executive director of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society; Mahoning County Court Judge Scott Hunter, Lord Mayor of Kilkenny; and Kurt Hilderbrand, Ockerman Award.
      Grand Marshal - Bill Lawson
      H. William ‘Bill’ Lawson is Executive Director of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. Lawson has worked for the Historical Society for 33 years, and served as executive director since 1991.
      Lawson is a Mahoning Valley native, and received his primary and secondary education in the Boardman Local Schools. He earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degrees in History from YSU. He has researched, written and lectured extensively on the history of the Mahoning Valley.
      Lawson is a former board member of the Ohio Museums Association, and a past board member and President of the Ohio Local History Alliance. He is a 15-year member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Youngstown, the area’s first service club, and a board member of Youngstown CityScape, a development organization focusing on improvements in the central City.
      Lawson and his wife, Joan, a Religious Education Consultant for the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, are active members of St. Patrick Church. Together they enjoy traveling, hunting for antiques and collectibles and maintaining a vintage camper trailer and paddling on Guilford Lake in Columbiana County. They are the parents of two children: Meghan E. Lawson, a licensed massage therapist at Spinal Care Chiropractic Center in Columbiana County, and Brian W. Lawson, an electroencephalography technician at University Hospitals in Cleveland.
      Lord Mayor of Kilkenny - Scott Hunter
      Judge Scott D. Hunter is a lifelong resident of Mahoning County and a graduate of Canfield High School, Youngstown State University, and the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
      He has served as mayor of the City of Canfield and also served as a member of Canfield City Council and as Council President.
      He began his service as a Mahoning County Area Court Judge with his appointment to the position in July of 1999. He was elected to a full six-year term in the fall of 2000 and reelected in 2006, 2012, and 2018, serving the Area Courts located in Austintown, Boardman, Sebring and Canfield. Currently Judge Hunter serves as the Administrative and Presiding Judge for the Area Courts. He presided over the Misdemeanor Drug Court from April 2001 until April 2014, where he worked to expand it into a successful rehabilitative Court alternative.
      For his work with the Drug Court, Judge Hunter received the Excellence in Service Award, Volunteer Category from the Mahoning County Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board as well as the Hope Has A Home Award from the Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic.
      He has maintained a private law practice for nearly 32 years and has been one of the owners of Hunter-Stevens Land Title Agency, Ltd. for over 22 years. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Mahoning County Agricultural Society and the Canfield Fair Foundation. He previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of United Community Financial Corporation and Home Savings Bank. He is involved in numerous community, church and civic activities and is a member of the Association of Municipal/County Judges of Ohio, the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio Land Title Association. He currently serves as Trustee of the Mahoning County Bar Association Foundation.
      He is married to the former Michelle Marino, and father to three daughters, Ashley, Emily (Christopher) Hammond and Katie, his step-daughter, Jessica, step-son, Austin, and grandfather to Hunter Mary.
      Ockerman Award - Kurt Hilderbrand
      Kurt Hilderbrand is the son of Beverly O’Neill Hilderbrand and Robert Hilderbrand and has lived in the Mahoning Valley his entire life. He is a graduate of Poland Seminary High School and a graduate of The Youngstown State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
      He is married to Donna Slagle and together they have a son Kent, who is also involved as a Parade Marshal.
      Hilderbrand is a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Boardman where he served as Eucharistic Minister, Reader and served three terms on the Vestry.
      He has been involved in the Boy Scouts of America since 1985, he is an Eagle scout, and is currently serving as District Committee member and is Chair of the Stambaugh Properties Committee for the Great Trail Council. He previously served as Scoutmaster of Troop 80 North Lima, Oh. for 15 years, and was on the board of directors for the Greater Western Reserve Council, BSA. As a scouter he has been awarded the Order of the Arrow Vigil member, Silver Beaver Award, District Award of Merit, Wood Badge and Wood Badge Staffer.
      Hilderbrand is employed as Production Engineer with RWE Holding Company in New Castle, Pa. He has been a Parade Marshal since 2004.
      Casey Malone serves as president of the parade committee. Vice president is Mark Smith, and Robb Kale serves as treasurer, Sharon Sabatka, secretary; and Joe Illencik, head marshal. They are assisted by Tom Butler, Joe Calinger, Pat Chrystal, Marilyn Carroll, Julaine Gilmartin, Joyce Kale Pesta, John Sheridan, Mary Jane Venitti and Grant William.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Boardman Park is observing its 75th anniversary this year.
      It was during the November, 1947 general elections that Boardman Township voters approved the establishment of a ‘free township park.’ The measure created Boardman Park, but did not approve any funds to operate such a park. Creation of Boardman Park was also approved after William F. Maag Jr. donated 72 acres of land for use as a public park, then situated in between the home of Justice of the Peace Edgar G. Diehm and some 50 acres of land that was to be used as radio transmitters for WFMJ.
      Named to the first Board of Park Commissioners were Lewis Barger, Hugh Manchester and Ralph P. Smith, who the following year placed a 1-mil tax levy on the ballot to provide funding for the park; while Chet Long and Walter Damon drew-up plans for picnic areas, roadways, fireplaces and pathways.
      “We want to utilize natural beauty and avoid any ‘formal’ park,” Barger said at the time.
      In 1948 the park district’s first real property tax levy was approved, which was a 1-mill levy, and 75 years later, Boardman Park continues to operate maintain, preserve, and improve the park on the equivalent of that levy.
      The size of the park has more than quadrupled since 1947, where today the park provides 60 acres for active recreational purposes and preserves 234 acres as green space and natural habitat.
      Following approval of the tax levy, Homer V. Holl was named the first superintendent of Boardman Park. He served until 1952. During his tenure, the first open-air pavilion, Edgewood, was constructed; and the park purchased it first tractor for $1,596.
      In addition, a baseball field was constructed with support from the Boardman Athletic Association; as well as a playground for children with equipment purchased for the site provided by the Boardman Kiwanis Club. The first baseball diamond in Boardman Park served as home field for Boardman High School baseball games, and as well for Boardman Little League (that first played there in 1955. Among those who played on that diamond were former Major League pitcher Lamar Jacobs and former New York Jets quarterback Joe ‘Willie’ Namath).
      When Mr. Holl stepped down as superintendent, Chuck Wedekind was named as his replacement, serving just two years before becoming superintendent of Mill Creek Park.
      He was replaced by Ivor N. Jenkins, who served as superintendent until 1975. During his tenure, in 1972, Olde St. James Church, among the oldest Episcopal church buildings east of the Mississippi River, was moved to Boardman Park and now graces its entrance off Boardman-Poland Rd. At one time the lawn in front of the church featured thousands of daffodils that bloomed in the springtime.
      When Jenkins exited as park superintendent, John Holzbach was named as his replacment. He served until 1992. During his tenure, Boardman Township observed the nation’s bicentennial and held observances at the park, attended by more than 10,000 people. The bicentennial observance cleared the way for Boardman Rotary Club’s annual Oktoberfest. (Prior to the bicentennial, large gatherings at the park were often spurned, as former superintendents Jenkins, and Holzbach expressed concerns the landscaping would be damaged by large crowds).
      Also during Holzbach’s tenure, the first Maple Syrup Festival was held at Boardman Park, in 1981; and two historic township homes were relocated to the park.
      In June, 1992, the park’s current superintendent, Daniel N. Slagle Jr., was appointed to the post (now called executive director).
      Mr. Slagle’s pledge was to improve programming at the park and one of his first efforts was to develop a master plan that reflected the mission statement of the district --- “To provide a diversity of recreational and educational opportunities in an environment that lends itself to pleasant family experience, and to preserve areas of natural habitat.”
      Under his tenure, a many capital inprovement projects have been completed --- with the support and generosity of the community, including Kids’ Town and Tot’s Town playgrounds, the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre, Marge Hartman’s Paws Town, Elton Beard Family Cabin, Kenneth Hofmaster Pavilion, Hike & Bike Trail, a Veterans Memorial and the Lariccia Family Community Center. The park has also served as home for the annual Easter Egg Hunt of the Boardman Kiwanis Club, and provides a variety of activities every Halloween and as well, a Community Christmas celebration.
      On June 11, 1993, Janie S. Jenkins donated her property, the former Southern Park Stables, to Boardman Park. The site is the last remnant of the Southern Park Race Track. Established in 1908, Southern Park was a sports landmark in the area and consisted of 55 acres with a half-mile race track, numerous barns, a grandstand, flower gardens, picnic areas and a baseball field. Located approximately a mile and one-half south of Boardman Center (bounded by Market St., Washington Blvd. Southern Blvd. and McClurg Rd.) it was the enterprise of Senator David Tod, David Tod Arrel and H.H. Stambaugh. The race track was a popular site for high school track meets and thoroughbred horse racing, drawing crowds of more than 15,000 people during its heyday. In the early 1920s, a blimp landed at the track, attracting thousands of spectators. In 1986 the Southern Stables was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, one of two such sites maintained by Boardman Park (the other is Olde St. James Church).
      “On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners---Joyce Mistovich, Trent Cailor and Ken Goldsboro---and our staff, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for the community’s ongoing support and appreciation of the Green Oasis and its mission.
      “Our purpose is to create wholesome opportunities to live and interact with family, friends, neighbors, and communities.
      “The park offers a variety of recreational facilities and programs year-round that enhance the quality of life for the Community it so proudly serves. The Green Oasis also provides environmental benefits to our community such as mitigating stormwater run-off, preserving wildlife habitats and protecting wetlands,” Executive Director Slagle said.
      There is one, great mystery surrounding Boardman Park---a rock said to be engraved with the initials ‘EB.’ The rock was said to be placed at Boardman Centre (now Rt. 224 and Market St.) when the founder of Boardman Township, Sen. Elijah Boardman, came here in 1798 from Milford, Conneticut. It was last seen in Boardman Park when Ivor Jenkins was superintendent.
      75 years after it was formed, an estimated 500,000 people visit Boardman Park annually.
      “We believe that the continued increase in the number of visitors clearly demonstrates that Boardman Park is one of the most popular areas for family recreation in the Mahoning Valley. The popularity of the park can be attributed to our community’s positive response and enthusiastic participation in the diverse and multigenerational programs we offer year-round, as well as our unique footprint of recreational facilities. Visitors can enjoy reservable indoor rooms and outdoor pavilions, tennis, pickle ball, and sand volleyball, baseball fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, bocce courts, Marge Hartman’s Paws Town dog park and four miles of ADA accessible walking trails that transverse the natural areas of the park,” Slagle said.
      Boardman Park operates on an annual budget of about $1.3 million.
      Property tax collections (still on the equivalent of the original 1947 levy) account for $765,694 of the park district’s revenues; and an indication of the many facilities are rented each year for family and special events, $370,120 in revenue comes from ‘charges for services,’ according to the Ohio Auditor of State.

     BY ADRIANA TRAFFICANTE
      Boardman Bugle
      Nicholas Sainato was once roaming the halls of this very high school; and now he roams the streets of Nashville, Tenn. where he pursues his musical dreams.
      Boardman High School is indeed known for its fantastic performing arts program, but how could it bring somebody from the band room to the recording studio?
      I reached out to the 2006 graduate of Boardman High School---now drummer, producer, and songwriter for the band, Nightly, seeking an answer to this question.
      Sainato’s musical career began inside the walls of Boardman’s own Performing Arts Center. Performing in many music programs such as drumline in marching band, Jazz 1 and Symphonic Band, the experiences he became involved in at Boardman have really helped Sainato get to where he is now.
      “I think there were so many opportunities at Boardman; it gave you a lot of chances to try different things and see what you enjoy,” Sainato said.
      He explained how students he spent his high school years with inspired him to prosper in his music career and described “The talent pool at Boardman in music has always been ‘super great’ and inspiring, and pushes you to be a better musician.”
      Along with the students, he was also inspired by multiple teachers who led him along the path to his successful future in the music industry.
      In regard to BHS staff members, Sainato noted that “Mr. Tom Ruggieri (high school band director) and Mrs. Randy Nord (English teacher) were the two teachers that I felt inspired me and encouraged me to pursue music, or even just pursue a passion in general. They were always so supportive of in school accomplishments as well as outside accomplishments.”
      When asked what he would like to share with current high school students interested in pursuing a career in the arts, he advised, “Take advantage of all of the opportunities that Boardman has and be a part of as many ensembles, groups, and bands as possible. Also, take advantage of what your teachers have to offer. They are there to help you, and if you show interest and excitement in it, they are going to be way more willing to help.”
      Sainato was also involved in music outside of the school building during his high school years.
      He started a band with his friends to fill his time after hours.
      “My band that I had with my friends outside of school is what really pushed me into doing what I do now. We always did as many battle of the bands as we could, and ended up winning a bunch of money, gear, and recording time in studios which made me want to get into producing my own music.”
      His advice to current BHS students---“Be active in performing arts outside of school, whether it’s starting a band with your friends or joining a community ensemble/program, and spend as much time as possible into getting better while you’re in school.”
      Continuing in his passion for music, Sainato went to Youngstown State University where he
      studied and graduated with a music degree in Jazz Performance. He also attended Berklee College of
      Music in Boston along with Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.
      When asked how his college education assisted him in his career, Sainato responded, “School just helped me hone in my skills as a musician and gave me confidence in myself.”
      His years after high school and through college led him now to Nashville.
      Elaborating on his journey around the country, he stated that he lived in Los Angeles for a year before moving to Nashville in 2014, where professional career really began to take off.
      He commented about how once he moved to Nashville, he “started playing in a bunch of bands and also with different country artists.” He recalls that he met the lead singer of his band at church, where they became friends. He asked Sainato to join a band that he and his cousin were starting, and that is how he got into his current job.
      Traveling from Boardman to Los Angeles, he finally landed in Nashville, Tennessee, where he
      currently pursues a professional career in music. Sainato takes the role of the drummer in his band along with producing and songwriting.
      Sainato describes some of the most exciting opportunities and experiences he’s had since pursuing a professional career in music.
      He said that some of these had recently consisted of “touring with some awesome artists and friends like NF, the Band Camino, Lennon Stella, and Andy Grammer, as well as playing at music festivals like Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits and Hangout Fest.”
      Sainato was also asked about the future of his career, and while Covid 19 had a huge effect on the performing arts industry, he said “I’m just excited to continue to grow as an artist and songwriter and keep making music I enjoy, as well as finally being able to go back on tour.
      “I grew up listening to so many different bands and artists that I loved, and it’s the only thing I really wanted to do.
      “No matter what anyone tells you or how hard people may make it seem, anything is possible if it’s what you really want to do, and only you can make that happen. Just keep doing what you love, and everything will fall into place.”
     
      This article was written by Adriana Trafficante, reporter, of the Boardman High School newspaper, The Bugle. The Boardman News will periodically highlight stories from The Bugle, to highlight high school journalism.

     When the Covid 19 pandemic heightened urgent and emerging needs, United Way was uniquely positioned and built for this work by improving lives through direct service, collaboration, volunteerism and advocacy. Its role as a leader in the local non-profit community inspired donors to generously support its annual funding-raising campaign for 2021 that raised a record total of $3.476 million, the most money ever raised in a year in the 102 year history of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. It marked the sixth, consecutive year the annual campaign exceeded $3 million.
      Chris Sammartino serves on United Way’s Board of Directors and chairs the Marketing Committee. He played a significant role in the agency’s Centennial Campaign by helping plan the 100th Anniversary Gala. His wife, Lisa, is a member of Women United, that focuses on the children impacted by United Way initiatives. After a year of unprecedented challenges, Chris and Lisa stepped into the role of 2021 campaign co-chairs because they believe in the United Way’s mission and the community.
      “We both have seen firsthand the amazing work the United Way does in the community. We serve as Report Card Mentors, we volunteer for the Saturday of Caring, and we help with the Christmas Gift Drive for the Success After 6 programs every year,” said Chris and Lisa. “We were extremely honored to take on the role of co-chairs for the campaign. The community needs to know about the excellent work the United Way does for our neighbors in need. We want to bring that message to everyone and knew we could do it in this role.”
      “We may never be able to fully express our gratitude to all our donors, but we begin with thank you to all of you who made this possible. This funding will allow us two years into the pandemic to continue to stabilize the individuals and homes most impacted,” said Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “We are feeding hungry children and families, providing basic needs, helping nonprofit partners withstand drops in funding, and continue the impactful work that we were doing before we faced the Covid pandemic.”
      United Way will invest the money raised during the 2021 Rise United Campaign directly back into the Mahoning Valley. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the world changed but United Way’s mission remained the same.
      “We created new initiatives such as Satur-Day of Caring that delivers food directly to the homes of seniors, shut-ins, and families who cannot and should not be out during the pandemic,” Hannon said.
      Satur-Day of Caring began with 100 households and has quadrupled over the past 18 months thanks to the generosity of the Muransky family who started this initiative. In addition, Mahoning County Commissioners David Ditzler, Anthony Traficante and Carol Rimedio-Righetti gave American Recovery Funds back into the community.
      “These additional funds are critical as we face the rising cost of food and personal items that we take to more than 400 homes each month,” Hannon said.
      The Satur-Day of Caring initiative led to a dramatic increase in United Way’s volunteer base. Every third Saturday, 150 volunteers help pack food bags and deliver them to those in need. United Way was able to engage more than 500 new volunteers through 2020 and 2021, and we will continue to grow that number in 2022; especially through Early Education Initiatives.
      While students prepared to return to in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year, United Way began transitioning its educational wraparound services for any changes within the partner districts caused by the pandemic. The Success By 6 staff worked tirelessly to welcome students and their families back over the summer months. 588 children across eighteen school districts took part in the Kindergarten Readiness initiative, showing improvement in math, literacy, and social-emotional development.
      Success After 6 staff brought students back for in-person, after-school programming while continuing to offer virtual tutoring opportunities through the Vello initiative. This program offers one-on-one reading sessions for students and tutors through a safe and secure digital setting. Vello has now grown from being in just one school to being in four schools.
      In 2014, United Way launched the Imagination Library in Mahoning County. This initiative promotes the love of reading at the earliest of ages. In 2019, Gov. Mike DeWine launched the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library expanding the reach of the program. In 2021, over 6,000 children across Mahoning County, birth to age 5, received one free book a month.
      “We continue to work to increase our reach with this program by offering special programming with our partner schools,” Hannon said.
      As United Way-led initiatives continue to grow, so does the need for the services provided by the United Way’s 35 non-profit partner agencies. These agencies continue to receive funding through United Way, many also received additional pandemic relief funding to help maintain and provide services for the most vulnerable in the community. The Board’s Impact Committee is currently reviewing applications from non-profits across Mahoning County for 2022-2024.

     The Boardman High School Class of 1972 will hold their 50th anniversary reunion Sept. 1 and 2 at Waypoint Conference Center in Canfield. Classmates and guests are invited to both evening events. A golfing event is also being planned. Organizers of the reunion are looking for the following classmates---Elizabeth Allason, Luzette Anderson, Deborah Ankeny, Jennie Bateson, Deborah Brownlee, Theresa Cassidy, Mary Lou Cellio, Cheryl Devore, Thea Dravis, Debra Elms, Cinda Gillam, Wanda Granitto, John Grant, Diane Hasler, Daniel Herman, Diana Hilbon, Diane Hrifko, Beverly Hymes, JoEllen Johnston, Victoria Kaczowka (Rencenwicz), David King, Patricia Kranik, Peter Kraynik, Rowena Lebio, Debbie McCutchen (Taylor), Cynthia McNell, Kathy Medcraft, Michael Nathan, Tobi Nelson, Rhonda Parker, Gerald Pettit, Barbara Ragan Terri Sanderson (Brenner), Pamela Sandler, Richard Saulino, Christina Schrader, Janie Terwilliger, Althea Tobias and Linda Whetstone. Contact Reunion Committee Co-Chairs Jay Powell or Greg Krieger at boardmanclassof72@gmail.com

     Boardman resident Mark Luke, will present a program on Boardman Cemetery, Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery and Lake Park Cemetery, Saturday, March 5, at 10:00 a.m. at the Boardman Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave, for the Boardman Historical Society. This program begins the society’s annual membership campaign.
      Historic Boardman Cemetery is located on Tanglewood Drive and dates back to 1805, when the founder of Boardman Township, Connecticut Senator Elijah Boardman donated half an acre of land to be used for a cemetery. Prior to this, burials in the township were made on the farm of Adam Simon. The Boardman Cemetery Association was incorporated, under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1917. There are no lots available for purchase. Township Fiscal Officer William D. Leicht is the custodian of Boardman Cemetery.
      Lake Park Cemetery opened in 1914 and is located off of Midlothian Blvd., off the south side of Youngstown, Ohio. It is a traditional place of interment and operated by the Lake Park Cemetery Park Association.
      Forest Lawn Memorial Park, with entrances on Market St. and Glenwood Ave., was founded in 1930 when the Mill Creek Memorial Park Association obtained a state charter to form a nonprofit corporation and operate the park-like cemetery. Firms that developed the nearby Forest Glen Estates also planned the cemetery.
      Luke is a Boardman Kiwanis vice-president and known for his involvement in organizing Boardman Memorial Day parades. He is a deacon of Westminster Presbyterian Church, director of the Boardman Community Foundation and is the secretary of the Boardman Civic Association. He is also a trustee of the Lake Park Cemetery Association, former governing board member of the disbanded Mahoning County American Cancer Society, a volunteer for the Salvation Army, Boys Scouts and United Way, and former member of the Board of Commissioners of Boardman Park.
      The Boardman Historical Society preserves Boardman Township history. Artifacts, photographs and records are archived by the society at the Oswald Detchon House in Boardman Park.
      The Mar. 5 presentation is open to the public, at no charge. A question and answer period will be available, after the 45-minute program. Reservations are required, due to social distancing. For more information, about the program and the society, or to make reservations, contact Dona Hammond, at 330-726-0651.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Plans for a proposed stormwater park at the site of the now vacant Market St. Elementary School were boosted this week when Boardman Township was informed some $1.2 million in disaster mitigation grant monies could be used for the project, pending final approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
      Cost of the project has been estimated to be near $3 million, and if the FEMA grant gains final approval, almost all of the funding for the project could come from grant monies, Township Administrator Jason Loree said this week.
      Already Boardman Township has been notified it will receive $1 million for the project from the Mahoning County Commissioners, as well as an Ohio capital grant of $500,000, and an Ohio H2O grant for $300,000.
      “We have undertaken extensive studies for this project and after we complete asbestos surveys for the school building, if all goes well, we hope to raze the building this summer,” Loree said.
      Not connected to the razing of the school building, but a part of the township’s overall stormwater abatement plans is razing several houses north of Market St. School in an effort to improve water flows in the Cranberry Run watershed during peak water events.
      “Our road superintendent, Marilyn Kenner, has done an excellent job in procuring grants for these demolitions,” Loree said.
      When completed, the Forest Lawn Stormwater Park will be a 14.6-acre green space on the property of the former elementary school that will be designed to improve surface water flows impacting up to 1,400 homes.
      It will include the creation of a passive park where people can gather and walk along a lighted sidewalk, complete with security cameras, as well as the entire site will be re-forested with appropriate plantings.
      Once completed, during heavy rainfalls, the project will be able to hold up to the equivalent of 9-feet of water (an estimated one million gallons) spread over the surface the size of a football field.

     PAIGE SNYDER, at left, and Luke Ryan, on right, were named queen and king last weekend at Boardman High School’s annual Sweetheart Ball. Members of their court included Patti Jeffrey, Dana Haus, Roderica Patterson, Eden Lesnansky, Carter Cailor, Nathan Hargrove, Guy Young, Brendan Butler and Gavin Fernandez.

     PUBLIC NOTICE
      Boardman Township, Mahonig County, in conjunction with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA), has applied for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Cranberry Run Flood Plain Mitigation Project. The objective of HMA programs is to fund mitigation measures that reduce the risk of loss of life and property from future hazard events or disasters. Cranberry Run Flood Plain Mitigation Project is for the acquisition and demolition of four structures with in the flood plain of Cranberry Run. Project includes grading of site, removal of foot bridges and weir structures.
      Under the National Environmental Policy Act, EO 11988 and EO 11990, public notice is required of any federal actions that may affect floodplains or wetlands. Under the National Historic Preservation Act, public notice is also required for some projects which have the potential to affect historic properties. All necessary permits and approvals will be obtained prior to construction and completion of the project.
      Public participation is encouraged. Those interested are invited to comment within 30 days by e-mail to fema-r5-environmental@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:
      Duane Castaldi, Regional Environmental Officer
      FEMA Region V
      536 South Clark Street, 6th Floor
      Chicago, IL 60605
     

     PUBLIC NOTICE
      Boardman Township, Mahoning County, in conjunction with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA), has applied for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Forest Lawn Stormwater Park. The objective of HMA programs is to fund mitigation measures that reduce the risk of loss of life and property from future hazard events or disasters. The Forest Lawn Stormwater Park Project will daylight a stream with overflow flood plain basins to mitigate flooding and increase water quality for the watershed. This 15-acre passive stormwater park will include public walking paths, trees, and pollinator meadows. The project will include removal of the existing underground stormwater system, site grading, and new plantings.
      Under the National Environmental Policy Act, EO 11988 and EO 11990, public notice is required of any federal actions that may affect floodplains or wetlands. Under the National Historic Preservation Act, public notice is also required for some projects which have the potential to affect historic properties. All necessary permits and approvals will be obtained prior to construction and completion of the project.
      Public participation is encouraged. Those interested are invited to comment within 30 days by e-mail to fema-r5-environmental@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:
      Duane Castaldi, Regional Environmental Officer
      FEMA Region V
      536 South Clark Street, 6th Floor
      Chicago, IL 60605

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Boardman Township’s Board of Trustees are hopeful they can expand their annual summer road resurfacing program, bolstered over the next five years with the addition of funding from a quarter per cent county sales tax approved by the electorate last November for the purpose funding Mahoning County and township roadway infrastructure for five years.
      Annually, Boardman Township appropriates some $400,00 to $600,000 for its annual resurfacing program, that covers between 2.5 and 3 miles of roadway, (generally ten to 15 roads).
      Boardman Administrator, Jason Loree, said that county road tax funds could add another $943,000 to the resurfacing program “every year for the next five years.”
      “This funding would generate…$4 million, with [the 14] townships in [Mahoning County] dividing their share among them,” Mahoning County Engineer Pat Ginnetti said on May 6, 2021 at a special Road Safety Infrastructure Plan meeting of the Mahoning County Township Association.
      Ginnetti was asked if the sales tax initiative would provide benefits to townships in outlying areas?
      “With the additional revenue for their road infrastructure funds, townships could obviously implement an increase in local paving projects,” Ginnetti said.
      Of the 14 townships in Mahoning County, Boardman maintains the most miles of roads---144.745 miles.
      Austintown maintains 117.033 miles, and under the plan proposed at the association meeting, will receive $772,368 annually from the quarter per cent sales tax. Poland Township, with 54.54 miles of roads would receive $387,348 a year; while Canfield would receive $280,997 a year.
      The annual disbursement schedule proposed at the association, also provides the following: Beaver (North Lima) $266,962; Springfield, $237.419; Green, $179,281; Goshen, $170,516; Milton, $167,770; Berlin, $132,093; Coitsville, $86,695; Jackson, $82,467; and Ellsworth, $60,961.
      In addition to township-maintained roads in Boardman, Mahoning County maintains 44.40 miles of road, and the state of Ohio maintains 19.71 miles of roads, including Market St. and Rt. 224 that was resurfaced last summer.

     The Boardman Local School District will hold its annual kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year on Thurs., March 10. Registration will take place in the morning, from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Afternoon and evening hours are also available on Thurs., March 10, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
      Registration will take place in each of the district’s three elementary schools---Stadium Drive, Robinwood Lane and West Boulevard.Masks are required, and social distancing protocols will be followed.
      Registration packets will be made available at each elementary building (outside of the main doors) beginning March 1.
      Registration for a new student to the Boardman Local Schools requires parents or guardians to be residents in the Boardman Local School District. A child must reach age 5 on or before August 1, 2022 in order to register with the district. Children need not be with parents to be registered.
      Parents/guardians should bring a photo ID as well as the following items:
       •A completed registration form (found online at http://www.boardman.k12.oh.us/ or can be picked up in advance at the enrollment office or at each elementary building)
       •Proof of immunization. (proof of your child’s immunization is a physician’s statement or immunization card with dates entered)
       •The child’s official state birth certificate with a raised seal
       •At least two proofs of residency forms (i.e. homeowner’s tax statement, utility bill, purchase/rental agreement, bank or credit card statement, etc.)
       •Custody papers, if applicable
      Kindergarten at Boardman Local Schools is all day, every day. Parents may call the system’s Enrollment Office at 330-259-7189 with any questions.

     The Boardman Township Board of Appeals shall hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 7:00 PM, go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/board-of-zoning-appeals/ for further information for consideration of the following cases:
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-01
      Kyleigh Haynes on behalf of KODIAK PROPERTIES LLC, property owner, 875 Cook Ave., Boardman, Ohio 44514, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 12.10 (B) (2) (b) to reduce to 10’ setback from rights-of-way to 0’. The property is further known as LOT 62 40 X 115 THE SUBURBAN HOMESITE CO & LOT 63 40 X 115 THE SUBURBAN HOMESITE CO, Parcel 29-015-0-269.00-0 & 29-015-0-268.00-0. Said property is zoned R-2 Residential, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-02
      Woolpert on behalf of RHINO HOLDINGS BOARDMAN LLC, property owner, 317 Boardman Poland Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 4.09 Site Development Standards for Nonresidential Zoning Districts to reduce the side yard setbacks to 0’ to the east for a replat. The property is further known as LOT 1 449.67 X 567.33 IRR TOYS R US - OHIO PLAT NO 1, Parcel 29-042-0-005.00-0. Said property is zoned I-Industrial & GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-03
      Brilliant Signs on behalf of P A L 2 PROPERTIES LLC, property owner, 1247 Boardman Poland Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 12.11 Permanent Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts (B) (3) & (6) (a) to increase the wall signage allowance. The property is further known as LOT 4 440 X 198 REPL 1 M SCHUMER PL 1, Parcel 30-054-0-014.00-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-04
      Mike Makes Signs on behalf of Boardman United Methodist Church, property owner, 6825 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 12.11 Permanent Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts (C) (7) (a) to reduce the sign setback from the front property line by 3’ to convert an existing sign to digital EMC. The property is further known as LOT 2 SEC 0 70 X 204.62 ROLAND HEIGHTS & LOT 3 SEC 0 70 X 204.11 ROLAND HEIGHTS, Parcel 29-005-0-249.00-0 & 29-005-0-250.00-0. Said property is zoned PI-Public & Institutional, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-05
      Golden Eye Developers on behalf of Michele M Miller Trustee, property owner, 6412 South Ave., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 8.03 (B) (3) to eliminate the 25’ riparian setback. The property is further known as LOT 3 214.01 X 1091.60 IRR GEORGE FARM REPLAT 3, Parcel 29-016-0-185.00-0. Said property is currently zoned RB-Regional Business & R-2 Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-06
      MVC Architecture on behalf of DCZ PROPERTY GROUP LLC, property owner, South Ave., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 4.09 Area, Setback, and Other Site Development Standards Table 4.09-1 to reduce the front setback from 50’ to 30’ and the rear setback from 40’ to 20’. The property is further known as LOT 22 100.00 X 195.98 IRR REPLAT OF LOTS 22-24 & 30 IN DUSTMAN CORNERS PLAT & LOT 24 100.00 X 162.16 IRR REPLAT OF LOTS 22-24 & 30 IN DUSTMAN CORNERS PLAT, Parcel 29-013-0-195.00-0 & 29-013-0-196.01-0. Said property is currently zoned R-2 Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      Text and maps of the request may be viewed at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing. Please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Atty. John F. Shultz, Chairman
      Boardman Township Board of Appeals
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP,
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development

     The Boardman Township Zoning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing on the following amendment to the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution and Township Zoning Map on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 5:30 PM. Go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/zoning-commission/ for further information.
      Following the recommendation of the Zoning Commission, the proposed amendment will be referred to the Board of Trustees for final determination.
      AMENDMENT A-2022-01
      Golden Eye Developers on behalf of Michele M Miller Trustee, property owner, requests a zone change for 6412 South Ave., Boardman, Ohio 44512, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property to PUD-Planned Unit Development zoning district. The property is further known as LOT 3 214.01 X 1091.60 IRR GEORGE FARM REPLAT 3, Parcel 29-016-0-185.00-0. Said property is currently zoned RB-Regional Business & R-2 Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      To view a hard copy of the texts and maps at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing, please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Peter W. Lymber, Chairman
      Boardman Township Zoning Commission
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP,
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development

     Committed to pairing the best patient experience with the most advanced medical technology available, Southwoods Health in Boardman announces the arrival of the Vantage Galan 3T MRI at Southwoods Imaging, 7623 Market St.
      MRI uses a magnetic field without radiation to produce high-resolution 3D images of the organs and structures inside the body. The amount of information provided by the exam is directly related to the strength of the magnetic field. 3T MRI is the strongest magnet used in medicine today and produces the most detailed and accurate images with the highest degree of resolution. Southwoods Imaging is the only facility in the area with multiple 3T units in one location.
      “For physicians, the capabilities of the Vantage Galan 3T ensures the highest quality images with enhanced anatomical detail – helping lead to more accurate diagnoses. For our patients, this technology improves comfort by delivering faster, quieter exams,” explained Ed Muransky, Southwoods Chief Executive Officer. “Southwoods Imaging was the first to offer 3T MRI in Mahoning County in 2014, and remains the only provider in the county offering this level of technology. This investment underscores Southwoods’ ongoing commitment to providing quality clinical services and an exceptional patient experience.”
      Patient benefits include:
       •Reduced scan times. Scans are reduced by as much as 50% on most patients, and shorter scan times equal more patient comfort.
       •Less noise. Acoustic noise is reduced up to 99% with Pianissimo® quiet technology – making exams quieter, more comfortable and easier to complete.
       •Larger opening. The system boasts the industry’s widest opening (71cm), delivering a more open feeling and enabling patients of all sizes to feel comfortable.
       •Contrast free scans. Non-contrast MRA sequences minimize risk to patients with sensitivity to contrast while still producing exceptional images.
       •Metal reduction software. The presence of metal-related artifacts (in patients who have metallic orthopaedic implants, for example) can obscure relevant injuries and disease. This new system significantly reduces that issue.
       •Artificial intelligence (AI) applications along with deep learning reconstruction. These applications automate scan planning, offer increased resolution and produce exceptionally detailed images, helping streamline workflow.
      “In researching new systems, we knew we had to stay with the 3T,” said Muransky. “Over the years, we’ve seen such a difference in image quality and so have our doctors. We are always focused on providing the best service, technology and experience to our patients.”
      About Southwoods Health
      Southwoods Health is the region’s fastest growing healthcare system and is locally owned and operated by the Muransky family and area physicians. It includes The Surgical Hospital at Southwoods, an acute care hospital in Boardman, renowned for providing a superior patient experience and consistently ranking at the top of national patient satisfaction and quality of care surveys. The hospital continues to expand its scope of services, that includes inpatient, outpatient and robotic-assisted surgery, as well as endoscopy services. Southwoods Health also provides an expanding array of ancillary health services at locations throughout the Mahoning Valley. These include Southwoods Imaging, offering the most technologically advanced diagnostic imaging services in the area; Southwoods Pain & Spine Center, offering services to treat chronic pain and the region’s most advanced spine surgery program; Southwoods Sleep Centers, diagnosing and treating sleep disorders; Southwoods Physician Services, a multi-specialty physician group; and Southwoods Express Care, providing same day, walk-in non-emergent services.

     When the Boardman School Board held its annual reorganizational meeting in January, the board also voted unanimously naming John Landers as president and John Fryda as vice-president.
      Following the resignation of Treasurer Terry Armstrong, Ryan Jones was appointed as Interim Treasurer effective January 19, until a full-time treasurer is employed, or June 30, 2022.
      Resignations were accepted from Lara Wanamaker, bus driver; and Laura Wert, high school cafeteria server.
      Natalie Alm-Burgess was granted a one-year limited contract as cafeteria cook at Boardman High School; Dennis Thayer was granted a one-year limited contract as a noontime monitor at West Boulevard Elementary School; Marco Tito was granted a one-year limited contract as a Teacher Aide at Center Intermediate School; and Nicole Blumel was transferred from teacher aide at Center Intermediate School to 220 days General Office Administrative Assistant (Central Office) effective January 10, replacing Melissa D’Altorio.

     Jan. 19: At 10:52 p.m., Ptl. Anthony Ciccotelli was sent to Wal-Mart, 1300 Doral Dr. Police were told a person with whom loss prevention employees at the store were familiar with, may have been wanted on a theft warrant, and additionally, police were told “a new theft offense” happened when merchandise was intentionally not scanned during self check-out.” Officers Thomas Zorzi and Lt. Steve Riwniak and Brian Moss also responded. According to Ptl. Ciccotelli, Aaron MacKenzie Keffer, 34, of 2733 Mount Vernon Ave., Youngstown, Oh., “was observed intentionally skip-scanning two items and not paying for them during the checkout process.” The two items were valued at $6.35, the veteran policeman said. Keffer was arrested on the warrant and also charged with an alleged second theft offense stemming from the skip-scanning observed on the surveillance video. “During the arrest, Keffer was belligerent, told officers they could not touch him, and threatened to sue officer and Wal-Mart over being detained and arrested...Keffer was advised several times that he would be provided a copy of the warrant while being booked,” Ptl. Ciccotelli said.
      The warrant on Keffer is related to a Nov. 28, 2021 theft at Wal-Mart. At that time. loss prevention employee Nicole Mirto told police Keffer spent 24 minutes in the store and “selected frappuccino drink and drank it without paying for it [and] selected two packages of speaker wire and left the store without paying for them.” Mirto told police the incident had been captured on surveillance video.
      Note: In June, 2021, Keffer filed suit against Wal-Mart (noting incorrectly that he lives in “the city of Boardman’) seeking damages after he had been confronted by a man with a knife “around 3:00 a.m.” at Wal-Mart on Dec. 8, 2019. At that time, Keffer told police that he and his girlfriend were entering the store when a man with a toddler in a shopping cart pushed the cart out of the store, at which time his girlfriend noted the baby was cute, and the man pushing the shopping cart brandished a knife, telling the girlfriend, “If I were you, I’d shut my mouth and keep walking.” Six months later, Keffer filed suit against Wal-Mart, seeking damages in excess of $15,000, “exclusive of attorney fees.” The suit claims Wal-Mart “breached a duty of care by failing to keep the premises reasonably safe and free from Hazardous conditions.” The suit claims because of the Dec. 8, 2019 incident, Keffer “suffered pain and suffering, disability, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life and/or permanent aggravation of a previously existing condition.” The suit further alleges “Wal-Mart’s decisions to take no action, to put pecuniary gain over the safety and well-being of its business invitees is so extreme and outrageous as to go beyond all possible bonds of decency and was such that it can be considered as utterly intolerable in a civilized community.” Wal-Mart answered, denying Keffer’s assertions, noting that Keffer has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted and his claims are barred by applicable statute of limitations. There has been no ruling on the suit and the case remains undisposed.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      The Seventh District Court of Appeals has affirmed a guilty verdict on 12 counts of rape and one count of gross sexual imposition leveled against a Cleveland man who had been charged and convicted of repeatedly raping a 10-year-old girl who lived in an apartment building at 4890 Brookwood Rd. during a one-year period, between 2015 and 2016.
      Jeffrey Palmer, 34, was found guilty on the charges on Oct. 3, 2019 in the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court of Judge Maureen Sweeney.
      He was given a sentence of 40 years to life in jail on the charges.
      Judge Sweeney ruled the sentence was “necessary to protect the public from future crimes…and the danger Palmer poses to the public.”
      In Apr. 2018, the girl’s 31-year-old mother told police her daughter had been raped multiple times by her ex-boyfriend, whom she first met on-line.
      According to police, the victim’s mother said that Palmer lived with her for about a year and when she went to work, Palmer would watch the child.
      The girl told Det. Michael Sweeney “almost immediately” after her mother left her in Palmer’s custody, he began to rape her.
      “The child advised that Palmer would rape her almost daily and that he would rape her multiple times a day,” Det. Sweeney said, adding he was told that “Palmer would follow her into her bedroom after she took a shower and ‘would take my clothes off and put me on the bed.’”
      The girl detailed a variety of assaults to police; and also said she had been hesitant to tell anyone about the rapes because Palmer threatened to kill her mother if she told anyone.
      According to Assistant Mahoning County Prosecutor Ralph Rivera, the girl stated if she screamed during acts of sexual abuse, Palmer “would like put a blanket inside her mouth,” adding Palmer told her “If I could do this with you, I would never touch your mom again.”
      When her mother first learned of the allegations, she immediately took her daughter to Akron Childrens Hospital the same day.
      Since his conviction, Palmer has been incarcerated in Marion, Oh.
      An appeal of his convictions on a variety of assignments of error was filed before the Seventh District Court by Atty. John Juhasz, of West Blvd., Boardman, who was appointed at public cost. Among the claims of error, Juhasz said that Palmer had been denied due process, and his court-appointed counsel in Judge Sweeney’s court was “ineffective.” In each instance, the Seventh District Court said Juhasz’s assertions were meritless.
      The record of the court includes a document entitled “Introduction and Summary,” signed by Palmer, who says he was involved “in the legal equivalent of a greased pig contest,” additionally claiming he had erectile dysfunction and libido issues, perhaps documented by an extended stay at St. Vincent Hospital in Cleveland.
      Palmer also claimed in the document it was “evident” he stayed at the Brookwood apartment for only 60 days.
      Palmer claimed his trial counsel allowed him “to be depicted as a vile criminal, a sexual deviant even with a terrible disposition and respect for nothing or no one.”
      Palmer concluded the trial “was a true and literal public lynching in every sense where no real justice can be seen.”
      The young girl testified at his trial, and Palmer opined “the testimony constantly changed…then that means the evidence constantly changed, and no one can ever meaningfully defend themselves against ever changing evidence.”
      In its decision, the Seventh District Court, in an opinion authored by Judge Gene Donofrio, ruled there was adequate evidence of sexual conduct that was presented to sustain the rape charges. Judges Cheryl Waite and Carol Robb concurred.
      In claiming ineffectiveness of his trial lawyer, The Seventh District Court said that Palmer asserted his counsel “admitted he was unprepared for trail.”
      “The test for determining whether counsel was ineffective is: 1) Whether counsel’s performance was deficient; and 2) If so, whether the deficiency resulted in prejudice,” The Seventh District Court said, noting “In order to meet the prejudice prong, [Palmer and his counsel. Atty. Juhasz]…must show a reasonable probability that, but for (trial) counsel’s errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.”
      The claims of ineffective counsel “lacks merit,” the Seventh District Court said.
      In other assertion of error, Atty. Juhasz took issue with testimony given in Judge Sweeney’s Court by a nurse practitioner from Akron Childrens Hospital, claiming their testimony “improperly bolstered (the young girl’s) testimony and its truthfulness.”
      “The [nurse practitioner] is an expert in this case, due to her specialized knowledge, training, education and experience in child abuse pediatrics,” The Seventh District Court said.
      It added, “We…find no error by the trail court in admitting [the nurse practitioner’s] testimony that the [victim’s] behavior in this case was consistent with behaviors she had observed in other sexually abused children….
      “She explained that children sometimes disclose only increments of the abuse because they are embarrassed or worried about how adults around them will respond.”
      Atty Juhasz also took issue with Atty. Rivera, as well as Boardman Police Sgt. Charles Hillman Jr., who referred to the child as a ‘victim.’
      “While the prosecution referred to the [child] as a victim once…and Sgt. Hillman referred to her in this capacity four times, it does not rise to the level of prejudice,” the Seventh District Court said.

     Boardman Local School’s Board of Education, by unanimous vote, hired Daniel J. Dota III, 50, of 124 Sugarcane Dr., as the system’s new head football coach, during a ‘meeting’ held in 17-degree temperatures on the 50 yard line at Spartan Stadium.
      Dota replaces Seth Anthram, who quit the job last month, to return to the Youngstown City Schools where he will be Chaney High School head football coach and also serve as dean of boys in the city school system.
      Antram served as Spartan head coach for just one season, as Boardman posted a 4-5 mark, and throughout the season was hit with costly unsportsmanlike penalties.
      “I’m really excited about being a head coach again,” said Dota, who had previous head coaching stops at West Branch for eight years and Warren G. Harding for four before serving in assistant roles the last few years. “Sometimes, when you’re doing something, you don’t realize how much you’re going to miss it. I think after about a year and a half, I got really itchy. … So I’m excited to have the opportunity, especially at a place like this with all the support.”
      More than 30 persons applied for the Boardman post.
      Dota said his first order of business, though, is to set program expectations.
      “It’s a great tradition here. I’m going to teach my vision and where I see us going — these are the expectations of our program, and these are the expectations we’ll live by,” he said. “Whether that’s in school, on the field, in the weight room or in the community, this is how we’ll act, and hopefully we demonstrate greatness in all those things we do.”
      Dota has previous head coaching experience, posting a record of 38-42 at West Branch, and was also the head coach at Warren Harding where he won 23 games in four years with the Raiders.
      Dota, a Liberty High School product (where he was a quarterback) and Youngstown State University graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s Degree in Education.
      He began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at his alma mater in 1991.
      Liberty hired him to be on staff the following season and he left after 1994 to become an assistant at Girard. Following a two-year stint, Dota was hired as a Harding assistant by former head coach Gary Barber in 1997.
      Dota spent seven years at Harding, including the final four (2000-03) as defensive coordinator under Thom McDaniels, Barber’s successor.
      Dota left Harding to become defensive coordinator and strength coach at Struthers in 2004. After two years, he returned to Harding and spent one more year as McDaniels’ defensive coordinator and secondary coach.
      In 2010, as head coach at Harding, Dota was named Trumbull County Coach of the Year.
      He comes to Boardman High School after serving two seasons as defensive coordinator for the Girard High School football program, and in 2019 spent a year as an assistant coach at Columbiana High School.
      In a resume provided to The Boardman News by the Boardman HS Athletic Department, Dota identified his objective as “to lead positive change in education for the benefit of all students.”

     Meeting on Monday night, Boardman Trustees hired a private company to conduct a survey of township roads.
      Tetra Tech, of Cincinnati, Oh., was hired at a cost not to exceed $15,400 to provide engineering services for pavement evaluation for township roads.
      “With this new rating system, we will be able to determine which roads are the worst,” newly-tabbed Chairman of the Boardman of Trustees, Larry Moliterno said.
      Trustee Brad Calhoun noted the road survey should be completed sometime in May.
      One person attended the meeting, Tom Guerrieri, who complained Ivy Hill Dr. had not been resurfaced in a quarter century.
      Guerrieri said residents of Ivy Hill Dr., including himself, pay upwards of $10,000 a year in property taxes and “have third world roads.”
      “We have to take care of all the roads in Boardman, not just places where residents pay high taxes,” Moliterno responded, adding that Guerrieri provided Trustees “a lot of good information, and we will do the study and go from there.”
      Township Road Superintendent, Marilyn Kenner, noted there are some 140-plus miles of roadway in Boardman and once the survey is completed, “all roads will have a permanent rating. The survey will determine which roads are worst.”
      Kenner also told Trustees the roof at the township Road Department building needs replaced and the cost could approach $715,000.
      In another matter, Trustees approved a payment of $75,000 to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office to serve as the township’s law director for 2022.

     SPELLING CHAMPS---The Boardman Center Intermediate Spelling Bee was held on Friday, January 7 with nearly 80 students in grades four, five and six, participating in the event. The contestants qualified for the annual spelling bee based on their performance on a written spelling test of 30 challenging words. Champion was sixth grader Evan Moorman, at left. The BCIS Bee was decided in round eight with Moorman correctly spelling his given word in that round and the championship word “contessa.” Fifth grader Mahib Ahmad was runner up. Glenwood Junior High also recently hosted a school-wide spelling bee and eighth grader Lily Vondran, at right, was the champion. Eighth grader Lilly Andrei was runner up. Vondran and Moorman will represent Boardman Local Schools at the Regional Bee on Sat., March 12 at Stambaugh Auditorium.

     LEGAL NOTICE
      The Boardman Township Trustees will conduct a Public Hearing on the following amendment to the Boardman Township Zoning Map on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 4:30 PM. Following the recommendation of the Zoning Commission, the proposed amendment is being referred to the Board of Trustees for final determination.
      AMENDMENT A-2021-04
      Golden Eye Developers on behalf of Michelle M Miller Trustee, property owner, requests a zone change for 6412 South Ave., Boardman, Ohio 44512, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property to PUD-Planned Unit Development zoning district. The property is further known as LOT 3 214.01 X 1091.60 IRR GEORGE FARM REPLAT 3, Parcel 29-016-0-185.00-0. Said property is currently zoned RB-Regional Business & R-2 Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      To view a hard copy of the texts and maps at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing, please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Larry Moliterno, Chairman
      Boardman Township Trustees
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP,
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development
     

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      The Boardman Local School Board met on Mon., Dec. 20. Not on the agenda given to the public were three items---a lawsuit filed against a Washington, D.C. consulting firm, the resignation of the system’s treasurer, and the resignation of the high school’s head football coach.
      The lawsuit, filed Dec. 15 in the U.S. District Court/Northern District of Ohio, says a management consulting firm, McKinsey & Co., played a role in advising pharmaceutical companies of methods to market addictive drugs---and that led to an increase in the number of infants born with opioid withdrawal symptoms. The suit alleges students born to drug-addicted mothers may have developmental ‘delays,’ and that has caused increases in the costs of special education services provided to students.
      Atty. Marc Getz, who is representing Boardman Local Schools, said the lawsuit, “is a class action complaint filed on behalf of all independent public school districts in Ohio and alleges that McKinsey played a central role in the expansion of the opioid crisis by advising multiple opioid manufacturers in the sale and distribution of opioids.”
      McKinsey is a global management consulting firm, with over 30,000 employees and operations in more than 65 countries.
      The Boardman Local School District’s Treasurer, Terry Armstrong, has announced that he will take the same post with the Newton Falls School District, effective Jan. 24, 2022. Armstrong was hired as Boardman treasurer in late Aug., 2020.
      And, after serving as head football coach for only a year, Seth Antram will leave the post to return from where he came, Chaney High School, to lead that football program, and as well, become Dean of Boys for the Youngstown City Schools. Antram took over the reigns of a Spartan grid program whose 2022 freshman class posted an unbeaten season and as seniors, finished just 4-5.
      During their regular meeting on Dec. 20, the school board unanimously approved an appropriations resolution report for Fiscal Year 2022. Total appropriations listed in the report are $66.167 million.
      That includes a general fund of $46.628 million, as well as $6.853 million for employee benefits/self insurance, $3.255 in funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (Covid-related funding); $2.182 million for permanent improvements; $1.538 million for food service; $1.152 million in certain grant monies; $1.214 million in Title I disadvantaged children funds.
      In his November financial report, outgoing Treasurer Armstrong noted a significant change in the system’s spending plan.
      “As the year progresses we will see a change...due to the implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan. Funding that was received based on average daily membership included foundation revenue for students who attended non-public, charter schools and open enrollment.
      “A major change will be that this will no longer show up in a district’s average daily membership, thus per pupil funding will not be shown as revenue as we will get funded (only) for students attending Boardman Local Schools.
      “This will be a net gain for Boardman as this will be off-set by lower expenditures for those students leaving the district that under the old school funding system resulted in costs that exceeded what we received for each student,” Armstrong said.
      The Lawsuit
      Boardman Local School System’s suit against McKinsey & Co. is just one of many filed against the company across the United State and Canada.
      For example, in early December, 2021, In a coordinated legal strategy, seven counties in east Tennessee and five counties plus one city in west Tennessee have filed separate lawsuits against consulting firm McKinsey & Co. over its involvement in the opioid crisis.
      A third federal lawsuit is expected shortly from a group of counties in middle Tennessee, according to Greeneville, Tenn. attorney Crystal Jessee, who is part of a team of attorneys representing Tennessee counties filing suit.
      The Tennessee counties are seeking an unspecific amount in damages from the giant global management consulting firm over its role as an advisor to Purdue Pharma, the maker of the opioid drug, oxycontin, whose use and abuse continues to exact a devastating toll on families and communities in Tennessee, and across the nation.
      The lawsuits were filed 10 months after Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery III announced the state of Tennessee had joined a multi-state settlement with McKinsey, involving 47 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories for $573 million. Tennessee’s share of the settlement is $15.1 million.
      In Oct., 2021 a class action lawsuit was filed in Toronto, Canada by Sotos Class Actions and Goldblatt Partners LLP against McKinsey for its role in fuelling the opioid epidemic in Canada
      The representative of the class, Jordan Francis Charlie, a resident of northern Ontario, was first prescribed oxycontin in 2007 due to a back injury sustained while working in forestry. Mr. Charlie soon developed a devastating addiction to opioids, resulting in the loss of his job and the custody of his child.
      “Mr. Charlie’s tragic experience with highly addictive, ineffective, and unsafe prescription opioids is typical of thousands of Canadians,” the lawsuit says.
      Canada is the world’s second largest consumer of opioids, second only to the United States. In Canada, prescription use of opioids increased by 203% between 2000 and 2010, while sales of oxycontin soared during the same period. According to the Government of Canada, from January 2016 to December 2020, there were 21,174 apparent opioid-related deaths across Canada and 24,671 hospitalizations for opioid-related overdoses.
      In Dec. 2021, Virginia’s Opioid Abatement Authority generated it’s first funds from a lawsuit with McKinsey. Money from a settlement with the company will go toward mitigating the effects of the opioid crisis throughout the Commonwealth.
      The Abatement Authority was born out of legislation put forward by Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring. It aims to support opioid abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.
      According to a press release from Herring’s office, the settlement is worth more than $11.3 million. Herring said that McKinsey & Co. played a role in “turbocharging the opioid crisis.”
      “No dollar amount will ever bring back the Virginians that we have lost to opioids or make their families whole again, but we can fund crucial prevention, treatment and recovery programs to truly help those who are suffering,” said Herring in a press release.
      In June, 2021, New York City filed a lawsuit against McKinsey, accusing the consulting firm of being a mastermind of the opioid epidemic.
      The lawsuit against McKinsey was filed by the city and more than 20 state counties in Suffolk County’s state Supreme Court, with plaintiffs claiming “the worst man-made epidemic in history” was due in part to the company’s “major role in crafting and implementing” deceptive marketing strategies to sell addictive prescription pills.
      In February, 2021, McKinsey agreed to pay nearly $600 million to most U.S. states, including New York, to settle allegations that it fueled the crisis by helping Perdue Pharma sell oxycontin. Months earlier, Perdue pleaded guilty to criminal charges in connection with the national epidemic.
      McKinsey claims its prior settlement shelters it from the lawsuit filed by the city and other local governments.
      The December School Board Meeting
      The school board accepted the following certificated staff resignations:
       •Michelle Minteer, Robinwood Lane Elementary School, intervention specialist, resignation effective December 15.
       •Sue Purfey, Boardman High School, intervention specialist, retirement effective March 1, 2022.
      Leaves of absence were approved for:
       •Cara Henley, Center Intermediate School sixth grade language arts teacher, first-year unpaid parental leave of absence from December 9 through February 28, 2022.
       •Alicia Orr, Center Intermediate School sixth-grade social studies teacher, second-year unpaid parental leave of absence from August 16 through June 30, 2022.
       •Becky Amadio, an unpaid leave of absence per the OAPSE contract Article XI Section E for Ms. Amadio from December 13 through January 7, 2022.
      A member of the system’s classified staff, Melissa D’Altorio, was transferred from 220 days general office to a 250 days as Principal’s Administrative Assistant. D’Altorio replaces Jean Rider.
      Kelly Black was granted a one-year limited contract as 2.5-hour cafeteria server at Boardman High School, replacing Amy Theodore.
      Maria Quintalti was granted a one-year limited contract as a half contract bus aide for the 2021-2022 school year effective November 17. Quintalti replaces Jerry Rosine.
      On-Staff supplemental contracts were granted to:
       •Jeana Carpenter, High School, Math 24; Glenwood Junior High School, Math Counts, and Glenwood Junior High School, Math Contest;
       •Eric Diefenderfer, Glenwood Junior High School, Robotics Team (grade 7 and 8 Maroon);
       •Lindsay Donadio - Center Intermediate School, Math 24 (grades 4,5,6);
       •Kristen Ebie, Glenwood Junior High School, Math 24; Glenwood Junior High School, Math Counts, and Glenwood Junior High School, Math Contest.
       •Tim Harker - Glenwood Junior High School, Robotics Team (grades 7 and 8 White); and
       •Maria Russo, Center Intermediate School, Math 24 (grades 4,5,6).
      Off Staff Supplemental contracts were granted to:
       •Scott Burns - High School Orchestra Assistant, work not to exceed his average of 29.5 hours/week;
       •John Gabriel - High School,Stage Crew Advisor;
       •Charles Hoover, High School Stage Crew Advisor; and
       •Nick Opritza - High School Dramatics Director.
       •Alannah Hetzel was approved as an off-staff volunteer high school Speech and Debate assistant coach
      Longevity Pay was approved for April Sanfilippo after the completion of 19 years of continuous service with the Boardman Local School District.
      Carmela Schuster was approved for long-term substitute wages after having substituted for 60 consecutive days in the same position. Schuster has been a social studies teacher at Center Intermediate School.
      Joseph Hollabaugh was granted a $1,250 stipend for additional hours of taping and editing of school productions.
      Kristin Huzyak was approved for a quarterly stipend as $1,250 as Covid coordinator at Center Intermediate School for the second, third, and fourth grading periods.
      Three persons were approved for $30 students each for time spent working at a choral music concert---ticket sellers Cheryl Dutko, Jody Marlin and Lori Neiman.
      Stipends were approved for time spent working on the production of Guys and Dolls for the following:
       •Bill Amendol, orchestra director, $1650; Cheryl Dutko, ticket seller, $112; Lori Neiman, ticket seller, $112.50; Anne Sopher, assistant costumer, $500; and Alyssa Titi, pianist, $800.
      The school board approved stipends for time spent coaching fall sports to Paul Butto, football, $1,500; Jesse Curry, football, $3,000; Tommy Fryda, boys soccer, $599; and Steve Stahura, football, $500.

     17-year-old Boardman High School senior Marrwa Kermagi had no idea when she woke up the morning of Dec. 20 that she would be offered a scholarship package that would cover the total cost of college for four years.
      Kermagi, who was recently accepted to the YSU-BaccMed program, was selected from a highly competitive applicant pool for the funding, that covers three to four years of pre-med undergraduate tuition, as well as room and board.
      “It was unexpected and I’m genuinely thankful for my parents, and the school and Boardman administration, and all the teachers who helped me,” said Kermagi.
      A surprise visit from YSU to present the scholarship award letter was arranged---and Marrwa’s parents kept the secret to surprise her.
      “The BaccMed Honors Scholar Program seeks the best and brightest students to become the next generation of family physicians in northeast Ohio,” said Johnny Ware, coordinator in the Honors College, adding “Marrwa was so enthusiastic in her application and we are excited to see what her future holds at YSU.”
      Kermagi is one of the youngest seniors at BHS, just turning 17-years-old in December. She has a 4.0 GPA with and is on track for first in class honors at Boardman.
      “My mom is really my inspiration,” said Kermagi. “She was a pediatrician overseas before our family moved here.”
      Kermagi says she loves all sciences but biology is her favorite. She couldn’t wait to share the news with her mentor, biology teacher Heather Moran.

     The Boardman Township Trustees will conduct a Public Hearing on the following amendment to the Boardman Township Zoning Map on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 4:30 PM. Following the recommendation of the Zoning Commission, the proposed amendment is being referred to the Board of Trustees for final determination.
      AMENDMENT A-2021-03
      Woda-Cooper Companies on behalf of Lawrence & Rose Liguore, property owners, requests a zone change for Andrea Lane., Boardman, Ohio 44512, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property to R-3 residential zoning district. The property is further known as LOT 3 130.86 X 500.69 IRR REPLAT OF LOT NOS 2 & 3 L.R. LIQUORE PROFESSIONAL ALLOTMENT, Parcel 29-016-0-183.03-0. Said property is currently zoned RB-Regional Business & R-2 Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      AMENDMENT A-2021-04
      Golden Eye Developers on behalf of Michelle M Miller Trustee, property owner, requests a zone change for 6412 South Ave., Boardman, Ohio 44512, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property to PUD-Planned Unit Development zoning district. The property is further known as LOT 3 214.01 X 1091.60 IRR GEORGE FARM REPLAT 3, Parcel 29-016-0-185.00-0. Said property is currently zoned RB-Regional Business & R-2 Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      To view a hard copy of the texts and maps at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing, please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Brad Calhoun, Chairman
      Boardman Township Trustees
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP,
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development

      Boardman Township residents are eligible for funding that is available to emergency home repairs through the American Rescue Plan (ARP).
      The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Program (YNDC) offer a Mahoning County home repair program to assist low-income home owners with emergency repairs and more.
      Applicants must be at or below 50% of the area median income, and meet other eligibility requirement. The program is funded by the Mahoning County Commissioners.
      For more information about the program, call the YNDC at 330-480-0423.

     Meeting in November, the Boardman Board of Education unanimously approved an agreement with Community Behavior Counsel to utilize the services of a ‘behavior technician’ in order to achieve ‘behavior stabilization’ with students in need of such services. Below is a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding provided by
      Community Behavior Counseling in regards to the role of a behavior technician.
      Memorandum of Understanding
      Community Behavior Consulting is excited to place a behavior technician in your school. The role of the behavior technician is to follow the plan outlined by the BCBA to produce socially significant behavior change with one or more of your students. This service is inherently temporary, as the goal is to achieve behavior stabilization so that the student(s) no longer needs the behavior intervention. Because this is a contracted position in your district, Community Behavior Consulting has the following policies:
       ● The behavior technician must work with the student(s) in which they are assigned. Because it is required to have a plan in place for behavior intervention, the behavior technician cannot observe, assess, or provide substitute coverage for other students or teachers without prior approval with the BCBA.
       ● Behavior intervention services must be focused on following the plan outlined by the BCBA. The behavior technician cannot be responsible for essential duties of the classroom. This may include arrival and dismissal of students, content area teaching, lunch coverage, toileting duties, providing accommodations or modification as outlined on the IEP, etc.
       ● The behavior technician is cleared to work with students and may work with one to three students alone. However, the behavior technician cannot be responsible for the classroom instruction nor be left alone with the whole class. Due to the nature of ABA certifications, there must be an ODE licensed responsible district staff member leading the classroom in addition to the behavior technician.
       ● Until properly certified, the behavior technician cannot participate in hands-on crisis intervention. Community Behavior Consulting offers this training,but may not have provided this training before placement in your school in order to expedite the placement. Therefore, there must be at least a district staff member certified in crisis intervention in the classroom with the behavior technician.
       ● The BCBA is the direct supervisor of the behavior technician. Any concerns or comments about the behavior technician should be directed to the BCBA immediately. Additionally, the behavior technician should immediately report any concerns to the BCBA.
       ● All communication with parents, administrators, and other service providers should go through the classroom teacher. The behavior technician should not be communicating questions or concerns to anyone but the classroom teacher or the BCBA. This is to ensure that communication is streamlined and focused on the effectiveness of the behavior intervention. Behavior technicians will be instructed not to give their phone number to parents.
       ● The behavior technician will be present at school for 7.5 hours unless otherwise approved. The behavior technician will receive a 30 minute lunch or break in the middle of the day at a time mutually agreed upon with the classroom teacher. This lunch or break is to occur without students.
       ● The behavior technician is responsible for documentation as required by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). This documentation should be on approved data sheets or forms as determined by the BCBA. The behavior technician will be instructed not to take anecdotal notes. School incident reports may be completed by Community Behavior Consulting. A copy of the incident report should be emailed to the BCBA for Community Behavior Consulting record.
       ● Because of the documentation requirements, the behavior technician may need to spend a reasonable amount of time, not exceeding 5% of the session or day, to complete their notes. The documentation can be done in the moment or at a designated time in the day.
       ● Community Behavior Consulting is a very small business. As such, substitute staff is not guaranteed. When absences are planned, Community Behavior Consulting will make all efforts to cover for that day. Behavior technicians must maintain 95% attendance according to Community Behavior Consulting policies. Absences below that over two consecutive months will be addressed.
       ● There may be times, while infrequent, when behavior technicians cannot be present in order to complete mandatory training for Community Behavior Consulting. The district will be given ample notice. At this time, substitute staff is not possible.
       ● The behavior technician will be required to follow HIPPA guidelines to maintain confidentiality. The behavior technician will be instructed to not share any student information with anyone, including other district staff members, that are not on the student’s Individualized Educaional Plan (IEP) team.
       ● The behavior technician is required to maintain professional boundaries with school staff. This is to prevent misinterpretations of information pertaining to the duties of the behavior technician or the student(s).
       ● The behavior technician must follow Community Behavior Consulting policies. If school district policy and Community Behavior Consulting policies conflict, the BCBA will provide a resolution via written email or plan.
       ● The school district agrees not to solicit Community Behavior Consulting staff for district positions. If a district position opens and meets the professional desires of a Community Behavior Consulting staff member, they should approach their supervisor.
      Jennifer Gonda, Director
      Community Behavior Consulting
     

     photo/John A. Darnell jr.
       SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS ARRIVED AT BOARDMAN PARK on Sun., Dec. 5 where the annual Community Christmas was observed. Inside Olde St. James Church at the park, the Boardman Singers, directed by Linda Smrek, and the Boardman High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Tim Tuite, provided holiday music for all to enjoy. After their appearance at Boardman Park, Mr. and Mrs. Claus returned to New Castle, Pa. where they are known as Mr. and Mrs. Jim List.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      To date, the Boardman Police Department has answered more than 260 calls of reported thefts at Wal-Mart, 1300 Doral Dr. Since Jan. 1, 2021, police have been called to the store 538 times.During a 16 day period in November alone, police were at the store no less than 20 times. Below is a listing of calls on which police were sent to the store between Nov. 9 and Nov. 27. During that span, police were sent to the
      store 27 times:
      Nov. 9: At 10:20 p.m., Nathan Wright, 27, of 929.5 North Market St., Lisbon, Oh., was placed under arrest and searched. Ptl. Brian Moss said a glass pipe was found in a jacket pocket, and a ‘tin’ that contained a cloudy, rock-type substance was found in another pocket. “Knight immediately stated that the rock was bath salts and he uses the glass pipe to smoke the salts,” Officer Moss said, adding another pocket contained a digital scale. Police recovered $69.59 worth of suspected stolen merchandise, including batteries and a hoody. According to Officer Moss, Knight admitted lying about his name and using his brother’s name because he was wanted on warrants. Knight was charged with obstruction, theft, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of drugs.
      Nov. 13: At 2:17 p.m., Ptl. Angelo Pasquale went to Wal-Mart on a call of a theft. Police were told a man wearing a New York baseball hat ‘selected’ about $300 worth of merchandise, including a Hoover carpet cleaner, tools and engine oil, then left the store without paying and entered a green Buick. A second man ‘selected’ a $426.86 television and then left the store without making payment, and got into the same Buick as the first suspect, police said, adding the vehicle fled north on South Ave. toward Youngstown.
      Nov. 13: At 4:35 p.m., two police officers went to Wal-Mart on a theft call, as the store’s loss prevention said a male and female had been detained as suspects. The pair were identified as Xavier Gilford, 33, of 25 Market St., #1003, Youngstown, Oh., and Lashaunda Estella Brown, 35, of 25359 Mt. Vernon Ave., Youngstown. Police were told after the pair ‘selected’ multiple items, they proceeded to a self checkout and they failed to scan $175.64 worth of merchandise. “After skip-scanning the merchandise, the pair loaded the items they failed to pay for into a shopping cart with the items they had already paid for,” Ptl. Angelo Pasquale said. Both suspects were charged with theft.
      Nov. 13: At 6:22 p.m., Ptl. Joseph Lamping was sent to Wal-Mart after a shoplifting suspect, Emma Gabryelle Chamberlain, 22, of 4255 Chester Dr. has been detained by loss prevention. Wal-Mart loss prevention employee Nicole Mirto told police that Chamberlain entered the store, ‘selected’ $205.76 worth of merchandise and “only scanned some of the merchandise, making “no attempt to scan 43 items.” Chamberlain was charged with theft.
      Nov. 14: Two police officers went to Wal-Mart at 11:00 a.m. because the business asked that a criminal trespass warning be issued to David Lawrence Brown Jr., 58, of Youngstown. Police were told that Brown is an ex-employee of Wal-Mart and had a reputation for harassing the store’s employees. “Brown was extremely cooperative and question why Wal-Mart did not give him the trespass warning when his employment was terminated on Mar., 2021. Brown said that he was terminated for harassing fellow employees,” Ptl. Mike Calautti said, adding that Brown acknowledged the trespass warning.
      Nov. 14: At 9:18 p.m., four police officers dealt with a shoplifting call at Wal-Mart. One suspect, identified as Jesse James Riffle, 30, of 603 Clearmont, Youngstown, was located in the parking lot of the nearby Storming Crab restaurant. Police said he fled on foot, then eventually stopped running and was placed into a cruiser. Wal-Mart loss prevention employee Troy Brabant positively identified Riffle as a suspect in the theft of a $2.54 can of spray cleaner, Ptl. Dave Jones said. Police were told that Riffle had entered the store with another man, identified as James Gadd, 34, of 4495 New Rd., Austintown, Oh. Police located Gadd inside the store and arrested him on a felony warrant issued out of Austintown for a violation of a court order. Riffle was charged with theft, obstruction and resisting arrest.
      Nov. 15: At 5:09 a.m., Wal-Mart employee Charles Morrison told police he was “conducting perimeter security checks” when he found a loaded, .40 caliber gun at the rear of the Wal-Mart building. The firearm was turned over to Boardman police.
      Nov. 15: At 10:41 p.m., nine police officer went to Wal-Mart after receiving a call a man attempted to leave the store with unpaid merchandise. Police were told the suspect fled northbound towards Youngstown in a pick-up truck that had a refrigerator in its bed. “The suspect attempted to remove a microwave and two Tasty cookers without paying for them,” Ptl. Brian Moss said, noting the merchandise had been recovered. The pick-up truck with the refrigerator in its bed was located northbound on Southern Blvd. by Ptl. Tony Ciccotelli. The truck was driven by Nicholas Gibson, 31, of 6982 Mistletoe, Youngstown. He was issued a citation for expired registration. Another man in the truck, told police his name was Howard Howell, 53, of Ridgelawn Ave., Youngstown. Police learned his identity was fake. Note: On Nov. 16, at 10:00 a.m., Elijah Junior Taylor, 42, of 346 Mistltoe, had been arrested by U.S. Marshals after Det. Doug Taylor identified Taylor as the man who had used Howell’s identity. Taylor was charged with identification fraud and multiple, other warrants on seven, different incidents. Taylor complained of chest pain and was taken to a hospital. Five hours later he was released and then lodged in the Mahoning County Jail.
      Nov. 18: At 3:01 p.m., Shawntai Marie Beiling, 32, of 1032 East South Range Rd., Springfield, Oh., was charged with theft at Wal-Mart. “Merchandise was retrieved from her jacket sleeves and purse,” Ptl. Mike Manis said. The merchandise included fleece gloves, various electronic items, mini notebooks and key chains valued at $151.54. Loss prevention employee Nicole Mirto said the incident had been captured on a surveillance camera.
      Nov. 18: At 5:22 p.m., Veronica Scott, 35, of 3431 Hudson Ave., Youngstown, Oh., was charged with theft of $184.34 worth of merchandise on Oct. 15 at 10:02 a.m. at Wal-Mart. Loss prevention employee Brittany Young told police that Scott entered the store with an infant and a teenaged boy and ‘selected’ the $184.34 worth of merchandise “and took it to the self-checkout counter where she paid for an 88-cent item.” Young said that Scott then left the store and got into a Pontiac registered to Clarence Spann, of 450 Almyra, Youngstown, Oh.
      Nov. 18: At 7:33 p.m., Wal-Mart loss prevention employee Nicole Mirto said she stopped a shoplifting suspect who attempted to leave the store with $111.01 worth of stolen merchandise. After obtaining the female suspect’s name, the suspect told Mirto “I have a gun in my purse.” Mirto, concerned with her safety, then told the woman to leave the store, Ptl. Nick Rusyn said. Note: Police learned the suspect does have a valid conceal carry permit.
      Nov. 18: At 10:13 p.m., police were told a female entered the store and placed a variety of merchandise into a shopping cart. “She went to the self-checkout where she scanned and paid for some of the items, then also bagged other items she purposely failed to scan,” Wal-Mart loss prevention employee Mirto said, adding the woman then went to a customer service area and attempted to obtain a refund for the items she did not pay for. Mirto said the female, identified as Sharnita Latisha Baker, 36, of 180 East Marion, Youngstown, Oh., was denied a refund (because she did not have identification) and she placed $79.56 worth of merchandise she did not pay for back into her shopping cart and attempted to leave. Mirto said the security cameras captured the incident. Baker was charged with theft.
      Nov. 19: Police went to Wal-Mart at 2:28 p.m. after being told a man and a woman were skip-scanning. “An employee from Wal-Mart approached both and advised them they were not scanning items correctly,” Ptl. Brian Cionni said, adding “Both suspects ignored the employee and continued to skips-can additional items, placing the unpaid items into a shopping cart.” They then left the store, and after being approached by loss prevention were escorted back into the store. Charged with theft were Bryasia Monique Walker, 25, of 1951 Tracy Lane, Youngstown; and Davon Tremayne London, 22, of 920 North Garland, Youngstown, Oh. “One of the items Walker is suspected of stealing was a $24.88 backpack. One of the items London is suspected of stealing was a pack of socks valued at $19.98,” Ptl. Cionni said.
      Nov. 20 at 3:02 p.m., Roger Joe Mercer, 49, of 408 Ridge Ave., New Cumberland, West Virginia, was charged with theft (failing to scan) 20 items of merchandise valued at $381.91 (including $3.27 worth of Red Bull). The merchandise was recovered.
      Nov. 20: At 8:06 p.m. six police officers were sent to Wal-Mart. Police were told a suspect removed tags from merchandise then concealed the goods in a backpack. “The state of Ohio then became the victim of possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction when the suspect lied about his identity and had a crack pipe in his pocket. It was also discovered that the suspect had an active warrant out of the Ohio Department of Rehab and Correction/Adult Parole Authority,” police said. When confront by police, the suspect said he was Keith Brown. He was correctly identified as Lewis Dandre Brown, 32, of 1764 Market St., Youngstown, Oh. When asked by police if he knew was he was being handcuffed, Brown replied, “shoplifting,” Ptl. Dave Jones said.
      On Nov. 20, at 10:30 p.m., three police officers went to Wal-Mart after a suspect attempted to steal 36 pieces of merchandise valued at $1562.97, including a 63-inch television, a cordless vacuum, a gaming headset and assorted clothing items valued at $1,562.97. When confronted, a male suspect told two Wal-Mart loss prevention officers he was ‘high” and fled on foot, leaving the merchandise behind, and getting into an old truck with no working taillights. “The suspect then drove erratically through the parking lot at an extremely high rate of speed, initially without closing his driver’s side door,” Ptl. Evan Beil said.
      Nov. 21: At 2:30 p.m., Jason Patrick Smith, 34, of 60 Sciota Dr., was charged with theft at Wal-Mart, placing items into a shopping bag without scanning them and then exiting the store.
      Nov. 21: At 4:00 p.m., Gary Phillip Brainard Jr., 52, of 2480 Redgate Lane, Austintown, Oh., charged with theft. Police were told suspected stolen merchandise had been recovered. Police were told Brainard fled Wal-Mart and he was later located across the street at Gabriel’s. Police said Brainard fled on foot through a field and he was apprehended when police caught up with him in a front yard on Bristlewood Dr. Brainard was also charged with obstruction and resisting arrest.
      Nov. 21: At 7:46 p.m., Trinity Rana Edwards, 21, and Lameisha Monay Drayton, 21, both of 2664 Tyrell, Youngstown, Oh., charged with theft at Wal-Mart. Drayton ‘selected’ $104.51 worth of merchandise and Edwards ‘selected’ $155.20 worth of merchandise and failed to scan the items, concealing them underneath items they purchased, loss prevention employee Nicole Mirto said. The stolen items were recovered. Drayton was also found to be wanted on a failure to appear warrant issued by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and she was transferred to their custody.
      Nov. 22: At 3:54 p.m., Benedict Chance Santana, 22, and Kaleigh Patton, 22, both of 2009 Lynn Ave., Poland, Oh. turned themselves into Boardman police on a theft report at Wal-Mart on Nov. 3. On Nov. 3, loss prevention employee Mirto said she watched the pair place items they were not scanned into bags with scanned items. Mirto said the incident was captured on surveillance cameras.
      Nov. 23: At 7:57 p.m., police were advised of a suspected theft at Wal-Mart on Nov. 19 about 4:20 p.m. when a man entered the store, ‘selected’ a $178 power tool set, took the security wrapping off the merchandise, then walked out of the store. The theft was captured when surveillance videos were reviewed.
      Nov. 23: At 7:54 p.m., police made a theft report for an incident on Nov. 19 when police were told a man ‘selected’ three boxes of king crab legs, as well as men’s work pants, a rotisserie chick, men’s underwear (total value of $200) and walked out of the store. Surveillance footage of the incident was given to police as evidence.
      Nov. 24: At 3:50 p.m., two police officers went to Wal-Mart after being advised a female shoplifting suspect left the store’s parking lot in a black Kia bearing Pennsylvania license plates. Loss prevention employee Nicole Mirto said she observed a female concealing merchandise and when she attempted to leave the store, after passing all points of sale, Mirto attempted to stop the suspect, who told the security officer, “I lost my wallet in here, you can have all of this shit,” Ptl. Shannon Chaffee said, adding the suspect left the shopping cart full of unpaid merchandise in the entry way.
      Nov. 25: At 1:15 a.m., police were told a man appeared to be passed-out in a motor vehicle in the parking lot of Wal-Mart. Police located a vehicle with a man named Stuart Hull, 47, of 8303 Glenwood Ave,, inside the vehicle. Asked what was going on, Hull said he had been kicked-out of his girlfriend’s house. He admitted to Ptl. Thomas Zorzi he had been drinking in Austintown and then drove to Wal-Mart. Based upon alcohol indicators, Hull was placed under arrest for lack of physical control.
      Nov. 26: At 4:56 p.m., police were advised a male had taken merchandise and concealed it in a backpack inside Wal-Mart. When the man exited the store, walking passed all points of sale without paying, he was approached by police. A search of the backpack also turned-up several used needles. Raymond Scott Betts, 38, of 1270 South Turner Rd., Austintown, Oh., was charged with theft ($20.98 worth of moonshine, gloves valued at $15.47 and a $25.44 flashlight) and possession of drug paraphernalia. “Betts admitted that he use [the needles] for drug, but he did not currently have any drugs on him,” Ptl. Kevin Stratton said.
      Nov. 26: At 7:53 p.m., Ethan Alexander Hunt, 18, 870 East Auburndale, Youngstown, Oh., charged with theft of ten packs of mini Fireball whiskey valued at $29.94 at Wal-Mart. According to Ptl. Shannon Chaffee, when a loss prevention officer approached Hunt, he said he was “on probation and not going back to jail.” After booking, Hunt was released on a court summons.
      Nov. 27: At 4:14 p.m., Michael Phillips, 64, of 705 Cassius, Yougnstown, Oh. was charged with theft of $187 worth of merchandise, including a $100 air bed, at Wal-Mart. “Police observed Phillips in security cameras concealing merchandise and walking passed all points of sale without paying,” Ptl. Kevin Stratton said. After booking, Phillips was released on a summons.

     75 years ago, The Boardman News published its first edition out of an office space in a building owned by Dr. Robert Heaver at Market St. and Rt. 224 (now the headquarters of esteemed local defense attorney J. Gerald Ingram and his co-counsels who include his son, Ryan, as well as Frank Cassese, Corey Grimm and ‘of counsel,’ noted civil lawyer Charles Dunlap).
      At that time, 75 years ago, Rt. 224 and Market St., ‘out in Boardman,’ were country, two-lane roads, largely bounded by woods and farms, save for Southern Airways that operated an airport near where West and East Parkside roads are today.
      There were no elementary schools, and the public school system was contained in one single building known today as Center Intermediate School. Spartan athletic teams (football, basketball, track and baseball) were members of the Tri-County League.
      About 13,000 people lived in the township.
      Boardman Park was no more than an idea being discussed among local civic leaders.
      There was no, organized township police department. (The township was served by constables). The Boardman Fire Department was the centerpiece of township government, and zoning codes were still being considered.
      Then along came a man named Edward J. DeBartolo, who in the 1950s lived on Danbury Dr. with his wife, Marie, and his son and daughter, Ed Jr. and Denise.
      Mr. DeBartolo, disgusted with Youngstown politicians, had an idea---he wanted to build a shopping plaza ‘all the way out in Boardman,’ at Rt. 224 and Glenwood Ave. And he did, and the Greater Boardman Plaza became the centerpiece of Boardman Township, featuring two grocery stores (A&P and Century Foods), a women’s apparel store (Livingston’s), a hardware store (Stambaugh Thompson) and a five and dime store (W.T. Grant).
      His concept was an instant success and changed the face of Boardman forever.
      Two decades later, Mr. D built an enclosed shopping mall, Southern Park, at Rt. 224 and Market St.
      With Boardman a retail hub in Mahoning County, and unions driving the steel mills out of business in Youngstown, Boardman became a popular place to live and work, and by the turn of the 21st century, more than 40,000 people and 3,000 businesses called Boardman Township home.
      Mr. DeBartolo’s impact on Boardman Township spurred the implementation of a zoning code in 1948, and the formation of the township’s police department in 1951.
      As Boardman Township grew, so did the public school system. In addition, St. Charles School was formed amidst great debate about the value of a ‘parochial’ school.
      In the late 50s and 1960s, public school board members, like Atty. William Fowler, Dr. Art Nicolette, Don McKay and Clarence R. Smith began to issue warnings about over-reach by state government into the public school systems.
      “We need local control, not state control,” Mr. Smith would say, adding “If the state gets too much control, we will be teaching at state minimum standards, not ‘our standards.’”
      Today, 75 years after The Boardman News was founded, indeed the Ohio Department of Education has so many standards that teachers spend much of their time teaching kids in a manner that is dictated by the state report card, much of which has nothing to do with education.
      Boardman Township’s Police Department has grown to some 60 full-time officers and more are needed in an era when drug overdoses permeate our town---to the point there are now more than a dozen agencies that exist to provide drug rehabilitation programs; and drug dealers often get little more than a slap on the wrist in the court system.
      The Boardman Fire Department operates on standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (more geared to large cities than suburban towns like Boardman).
      The Boardman Zoning Department now has inspectors who daily perform property maintenance inspections---a duty first called for by Trustee Elaine Mancini before the turn of the century, in an effort to maintain the integrity of Boardman Township neighborhoods.
      A half century after it was built, the Southern Park Mall has been remodeled as a destination not only for shopping, but as a social gathering place---a sign the residential development (like so-called luxury condominiums) may soon be considered on that property, and perhaps across the street at Center Intermediate School (as the current school board indicates it would consider further adding to its ‘campus’ at Boardman High School).
      Rt. 224 and Market St. are now four-lane highways where state troopers often intervene in accidents on those roadways.
      Consistent with the Army Corps of Engineers ‘cleaning-up’ Cranberry Run in the late 1930s, surface water issues have been just as consistent since that time, especially in Ridgewood Estates and neighborhoods near Market St. Elementary School. In addition, streams that flow into Mill Creek are often clogged with debris, causing surface water issues near Tippecanoe Rd. and Rt. 224. So actually, the Corps of Engineers compounded drainage issues in Boardman, and we are still dealing with them today.
      Two decades into the 21st century, township government is once again addressing those drainage issues. One of the most unique concepts in the efforts to alleviate surface water issues is the creation of a stormwater park on the property of Market St. Elementary School. (Market St. Elementary School was the first, public elementary school built in Boardman Township in the early 1950s. School officials said it was needed to help handle the local system’s ever-growing student population. Projections ‘back in the day,’ were Boardman’s population was growing so rapidly, more elementary schools would be needed to handle a student population that could reach as many as 10,000 kids. That certainly didn’t prove to be true, and today, after more than a couple of decades of discussion, the school board finally closed down Market St. Elementary School).
      Of note, and in difference to the Boardman Local School System of 70 years ago, according to the Ohio Department of Education, 1,660 students, or 42.3 per cent of students in the Boardman Local School District are economically disadvantaged.
      Good Things
      Just about the time The Boardman News published its first edition, Boardman Park was formed and for more than seven decades it has been a place of peace and fellowship.
      In its early days, Boardman High School played its baseball games at the park, and a skating rink attracted thousands of people every winter.
      Through the years, Olde St. James Church, the oldest Episcopal church building east of the Mississippi River, was moved to the park, spurred by the volunteer efforts of Tom and Miram Masters. The church now graces the entrance to the park on Boardman-Poland Rd.
      Indeed, during the 1960s and 1970, many houses of worship left the city of Youngstown for locations in Boardman Township.
      It was in 1993 the Boardman community came together to build a Kids Town playground at Boardman Park, where thousands of parents take their children every year to play and have fun.
      An outdoor theater was built at Boardman Park in 1996 and now every Fourth of July, thousands gather there for an annual fireworks show, accompanied by selections of patriotic music.
      In 1976, during the bicentennial of the United States, more than 15,000 people came to Boardman Park to celebrate the nation’s 200th birthday, highlighted by shooting an old canon that carried on a tradition begun on America’s centennial when a canon was shot into the air at Boardman Centre to mark America’s 100th birthday. To be certain, the Bicentennial Celebration was the harbinger of Boardman Rotary’s annual Oktoberfest in the park.
      As the 20th century came to a close, the Boardman Local School System added an auditorium to its high school building---now called the Boardman Performing Arts Center.
      Its construction was bolstered by a two-year fund-raising campaign that raised more than $1.5 million over a two-year period. The campaign was based on fellowship among people in the community. For example, both local GOP and Democrat parties had a role in the campaign to build the auditorium; and a one day Boardman PTA garage sale at the Southern Park Mall raised more than $60,000 for the campaign. That community effort would not have been successful if it were not for the volunteer efforts of co-chairman Tom Costello, treasurer Ed Lugibihl and secretary Nancy Terlesky, who gave countless hours to help complete the ‘Auditorium 2000’ campaign.
      Another major community effort created the Fields Of Dreams off McClurg Rd. some two and a half decades ago. Today the complex is one of the largest youth baseball facilities in the eastern United States. Upwards of 20,000 people attend baseball games there every year. The facility would not have become a reality if it were not for the contributions of architect Chuck Schafer, funds provided by Clarence Smith Jr. and John and Denise York; and work on the project donated by the A.P. O’Horo Co. and Joe Dickey Electric. Volunteers Greg Krieger, John Walsh and Marykaye Carlson oversaw the effort.
      To be certain, Boardman Township is fortunate to be blessed with philanthropists who haven’t forgotten the community in which they work and live.
      D.D. Davis, Clarence R. Smith, Edward J. DeDartolo Sr., Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., Denise DeBartolo-York, John York, F.W. Knecht, Joe Sylvester, Joe Dickey Jr. and Tony Lariccia come readily to mind. Over the years they have quietly supported civic groups and civic causes with leadership, and with many, many monetary donations.
      Our community would not be as vibrant as it is today, if it were not for the contributions of these individuals; as well as service clubs like Boardman Kiwanis, Boardman Rotary, Boardman Optimists and the Boardman Lions.
      Since The Boardman News was founded, in large degree the community has been served by good public officials, and well protected by members of the Boardman Police Department.
      Adept public officials who are easily recalled include Trustees Robert W. Bannon, William G. Houser and his son, Joe; John Cox, Elaine Mancini, Tom Costello, Larry Moliterno and Brad Calhoun---Clerks/Fiscal Officers Margaret VanBrocklin, Genevieve Novicky and Bill Leicht---School Board members Clarence R. Smith Sr. and his son, Clarence; Dr. Nicolette, William Fowler, Don McKay, Larry Springer, Charles Beeghly, Mark Huberman, F.W. Knecht, Leroy Olson. Fay Heintzelman, Nik Amstutz, Jeff Barone--- And Boardman Park has prospered under the leadership of Dan Slagle.
      Chiefs of Police who stand out include Dan Maggianetti, Grant L. Hess, Glenn Bowers, Jeffrey Patterson, Jack Nichols and Todd Werth.
      It was under Chief Bowers, with help from his fellow officers who included Steve Balog and George Statler, that the modern-day Boardman Police Department was conceptualized.
      Under Chief Jeffrey Patterson, the Boardman Police Department made its biggest step towards professionalism when it became certified by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). Sadly, the accreditation was lost due to political manuevering when Patrick Berarducci served as Boardman police chief.
      The Boardman Fire Department would not be the same today if it were not for the pioneering efforts of Chiefs Merle Gifford, Don Cover. Jim Wilson and Jim Dorman. (Although much of what the Boardman Fire Department does today is couched behind so-called Hippa laws).
      Under the leadership of Trustees Mancini, Cox and Joe Houser, Boardman Township became a large urban township, and the position of township administrator was added to the public workforce. Boardman Township is fortunate to have had Robert Schaal, Curt Seditz and Jason Loree serve in that position.
      -----Just some thoughts, as The Boardman News observes its 75th year of publishing; and thanks to the community for making that possible.
      Gwen and John A. Darnell jr.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      After receiving a variety of stories, a Boardman-based businessman did not sell his limited edition, 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk that he had sought to sell on Facebook Marketplace for $95,000.
      Ray McClelland, 30, of Lisbon Rd., Salem, of FTK Diesel and Performance, 762 Bev Rd., told police he had received a message on Facebook from a man who identified himself as Wayne James Robert, of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, who in the message agreed to purchase the Jeep for $92,500.
      “Robert called McClelland on Oct. 21 by telephone and agreed to transfer the funds to A&S Federal Credit Union, as McClelland requested,” Ptl. Stephen Dubos said, adding that when asked to provide a copy of his driver’s license in order to make a bill of sale, Robert declined, and instead told McClelland he lived at ‘8501 Beverly Lane, Florida.’
      Six days later, police were told that Robert made another call to McClelland, advising his driver, “Mike,” was on his way to get the vehicle.
      During that conversation, McClelland told “Mr. Robert” that he still needed to see his driver’s license, a signed proof of sale and a temporary tag to put on the vehicle. Robert countered, asking to use McClelland’s Ohio license plates.
      Robert then sent McClelland a picture of a Florida driver’s license, listing an address of 8501 Beverly Lane, St. Augustine, Fla.. However, the name on the license was not Wayne James Robert, it was Robert James Wayne, Ptl. Dubos said.
      McClelland then contacted his bank to verify funds from the sale of the Jeep had been transferred into his account from a Wells Fargo bank. The bank advised ‘this was unusual behavior for the account holder.’
      Ptl. Dubos said that McClelland then contacted law enforcement in St. Augustine, and was told that Robert James Wayne is a middle-aged white male, while the man McClelland had been speaking with is black.
      The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office informed McClelland, they had received reports of scams, where funds would appear to be in an account for a couple of days, but then get declined.
      On Oct. 27, about 11:30 a.m., police learned a man identified as Walter L. Holmes III showed-up at FTK Diesel and Performance to pick-up the Jeep.
      Upon arrival, ‘Holmes’ spoke with two employees, telling them he couldn’t believe ‘his dad was ‘making him do this,’ because he had to drive all the way back to Florida, then go to work that morning, while bragging about how the logistics company he worked for ‘flies him all over the place,’ Officer Dubos said.
      When Det. Ben Switka spoke with Holmes, he learned the man told the employees he was from Jackson, Miss. and was doing a favor for a friend named ‘Bruce,’ [also known as ‘Junior, and whom he had known for a ‘half year’]; and that Bruce never told him what kind of ‘car’ it was, or ‘where to take the car in Florida’.
      Officer Dubos told the detective that Holmes had airline tickets in a backpack that showed him flying to the Pittsburgh Airport, then taking an uber ride to Boardman. Also in the backpack was a cell phone that contained several phone calls to and from ‘Bruce,’ indicating the man used a Uniontown, Ky. location. In addition, the phone contained several pictures of McClelland’s Jeep.
      “[Holmes] then changed his story, stating he looked the Jeep up on Marketplace,” police said.
      In addition, inside the backpack, police found seven, $100 bills (marked for ‘Motion Picture Purposes Only’).
      “The money appeared real at first glance. Holmes said that someone working in the airport took his wallet and must have put them inside,” Officer Dubos said.
      Upon the advice of the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, Holmes was released from custody, “gathered his belongings and left on foot.
      “He stated that he didn’t want the fake currency and left it behind,” Officer Dubos said.
      The deal for the Jeep was not finalized, as the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said their agency had contacted the ‘real’ Robert James Wayne, who advised he had checked his bank account and found no fraudulent activity and was unaware anyone was using his personal identification, Officer Dubos said.
      Wayne also told the Florida sheriff’s office he had received a letter from a motorcycle dealership in Louisiana notifying him they couldn’t approve the purchase of a motorcycle,
      “Wayne didn’t think much of it at the time, so he never reported the incident,” Officer Dubos said.
     

     Boardman Township Trustee
      (Two to elect)
      Name........................Total Votes
      Brad Calhoun................4,290
      Tom Costello................3,858
      Tabitha Fitz-Patrick........1,672
      Jason Pavone................1,525
      Mahoning Education Service Center Board
      (Three to elect)
      Kathi McNabb Welsh.......14,781
      Richard Scarsella..........12,725
      Jeff Good..................11,139
      Boardman Board of Education
      (Three to elect)
      Vickie Davis................3,886
      John Landers................3,748
      John Fryda..................3,695
      Anthony Buchmann............2,225
      Boardman Township 3-mil renewal
      For.........................4,169
      Against.....................2,534
      Local Option Liquor Issues
      Peaberry’s Cafe (weekdays)
      For...........................230
      Against........................64
      Peaberry’s Cafe (Sundays)
      For...........................215
      Against........................79
      Combine Brothers (weekdays)
      For...........................234
      Against........................35
      Combine Brothers (Sundays)
      For...........................230
      Against........................39
      Mahoning County 1/4 Per Cent
      (Roads, Bridges, Infrastructure)
      For........................20,798
      Against....................19,039
      Mahoning County Developmental Disabilities
      (2-mil renewal)
      For........................28,917
      Against....................11,138
     

     Figures released to Boardman Township show the township’s population, according to the 2020 census, is 40,213 where residents have a annual median household income of $56,470; and married couples have a larger annual median income of $87,883
      The census figures were mentioned at the Oct. 25 meeting of Boardman Township Trustees.
      Additional Census Statistics
      Total Housing Units............................19,501
      Total Occupied Housing Units...........18,150
      Per Cent of Population Over 65............20.6%
      Population History
      1800....................893
      1930..................5,500
      1950.................13,606
      1970.................30,852
      1980.................39,161
      1990.................38,596
      2000.................42,518
      2010.................40,358
      2020.................40,213
     

     Mahoning County Municipal Court Judge Joe Schiavoni and United States Marine Corps Major Jeff Cisek will be the featured speakers at a Veterans Day Assembly at Glenwood Junior High on Thursday, November 11 at 9:00 a.m. Special video messages from both of Ohio’s U.S. Senators are also planned. Veterans interested in attending are asked to call the GJHS main office at 330-726-3414 and provide their name along with their branch of military service.
       “We are very excited that both Judge Schiavoni and Major Cisek will be here to share their experiences with the students and to help us honor our local military men and women,” said Glenwood teacher Vince Carnevale, who organized the program. “We look forward to this Glenwood tradition. We are happy to invite our veterans to share in some refreshments after the program, as well.”
      Masks are required for this indoor event.
     

     Federal and local law enforcement officials arrested a 25-year-old man on a variety of charges last week at a Days Inn, in Niles. The man originally came to the attention of Boardman and Poland police when he was seen exiting a stolen car in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn on Tiffany Blvd., Boardman.
      The suspect, who was wanted in connection with stolen vehicles and a high-speed pursuit, was identified as Montrell Holmes, 25, of 171 Butler St., New Haven, Connecticut, was located at the Days Inn, 1300 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Niles, Oh. and taken into custody. Authorities said Holmes attempted to flee from police and fell from a 12-foot balcony at the inn. He landed on the ground, face down, with a U.S. Marshall on top of him, the Boardman News was told.
      Holmes came to the attention of Boardman police on Oct. 21 at the Red Roof Inn on Tiffany Blvd., when authorities were investigating a stolen car report. Ptl. Mike Salser said that Holmes was viewed on a security camera getting out of a stolen Toyota Rav at 3:43 a.m. in the parking lot of the inn. Police located Holmes at the inn at 8:30 a.m., and as Ptl. Pat Klingensmith was attempting to handcuff the man, he fled on foot.
      “Sgt Mike Hughes and Officer Klingensmith chased Holmes to the parking lot of the (nearby) Days Inn parking lot where he stole another vehicle and fled on South Ave.,” Officer Salser said.
      Police said that Holmes fled in a pick-up truck owned by Munawar Chaudry, who operates the Days Inn. “Chaudry stated that he had just parked his truck...when Holmes jumped inside, started the ignition and fled the lot,” Ptl. Mike Dado said.
      Holmes eluded police for some two hours until Sgt. Hughes located the truck, with Holmes inside, at a Shell gas station at 3200 Market St. in Youngstown. “As Sgt. Hughes approached the truck, Holmes put it in reverse and fled south on Market St.,” Officer Dado said. Hughes noted as Holmes sped away from him, “he gestured the middle finger at me.”
      Several police units took up the chase, and when the pursuit reached the intersection of Mathews Rd. and Sheridan Rd., Officer Newland said the truck “exited the roadway, almost striking two Mahoning County Engineer’s Office employees who were working on the roadway.”
      At one point during the pursuit, Officer Newland said the driver of the stolen truck “aggressively swerved in front of me, then suddenly spiked his brakes, resulting in a collision.” Despite the collision, Officer Newland continued the pursuit until smoke began to fill his cruiser and he ended his chase.
      Eventually, Officer Dado tracked the stolen truck to I-680 near East Midlothian Blvd. Police continued their pursuit at speeds in excess of 100-miles-per-hour on I-680, until the pursuit was called off. “Based upon the increasing speeds and erratic driving of the subject, the pursuit was terminated,” Boardman Police Chief Todd Werth said.
      About 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 21. Liberty Township police located the stolen truck in a driveway on Tibbetts-Wick Rd. There, the homeowner told police a black male exited the truck about 1:00 p.m. and left in an unknown direction.
      Holmes has been charged with Receiving Stolen Property (F-4) and Obstructing Official Business (M-2) based upon a stolen vehicle recovered at the Days Inn in Boardman. Holmes is also charged with Motor Vehicle Theft (F-4) and Failure to Comply (Flee and Elude) (F-3).
      He also faces federal charges.
       Note: On May 14, 2017, Holmes was arrested by the Clinton, Conn. police where he faced 152 different criminal charges including for burglary, theft of a firearm and motor vehicles that occurred over a two-day period, between Nov. 11, 2016 and Nov. 26, 2016.
      A source told The Boardman News that Holmes was in the Mahoning Valley to meet a female he had previously ‘met’ on social media.
     

     The Youngstown State University Foundation announces the creation of the Atty. Daniel L. Rossi Scholarship to benefit full-time students at the university.
      Atty. Rossi, of Stratford Rd., Boardman, established the scholarship with a $300,000 gift. In turn, the name of the Ohio Room in Kilcawley Center will be changed to the Attorney Daniel L. Rossi Room.
      “The scholarship for YSU students represents one of the core values of what we believe is so important: Education,” the Rossi family said. “Daniel is honored to contribute to the education of our future leaders.”
      Rossi, 94, is a lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley and attended the former Madison Elementary School and East High School.
      At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in World War II. After he was discharged, and with the assistance of the Serviceman Readjustment Act of 1944, the G.I. Bill, Rossi enrolled in Youngstown College (now YSU) and later studied at Ohio Northern University to pursue his law degree.
      Upon graduation, he returned to Youngstown to practice law. He met his wife, the former Mary Rossvanes, and they had five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
      In 1952, he founded the Rossi law firm. He practiced law for over 60 years, and prior to retiring, successfully tried his final jury case at the age of 81. His son, Gregg, now operates the family law practice, Rossi & Rossi.
      Rossi always honored his parents, August Rossi and Augusta (née Mastrantonio), who both emigrated to the United States from Italy. After August became a U.S. citizen, he was drafted into the Army and served in World War I as part of the American Expeditionary Force that fought against the German Army in the Argonne Forest in France. Rossi says that he is grateful for his father, instilling a solid work ethic and unwavering American pride in him. He still has his father’s helmet.
     
      PICTURED: Atty. Daniel L. Rossi, left, and President Jim Tressel at the Attorney Daniel L. Rossi Seminar Room in Kilcawley Center on the campus of Youngstown State University.

     Over the past four years, Boardman Township’s three-member Board of Trustees has worked diligently to address drainage issues and maintain manpower in the police and fire departments.
      Efforts on drainage issues have been wide-ranging, including completion of over $3 million in stormwater projects, as well as obtaining some $1.5 million in grant monies for stormwater projects this year and into next year.
      Efforts at maintaining township services has been accomplished despite the loss of some $3 million in state subsidies.
      In addition, the Board of Trustees has collaborated with the Boardman Local School Board, Mahoning County Commissioners and the Western Reserve Port Authority to insure a $30 million capital improvement program at the Southern Park Mall was undertaken, thus preserving one of the biggest assets in terms of property taxes and employment opportunities in the township and Mahoning County.
      On Tues., Nov. 2, voters will go to the polls to vote on two seats on the Board of Trustees. Incumbents Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun are seeking re-election. They are opposed by Jason Pavone and Tabitha Fitz-Patrick.
      Mr. Pavone has stated his belief that Boardman Township should become a city; and says he does not support tax abatements.
      Mrs. Fitz-Patrick says she wants to build a sidewalk along Southern Blvd., from Western Reserve Rd. all the way down to Market St. in Youngstown; and she also calls for the installation of central air conditioning in Boardman Local School buildings.
      We staunchly believe township government is the closest form of government to the people it serves, and creating a city would cost more taxpayer dollars than is currently doled-out for government services, as well as add additional, needless layers of government for taxpayers to contend with.
      And, do we really want to spend millions of dollars so residents can take a walk down Southern Blvd. from Western Reserve Rd. into Youngstown?
      Further, there is a distinction between a school board member and a township trustee, who has no business placing a priority on the public school system’s HVAC system.
      Most important to the welfare of Boardman Township, in addition to preserving its tax base, is support for the Boardman Police Department, where manpower has been held at roughly 60 officers for the past quarter century.
      But there is a big distinction between now and 25 years ago, when police answered about 20,000 calls a year. According to Mr. Calhoun and Police Chief Todd Werth, the police department now responds to upwards of 70,000 calls per year. Those numbers alone seem to dictate Boardman Township needs more police officers, who are now with increasing frequency, forced to delay responding to some calls because of lack of manpower.
      Adding manpower at the Boardman Police Department suggests additional funding is needed, as well as changes in the salary of new hires at the BPD, and perhaps some restructuring in Civil Service rules.
      Acknowledging the diligent efforts of current Trustees Tom Costello, Brad Calhoun as well as Larry Moliterno in addressing drainage issues and their efforts at re-writing zoning codes in an effort to preserve neighborhoods in the township; campaigns by challengers for seats held by both incumbents fall way short of the mark.
      Mr. Costello and Mr. Calhoun stress their efforts to work as a team, and in harmony, to keep Boardman Township A Nice Place to Call Home.
      Both are best-suited to deal with improving manpower at the Boardman Police Department, we suggest, by working in harmony with the PD’s administration and labor unions.
      In the best interests of Boardman Township, incumbents Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun deserve re-election. They have worked hard to maintain current levels of service, keep our neighborhoods safe, maintain good roads, and serve residents and businesses.
      On Nov. 2, vote to return Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun to seats on the Boardman Township Board of Trustees.

     When voters go to the polls on Tues., Nov. 2, there will be four candidates, including three incumbents, seeking three seats on the Boardman Board of Education. Incumbents seeking re-election are John Fryda, Vickie Davis and John Landers. They are being challenged by Anthony Buchmann.
      When considering the field of candidates, the incumbents stand above their opponent as the best qualified to serve the Boardman Local School District.
      For example, when the League of Women voters asked each candidate about their qualifications for office, Mr. Fryda, who is seeking a second term on the board, said he has worked successfully with other board members, the administration, students and community, adding he has a knowledge of the fiscal responsibilities of the system.
      Ms. Davis, who has served on the local school board since 2014, points to her experience as a major qualification for returning her to a seat on the board.
      Mr. Landers also cites his service to the school district for the past twelve years, noting he is an advocate for fair school funding and is a member of the Boardman High School Class of 2000.
      Mr. Buchmann said as a tradesman, he would bring uniqueness to the school board, adding “I am an American citizen, a husband and a father of teenagers.”
      As for priorities, Mr. Fryda said he will serve all citizens, support a safe and positive learning enviroment, and maintain open communication and a working relationship with the community.
      Ms. Davis says she will “continue to stretch taxpayer dollars...while continuing to fight the unfairness of public school funding at the state level.”
      She adds “The role of a school board member is also to support the community around them.”
      Mr. Landers opines his priorities include advocating for fair school funding, “continue to evolve and improve communication to the community” and (provide) support for “individual pathways to learn.”
      Mr. Buchmann calls for increased transparency, accountability and in a seeming poor-mouth call he says “Bring all trades/military service to equal level with college to allow kids every option before making a decision that will effect (students) for the rest of their lives.”
      Mr. Buchmann has made efforts to bring his campaign into the public forum, including demonstrating in opposition to the school system’s mask policy (with about a dozen other people) at the intersection of Rt. 224 and Market St. one recent weekend, as well as having a family member parade around a school board meeting objecting to the district’s busing policy---to the point of intimidating a young girl who also wanted to address the board to thank fire-fighters for their service, out of doing so.
      Such antics don’t serve students and the district well, as the example of the frightened young girl demonstrates.
      Mr. Buchmann makes a call for zero tolerance for bullying (an apparent reference to a mother whose complaints last year forced a teacher’s aide, under pressure from the school board, to resign). So in fact, there is a zero tolerance for the teacher aide’s actions, and it cost the aide a job.
      Mr. Buchmann’s candidacy wreaks of smoke and mirrors, and if elected, his candidacy has displayed a lack willingness to work as a team for the overall benefit of the kids in the school district, as he alludes to the belief that as a tradesman, he is somehow a lesser person than someone with a college degree.
      To be certain, Ms. Davis and Mr. Landers need to be more open with their communication skills. It is a well-known fact if either of these two board members are asked about their opinions on school-related matters, they more often than not, defer questions to someone else.
      However, in the best interests of the Boardman Local School District and the students they serve, John Fryda, Vickie Davis and John Landers are the best candidates for election to the school board.
      We recall board members like Norm Purucker and Robert Ameduri, whose terms on the school board were divisive, and serving as one-man minorities on a five-member board, they accomplished little to benefit the students and school district they were elected to serve.
      Especially in that light, John Fryda, Vickie Davis and John Landers are the best candidates for election to the Boardman Local School Board on Tues., Nov. 2.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting on Wed., Oct. 20, Mahoning County Commissioners awarded the ABC Water and Stormwater District $1 million towards the creation of a 14.6 acre stormwater park on the property of Market St. Elementary School. The project will take about two years to complete at a cost of some $3 million. When completed, the project will create an area able to hold up to 9-feet of water on an area the size of a football field, and is expected to alleviate storm water issues impacting upwards of 1,400 homes. The stormwater park will include natural habitat areas, a general reforestation of the overall site, a paved and a lighted walking trail (equipped with security cameras).
      County commissioner Anthony Traficanti said his board was “proud and happy to be able to help Boardman Township with flooding issues.
      “The project looks like it will be fantastic.”
      In accepting the funding, Boardman Township Trustee Tom Costello said the stormwater park “will create a beautiful, park-like setting for the neighborhood for years to come.”
      In response, Commissioner Traficanti lauded the township trustees for their “phenomenal collaboration” with the Boardman Local School Board.
      County commissioner David Ditzler said the stormwater park will provide “the biggest impact for the most people. We are proud to assist Boardman Township. You don’t ever get a chance to impact so many homes with so much land.”
      Added Commissioner Traficanti, “Trustees Costello, Calhoun and Moliterno should be commended for your aggressive efforts in attacking flooding in Boardman.”
      In addition to the $1 million grant from the county commissioners, funding for the stormwater park will also come from a $500,000 Ohio Capital Grant. In addition, applications for more funding have been made to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and State Rep. Al Cutrona is expected to seek more funds from a capital grant.
      First step in the project is the demolition of Market St. Elementary School, and bids are now being sought for that effort.
     
      PICTURED: BOARDMAN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES accepted a check for $1 million last week from the Mahoning County Commissioners for use in the creation of a stormwater park at Market St. Elementary School. Pictured, from left, Jason Loree, Boardman Township Administrator; Tom Costello, Boardman Township Trustee; Anthony Traficanti, Mahoning County Commissioner; Larry Moliterno, Boardman Township Trustee; David Ditzler and Carol Rimedio-Righetti, Mahoning County Commissioners; and Brad Calhoun, Boardman Township Trustee.
     

     Ohev Tzedek Temple on Glenwood Ave. in Boardman will merge with Rodef Sholom Temple in Youngstown. Mark Huberman, president of Ohev Tzedek, confirmed this week.
      Nancy Burnett, president of Rodef Sholom said she was “approached by the president of Ohev Tzedek asking if we could find a path to merging our two congregations. An initial committee of six persons (Elliot Legow, Dick Shapiro, and me representing Rodef Sholom; Mark Huberman, Booker Kessler, and Sam A Roth representing Ohev Tzedek). Our proposed newly formed congregation will be housed in our historic synagogue on Elm Street and will be led by a Reform Rabbi. We will hold Reform services on Friday evenings and Conservative services on Saturday mornings.”
      The new, merged congregation will be known a Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom, a name chosen to be inclusive of all three congregations---Rodef Sholom, Ohev Tzedek, and Temple Beth Israel, the Sharon Temple with whom Rodef Sholom merged seven years ago.
      “Although the name will change, our mission and footprint in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys remains the same,” Burnett said.
      The Board of Directors of Ohev Tzedek deems it to be in the best interest of Ohev Tzedek to carry out a statutory merger with Rodef Sholom, a proposed merger agreement says, noting the merger will become effective Nov. 1.
      Huberman told The Boardman News theat Saturday services will continue to be held at Ohev Tzedek, at least until next spring, unless the site of the Boardman temple is sold before then.

     Akron Children’s Hospital broke ground on a $31 million construction project at its Boardman campus on Market St. last week.
      The ACH/Boardman campus will expand its emergency department from 9,600 square feet to 34,700 square feet when construction is completed. When completed, the capital improvements will provide the hospital with six additional treatment rooms, bringing the total to 23. There will also be two, new behavioral health needs-based treatment rooms, as well as a second triage room.
      The ACH/Boardman campus received a $1 million gift from Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream chairman, Lenny Fisher, to help fund the work. The hospital will rename Building A on its campus in honor of Fisher.
      The hospital expects construction to be completed in spring 2023.
      “I am pleased to support such an important initiative in the Mahoning Valley,” Fisher said, adding “The health of our children is so important, especially in today’s climate. And providing support for the emergency department, which has seen explosive growth, is a way that we can help impact the community for generations to come.”
      Since the opening of the Beeghly campus in December, 2008 there have been over 348,000 visits to the hospital’s emergency department.
      The current facility has the capacity to see 80 patients per day, but the department regularly cares for well above that almost daily.
      “The need to expand this department is critical,” said Grace Wakulchik, ACH president and CEO.
      “Our expanded emergency department is a major investment in the Mahoning Valley community and continues to build on the commitment we began when we opened the campus in 2008,” said Paul Olivier, vice president of ACH/Mahoning Valley.

     In the last 10 years, Friends of Fido has helped close to 1,500 Mahoning County Dog Pound dogs, paying more than $608,000 in vet bills.
      The non-profit group plans a big 10-year anniversary fundraiser Nov. 13 to help continue that work.
      FoF started in 2011 when volunteers who walk the pound pups wanted to do more to help the dogs that came in sick or injured.
      “The Mahoning Dog Warden is a government agency and its funding is limited,” said Shirley Tkalec, Friends of Fido president. “But so many of the dogs that end up here come in sick or injured, many severely. Our group started to help those poor dogs—to help them get healthy and to hopefully help them find loving, forever homes.”
      FoF members estimate the organization takes pound pups to about 200 vet visits each year with volunteers transporting the dogs and the group footing the bills.
      The volunteer organization runs entirely on donations.
      The Nov. 13 fundraiser will be at Davidson’s Restaurant and Tavern, and feature a huge basket raffle and 50/50 drawing. Davidson’s is at 3636 Canfield Rd., Cornersburg.
      The event, sponsored by T-Mobile, runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first 75 people to buy tickets for the basket raffle will each get a $10 Davidson’s gift card, courtesy of T-Mobile.
      T-Mobile is also offering a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card and company representatives will hand out 225 collapsible dog bowls to people who attend the event.
      FoF also buys treats, toys and beds for the pound dogs. Pound staff and volunteers walk the dogs and help to socialize them to increase the animals’ adoption chances.
      “Fundraisers are crucial because that’s how we pay to treat these dogs,” FoF’s president said.
      “Sadly, there’s no shortage of homeless dogs that need vet care. So far this year, we’ve taken 149 dogs to the vet, some multiple times. That’s added up to more than $85,000 just through September. The need never stops so we can’t stop either,” she added.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      When newly-completed capital improvements at the Southern Park Mall are unveiled to the public during a Community Day celebration set for Sat., Oct. 23, in addition to showcasing the four-acre DeBartolo Commons, the event will memorialize American shopping mall pioneer Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., who built the mall in the late 1960s. Mr. DeBartolo made his home on Southwoods Dr. in Boardman.
      The exhibit will pay tribute to the DeBartolo-York family’s tremendous impact in the Boardman/Youngstown community, and its iconic place in the retail, real estate and professional sports worlds.
      “In addition to DeBartolo Commons, it’s been an honor to collaborate with Mrs. Denise DeBartolo-York and her team on the DeBartolo retrospective, which commemorates Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. and the family’s significant impact through storytelling that transcends decades. The exhibit features artfully executed visuals, original publications and video, hand-selected photos, articles and treasures from the family’s personal archives. We’re excited for our guests and the Boardman and broader Youngstown/Mahoning Valley community to experience their dynasty in a way their story hasn’t been told,” said Jennifer Moretti, senior vice president and chief activation officer of Washington Prime Group (WPG).
      “We placed the exhibit in the heart of the center, adjacent to DeBartolo Commons, to emphasize the importance and pay homage to the DeBartolo-York family’s legacy in the community. Southern Park Mall is a perfect place to memorialize the DeBartolo family,” Moretti added.
      “Washington Prime Group is honored to be affiliated with this great family and we are proud that Southern Park Mall will be a permanent place to share their legacy,” said Lou Conforti, CEO and director of WPG.
      “Lou Conforti and the Washington Prime Group team have brought their vision, drive and resources to solidify Southern Park Mall’s place as the social and entertainment center of Boardman,” said Denise DeBartolo York. “I am grateful my family’s legacy will live on through this exhibit.”
      Edward J. DeBartolo Sr.
      Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. grew-up in Smokey Hollow in Youngstown, Oh., and graduated from South High School in 1927. He never knew his father, Anthony Paonessa, who died before he was born. His mother, Rose, married Michael DeBartolo, a Youngstown contractor, and ‘Mr. D,’ as he became known, took Michael’s last name, and at a very early age, began working for his father’s construction business.
      It was his stepfather, Mr. DeBartolo always said, who taught him humility and how to work long hours.
      Following graduation from high school, Mr. DeBartolo went on to earn a degree in civil engineering from Notre Dame, and then served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. (While in the service, he married his wife, Marie Patricia Montani, on Dec. 18, 1943, where he had been commissioned a lieutenant at Officer’s Candidate School at Ft. Belvior, Va.)
      Legend says that ‘Mr. D’ was a very good poker player, and when he got off the boat returning to America following the World War II, many fellow servicemen owed him plenty of debts from the card games they played while traveling across the ocean.
      Less than enamored with the way city officials conducted business in Youngstown, Mr. D formed his own company, The Edward J. DeBartolo Corp., in 1948 and began building strip plazas away from the city.
      Mr. D foresaw that the development of suburbia after WWII would change shopping habits. Starting with strip malls in the 1950s and then moving on to enclosed malls in the mid-1960s, he built a mall empire that became one of the industry’s top revenue producers.
      Among his early projects was the Greater Boardman Plaza, first opened in the early 1950s. He faced financial hurdles and great skepticism in building the plaza, after all, his critics claimed, who would want to go ‘all the way’ out to the suburbs to shop?
      With a ‘five and dime’ store like W.T. Grant, a grocery store, a drug store, two clothing stores and a hardware store among its tenants, the Boardman Plaza, as well as Mr. D’s company thrived.
      It was the plaza, and its arcade that gave Mr. D the impetus to building enclosed shopping malls.
      During Christmas, Mr. DeBartolo held a community event at the Boardman Plaza arcade. Santa Claus would appear from behind the building, hoisted atop the arcade portion of the plaza by a Boardman Fire Department truck.
      Cookies and hot chocolate would be provided to patrons who gathered inside the arcade during Santa’s arrival, and Mr. DeBartolo began considering construction of an enclosed shopping center, where people could not only shop, but gather for community events, eat and...shop, and not worry about the weather.
      The suburban shopping plaza, or strip centers as they were sometimes called, indeed did change the shopping habits of Americans.
      Within ten years, the Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. moved from its south-side Youngstown headquarters into new general offices at 7620 Market St., at the intersection of Southwoods Dr. in Boardman.
      Among the many projects the firm completed during its first decade, in addition to the Boardman Plaza, were the Mahoning Shopping Plaza on the far west side of Youngstown; North Hills Village Shopping Center, Pittsburgh, Pa., the Hickory Plaza, Sharon, Pa.; Norton Village, Barberton, Oh.; Midway Plaza, Akron, Oh., Loblaw’s Division Office and Warehouse, the Akron-area office of the Ohio Bell Telephone Co., and Century Foods headquarters, on Meridian Rd. in Youngstown.
      At the time, the growth and success of the DeBartolo Corp. also led to growth and success of its suppliers, that locally included Master’s Office Furniture, Roth Brothers Heating and Cooling, The Boardman Supply Co., Antonucci Electric Co. and Parella Construction, to name a few.
      “Continuing changes to the shopping habits have revolutionized retail,” Mr. D. told The Boardman News in 1969, adding “this growth and development gave birth to the mall.”
      While construction was still on-going, Mr. DeBartolo opened the first store at Southern Park to the public in Aug., 1969. That was Sears. Among the earliest businesses at Southern Park were JCPenney, Livingston’s, Gray Drugs, and Lustig’s Shoe Store and Strouus’.
      An added feature was a restaurant perched on top of the mall called The Terrace Room.
      When Southern Park opened, the Boardman-based Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. operated 13 malls with 20 more under construction.
      “Today’s shopping malls are as extravagant as his strip centers were conservative,” one observer said at the time.
      About two decades later, the DeBartolo Corp. developments stretched across America, as a company press release said “Nearly one-half billion people were serviced by DeBartolo entities.”
      In 1986 alone, The Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. cited its involvement in projects in California, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Texas in creating over 5,500 new jobs with the new development, or renovation work.
      A year later, The Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. owned and/or managed more than 100 shopping and entertainment sites in America, (including what was once the world’s largest shopping mall, Randall Park, near Cleveland), overseeing more than 100 million square-feet of retail space in its portfolio.
      As Mr. DeBartolo observed at the time, “We strive to set the standards of excellence in the retail industry by which all other are judged. Each project represents a long-term commitment to service the needs of our shoppers, as well as tenants.”
      Enjoying success in retail and real estate also brought Mr. D into the world of sports.
      In 1977, he led the purchase of majority stock in the San Francisco 49ers and under his son, Ed Jr., the Niners became known as “The Team of the 80s,” and were the first NFL team to win five Super Bowl titles.
      The Niners are now owned and operated by his daughter, Denise, and her husband Dr. John York, and their children, Jed, Jenna and Mara.
      From 1959-1999 Thistledown Race Track was operated by the DeBartolo Corp. In 1999, the track was sold to Magna Entertainment Corp.
      Mr. D also developed Remington Downs in Oklahoma. When first opened, it was the first horse racing track in America where horses ran on an artificial dirt track.
      Mr. D and his family also owned the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League from February, 1977 until selling it to an ownership group led by Howard Baldwin in November, 1991. His team would win the Stanley Cup in 1991. He name was engraved onto the Stanley Cup along with his daughter, Denise DeBartolo York, who served as president of the hockey team.
      Mr. D said at a rally after the first Stanley Cup win that the occasion was “possibly the happiest moment of my life.”
      He also owned the soccer team Pittsburgh Spirit from 1978 until 1986.
      Success in business and sports also led to a major role in philanthropy.
      For example, Mr. D played a major role in renovations at his church, St. Charles, in Boardman.
      He was a major contributor to Youngstown State University and in 1984 was the recipient of the university’s Distinguished Citizen Award.
      In May, 1989, Mr. D announced what was then the largest gift ever in higher education, $33 million, to the University of Notre Dame that created a $16 million Edward J. DeBartolo classroom facility, and a $14 million Marie P. DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts, in honor of his wife.
      More legendary, on the local level, are Mr. D’s contributions that more than often went unnoticed, like support for the Mill Creek Children’s Center. Typical was a gift to Austintown Little League. When approached to help support development of baseball fields, Mr. D graciously offered to pay for everything.
      Similarly, when Boardman Little League had some safety and funding issues, his son-in-law, John York, provided a gift to help make the Fields of Dreams on McClurg Rd. as safe as possible.
      Mr. D’s daughter, Denise, has continued a tradition begun by her father, by memorializing his interest in higher education with the annual Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. Memorial Scholarships. Over more than two decades, more than $1.5 million in college scholarships have been awarded.
      When Boardman High School’s Center for the Performing Arts was dedicated at the turn of the century, it was a major contribution from Denise DeBartolo-York that provided funding for special concert given by BHS graduate Maureen McGovern that celebrated the opening of the facility. Among many local, charitable causes Denise supports are the Rescue Mission, Akron Children’s Hospital/Mahoning Valley, Beatitude House, Youngstown Neighborhood Development and Angels for Animals,
      Now living in Tampa, Fla, Mr. D’s son Ed Jr., and his wife, Candy, recently contributed $2.5 million to Tampa General Hospital in its fight to treat COVID-19 coronavirus patients.
      Locally, Cardinal Mooney High School on Erie St. in Youngstown has been remodeled thanks to gifts of $5 million each from Denise and Ed Jr.
      “Through my friendship with the DeBartolo-York family, I can tell you that they are defined by their generosity, loyalty and commitment to their community,” WPG CEO Conforti said.
      The legend begun through the work-ethic and unstoppable will and determination of Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. will now be on permanent display at the Southern Park Mall in his hometown of Boardman, Ohio.
      Mr. D died Dec. 19, 1994.
      Among the many accolades given to Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. was the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the nation’s highest civilian award) in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan in recognition of his “significant endeavors and contributions” in the United States.
      Mr. D would frequently say “Foresight and imagination are the keys...to the future, hard work and determination will open the door.”
     
      PICTURED: Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 1909-1994
      “I took chances a million miles out. I no
      longer have qualms taking chances.”
      The above quotation graces the owner’s suite
      at Levi Stadium in San Jose, Calif.

     A Community Day celebration, free and open to the public, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23 to showcase the grand opening of the DeBartolo Commons four-acre, athletic and entertainment green space and event venue for the benefit of Southern Park Mall’s guests, tenants, and community neighbors and partners. DeBartolo Commons is a major portion of some $30 million in capital improvements begun at the Southern Park two years ago.
      In addition, Community Day will celebrate the addition later this year of several local tenants including The Bunker, Double Bogey’s Bar & Grill, and Steel Valley Brew Works, each of which will overlook and connect to DeBartolo Commons, collectively forming a go-to outdoor gathering space and place of connection and fellowship within the community.
      Community Day, from noon to 8 p.m., will also feature live music, crafts, food trucks and kids’ activities.
      “The transformation at Southern Park Mall, that observed its 50th anniversary in 2020, will strengthen its position as the hub of retail, dining and entertainment in the area,” said Lou Conforti, CEO and director of Washington Prime Group (WPG), that owns the mall. WPG has worked with the Boardman community and existing tenants throughout the two-year redevelopment project, that was made possible with the support of the staff and elected officials serving Boardman Township, the Boardman Local Schools, Mahoning County Commissioners and the Western Reserve Port Authority. “In addition, WPG is proud to partner in executing the Southern Park Mall project with local tradespeople affiliated with Ironworkers Local 207, LIUNA Local 125, Roofers Local 71, Carpenters Local 171, Concrete Finishers Local 179, Electrical Workers Local 64, Sprinkler Fitters Local 669, Sheet Metal Workers Local 33, Operating Engineers Local 66, Painters 476, Electricians 573, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 396, and Cement Masons & Plasterers Local 179,” said Matthew Jurkowitz, vice president of development.
      Southern Park Mall was built by the Boardman-based Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. and first opened in 1970 with three anchor stores--- JCPenney, Strouss’ and Sears Roebuck. A unique feature was Cherry’s Top of the Mall restaurant that was located above the Strouss’ Department store.
      The redesign of the town center is the third, major renovation of the facility, including 1997 improvements completed by the Simon Corp., that acquired DeBartolo interests in the site in the late 1990s.

     LEGAL NOTICE
      REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR
      ASBESTOS ASSESSMENT
      PRIOR TO DEMOLITION
      The ABC Water and Storm Water District intends to contract for asbestos assessment services which are required before the demolition of Market Street Elementary School located at 5555 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512. Statements of qualifications should include information regarding the firm’s history, education and experience of owners and key technical personnel, the technical expertise of the firm’s current staff, the firm’s experience in performing similar work, availability of staff, the firm’s equipment and facilities as well as the laboratory that will be used, current Ohio abatement specialist or evaluation specialist license(s), references; any previous work performed for the Board of Boardman Township Trustees, and/or ABC Water and Storm Water District.
      Statements of qualifications should be transmitted by 3:00 PM, November 5, 2021 to:
      ABC Water and Storm Water District
      P.O. Box 3554
      Boardman, Ohio 44512
      or hand delivered to:
      Boardman Township Government Center
      8299 Market Street
      Boardman, Ohio 44512
      Attn: Jason Loree
      As required by Ohio Revised Code Section(s) 153.64-71, responding firms will be evaluated and ranked in order of qualifications. The project description is as follows:
      Asbestos Assessment Report: ABC Water and Storm Water District has acquired the Market Street Elementary School located at 5555 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512. The school will be demolished in order to build a storm water facility that includes daylighting a tributary of Cranberry Run. The current AHERA report for the school building lists suspected asbestos containing material but shows no evidence of sampling of plaster, roofing materials, caulking, etc. The successful firm will be required to sample material, provide sample testing and provide guidance regarding abatement of same.
      The Statement of Qualifications must be submitted in the following format:
       •List of similar projects, with references. (2 page max.).
       •List of Sub-consultants, if any (1 page max.).
       •List of Project Manager and other key members (2 page max.).
       •Description of Capacity of Staff and their ability to perform work in a timely manner (1 page max.).
       •Description of Project Approach, (2 page max.)
      With Cover Letter, the submittal must be a maximum of only nine (9) pages, using 8 ½” x 11” single sided paper with a 12 point font and minimum 1” margins. Bind each submittal with a single staple in upper left corner only. Please provide seven (7) copies.

     LEGAL NOTICE
      STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR FOREST LAWN STORM WATER PARK
      The ABC Water and Storm Water District intends to contract for profession design services for a stream daylighting and restoration project with in the Cranberry Run Watershed in Boardman Township. The project is located on the former Market Street Elementary School property, 5555 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512. The project includes daylighting the captured stream, stream restoration, relocating a sanitary sewer and landscaping. Firms interested in being considered to provide design services should reply with a statement of qualifications no later than 3:00 PM on November 5, 2021. Statements received after this deadline will not be considered.
      Statements of qualifications should include information regarding the firm’s history, education and experience of owners and key technical personnel, the technical expertise of the firm’s current staff, the firm’s equipment and facilities, references; and any previous work performed for ABC Water and Storm Water District, the Board of Boardman Township Trustees, or other Mahoning County Governmental Agencies or experience with stream restoration, working with Clean Ohio, ODNR, WPCLF, and other grant funding. Firms may submit one (1) copy of the Statement of Qualifications.
      Statements of qualifications should be transmitted to:
      THE ABC WATER AND STORM WATER DISTRICT,
      P.O. Box 3554,
      BOARDMAN, OH., 44512
      or hand delivered to:
      THE ABC WATER AND STORM WATER DISTRICT
      I/O THE BOARDMAN GOVERNMENT CENTER
      8299 MARKET STREET
      BOARDMAN, OHIO 44512
      ATTN:JASON LOREE

     Residents of the Forest Glen neighborhood who are members of the Forest Glen Homeowners Association and the Boardman of Boardman Township Trustees agreed they will oppose proposed changes to the intersection of Market St. at Shields and Brookwood Rds.
      Meeting last week, Trustees Tom Costello, Brad Calhoun and Larry Moliterno unanimously voted to oppose the changes as proposed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
      The state agency, in part, says because there have been 76 traffic accidents at the intersection (only three with serious injury) since Jan., 2014, it wants to spend about $1.5 million to close down Brookwood Rd. at the intersection of Market St. and create a cul-de-sac there.
      ODOT says “the improvements will address high crash frequencies.”
      But the Forest Glen Homeowners Association says the proposed changes “will not directly solve the safety issues claimed by ODOT.”
      About 30 members of the association addressed Trustees last week in opposition to the project, saying it will “increase traffic significantly...especially on Forest Hill Rd., Mill Creek Dr. and Newport Dr., streets that were not designed to handle significant traffic.
      “Significant pedestrian traffic, including young children in the neighborhood, would be at greater risk of injury by vehicle.”
      ODOT says the proposed project “Will modify access for some properties on Market St. and Brookwood Rd.” and the agency would require ‘property takes’ from some properties, including Hospice of the Valley and a gas station at the intersection of Indianloa Rd. and Market St.
      “A representative from the Real Estate Department will be in contact with affected property owners beginning Jan., 2022,” ODOT said.
      In a Sept. 21 letter to ODOT, Boardman Township Administrator Jason Loree said that township officials “received numerous complaint from residents concerned about increased neighborhood traffic if Brookwood Rd. is removed from the intersection.”
      Loree said that “constructing a cul-de-sac on Brookwood Rd. will increase traffic on Boardman Township maintained roads, [including] LeMans Dr., Mill Creek Dr. and Forest Hill Rd.”
      Addressing those at the township meeting, Trustee Calhoun said “There’s a hundred reasons were are against it (the proposed changes).”
      Calhoun called for ODOT to hold a public forum on the matter, saying to the Glen residents “They need to hear from you...You have a solution that maybe they didn’t have. We can try and facilitate that.”
      He added, “A better option is to abandon the entire project.”
      Trustee Costello told Glen residents “We will partner with you. We are against it.”
      Trustee Larry Moliterno suggested “We can reach out to State Rep. Al Cutrona on this matter.”
      Two days after last week’s meeting, Administrator Loree sent another letter to ODOT noting about 30 residents of the Glen spoke in opposition to the proposed closing of thru traffic on Brookwood Rd. and the construction of a cul-de-sac.
      “The concern is that traffic will be directed into the historic Glen neighborhood,” adding The Board of Boardman Township Trustees also wants to reiterate that the township is not, and has never been in support of this project.
      “The removal of Brookwood Rd. access from the intersection at Market St. will cause delays for our police and fire safety services and will place our residents in jeopardy.
      “Boardman Township can only support a ‘no build’ option, or an option that would relocated Brookwood Rd. to the north.”
      In 1997 the Ohio Historic Preservation Office named Forest Glen Estates as an Ohio Historic District. And in 1998, the United States Department of the Interior added the neighborhood district and each of its eligible homes to the National Register of Historic Places.
      Forest Glen Estates is an early 20th century planned residential subdivision of approximately 130 acres. Development began in 1923, and installation of streets and landscaping was completed by 1931. Because the neighborhood abuts the Lake Newport area of Mill Creek Park, the Forest Glen Estates development plan followed the urban and park design initiated by renowned landscape architect Warren Manning, who was then under contract with the Mill Creek Park Board of Commissioners.
      Members of the current Forest Glen Home Owners Association wish to preserve the integrity of the neighborhood, as it was originally developed.

     Meeting last week, the Boardman Board of Education adopted a Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations resolution report in the amount of $66.801 million, including a general fund budget of $49.068 million.
      According to the district’s most recent five-year forecast, some $24.972 million of the system’s budget goes to salaries, while $11.173 million is consumed in fringe benefits.
      $2.273 million of the appropriations come from Covid-related American Relief Plan funds, while food service costs for the district are set at $1.499 million. Title I funding for disadvantaged students is reported at $995,300.
      Treasurer Terry Armstrong’s report to the school board reflected the district will see changes in revenues received through unrestricted grants-in-aid.
      “As the year progresses we will see a change in this line due to the implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan.
       “Funding that was received based on Average Daily Membership (ADM) included foundation revenue for students who attended non-public, charter schools and open enrollment.
       “A major change will be that this will no longer show up in a district’s ADM thus the per pupil funding will not be shown as revenue as we will get funded for students attending Boardman Local Schools,” Armstrong said, adding “This will be a net gain for Boardman as this will be off-set by lower expenditures for those students leaving the district that under the old school funding system resulted in costs that exceeded what we received for each student.”
      Affirming a decision made in August, the school board formally adopted a resolution saying that providing transportation to students who do not attend the school system as impractical.
      “It is recommended that the Board, after examination of factors as identified in ORC 3327.02, has declared by resolution that such transportation by school conveyance is ‘impractical’ and hereby agrees to pay the parent or guardian of said pupil in lieu of providing such service. Payment shall be based upon the reimbursement rate set by the Ohio Department of Education and shall not exceed the average cost of transportation per pupil in the state of Ohio,” an agenda of the school board’s meeting said.
      In August, the school board said the policy could affect transportation to “the Center for Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities, 118 West Wood St., Youngstown, Oh., as well as Cardinal Mooney High School, the Heartland Christian School, the Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley, Summit Academy. Ursuline High School and Youngstown Community School.”
      Approved for appointment to the system’s certified staff were Gianna DeToro, Ryan Mistovich and Victoria White.
      DeToro, intern psychologist, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Youngstown State University. She will receive a salary of $26,250, paid through the School Psychologist Intern Grant.
      Mistovich will be an art teacher at Glenwood Junior High School replacing Robert Sheldone. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Westminister College.
      White, an intern psychologist. Ms. White earned her bachelor’s from Youngstown State University and her master’s degree from Kent State University. She will receive a salary of $26,250,paid through the School Psychologist Intern Grant.
      At the meeting, the school board accepted the following donations:
      •Glenwood Middle School Makers Activities Account: $4,500 from the Steve Bendel Ditch Diggers Memorial Fund.
       •West Blvd. Elementary Library: $50 from Mary Eicher.
       •Center Intermediate School: $100 from Beverly Muresan in honor of Jennifer Pratt.•Center Intermediate School: $25 from Anne Kravitz in honor of Jennifer Pratt.
       •Center Intermediate School: $150 from Ken and Shirley Schaab; David and Phyllis Schaab; Dr. Kevin Schaab and Julie Skalma in honor of Jennfer Pratt.
       •West Blvd. Elementary Library: $150 from Waldene and Thomas Kane in honor of Sandy Saxton and Suzie Summers.
       •Sponsorship of kindergarten signs: $1,500 from the Boardman School Fund for Educational Excellence, a subsidiary of The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.
       •Sponsorship of Yes Fest 2021 at Boardman High School: $4,000 from the Drug Education Officers of Mahoning County.
     

     The Boardman Township Board of Appeals shall hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 7:00 PM, go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/board-of-zoning-appeals/ for further information for consideration of the following cases:
      APPEAL CASE AC-2021-41
      Ryan Pavlak, property owner, 572 Squirrel Hill Dr., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 6.01 Accessory Use Regulations (E) Use Specific Standards (9) Detached Accessory Buildings (b) to reduce setback from the front foundation line of the house from (30) thirty feet to (11) eleven feet. The property is further known as LOT 122 191.83 X 160 IRR HITCHCOCK WOODS PL #2, Parcel 29-101-0-107.00-0. Said property is zoned R1-A-Residential, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2021-42
      Cody McCullough, property owner, 8077 Deerpath Dr., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 6.01 Accessory Use Regulations (b) Decks (iv) to reduce the required rear property line setback from twenty five (25’) feet to fifteen (15’) feet. The property is further known as LOT 224 95 X 175 LAKE FOREST REP 4, Parcel 29-099-0-036.00-0. Said property is zoned R1-A-Residential, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2021-43
      Christine Dorsett, property owner, 121 Danbury Dr., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 6.01 Accessory use regulations (E) (20) (a) in order to raise hens on the property. The property is further known as LOT 259 60 X 162.44 IRR ALBURN RLTY CO PL 8, Parcel 29-061-0-294.00-0. Said property is zoned R1-B-Residential, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2021-44
      Haider Ali on behalf of Noureen Fatima, property owner, 428 & 438 E. Western Reserve Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a conditional use from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 4.08 (D) (10) Parking lot use for adjacent property & 4.08 (D) (12) vehicle sales. The property is further known as GL 31 DIV 4, Parcel 29-037-0-006.00-0 & 29-037-0-007.00-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2021-45
      Rick Cain of Adams Signs on behalf of Ashvin Yanjik, property owner, 5953 South Ave., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021,
       •Article 12.11 Permanent Signs in Non-Residential Districts (C) Permanent Freestanding Signs (1) for a 5’1/2” pole sign, 2’1/2” taller than allowed three foot poles or supports from the adjacent grade with landscaping to screen the view of the poles;
       •Article 12.11 (C) (6) (b) for an electronic message center not on a monument signs as required;
       •Article 12.11 (7) Table 12.11.2 for sign face of 247.2 square feet per side, 47.2 square feet over the allowed 200 square feet per side;
      The property is further known as LOT 3 646.78 X 546.72 IRR REPLAT OF LOT 3 & THE REPLAT OF LOTS 7-10, Parcel 29-020-0-305.01-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      Text and maps of the request may be viewed at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing. Please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Atty. John F. Shultz, Chairman
      Boardman Township Board of Appeals
      Krista D. Beniston, AICP,
      Director of Zoning and Development

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      The League of Women Voters (LWV) has released its 2021 Voter Information Guide that includes information on interest to Boardman voters, including for Boardman Township Trustee and Boardman Local School Board. The information is non-partisan and comes directly from questionnaires submitted by candidates.
      On the ballot for Trustee are incumbents Brad Calhoun and Tom Costello, opposed by Tabitha Fitz-Patrick and Joseph Pavone.
      On the ballot for Boardman Local School Board are incumbents John Fryda, John Landers and Vickie Davis, opposed by Anthony Buchmann.
      Township Trustee Race
      Calhoun, 58, has served three terms on the Board of Trustees and notes he has extensive training in labor contracts and budgeting, as well as “a working relationship with many stakeholders.”
      Costello, 71, has served for 18 years as a trustee and says that service “has prepared me for the challenges facing Boardman.
      “I am proud of my ability to work with other elected officials to build support for community improvement.”
      Citing her “qualifications for office,” Fitz-Patrick, 34, says “Micro, macro and mezzo experience with policy and program development, implementation and advocation.” She says she is a licensed social worker with five years of experience.
      Pavone, 46, did not provide the LWV a direct response to his qualifications, instead referring the query to a social media site.
      Fitz-Patrick and Pavone both sought the office of township trustee two years ago and lost.
      Each candidate for Trustee was asked by the LWV about their priorities for Boardman Township.
      Calhoun responded his priorities are sound fiscal policies, maintain strong police and fire protection, improve road and infrastructure projects, protect the integrity of neighborhoods and continue to partner with the ABC Water District to secure grants to upgrade stormwater systems.
      “I am committed to serving this community and listening to their concerns while tasking our team leaders with finding solutions, Calhoun said, adding “Together we can make Boardman Township a proud community.”
      Costello said he has four priorities, including---
       •Continue to be fiscally responsible and live within our budget;
       •Continue to completely support both our police and fire departments, keeping them adequately staffed and equipped;
       •Work to improve road and storm sewer infrastructure projects;
       •Work closely with the ABC Water District.
      “All of these priorities can only be accomplished by working cooperatively as a team, “ Costello said.
      Fitz-Patrick suggests one of her priorities as a township trustee would be the installation of central air conditioning “in all Boardman school buildings,” as well as “more financial support for our schools,” while saying another priority is “Less taxes for homeowners.”
      Fitz-Patrick’s priorities also include flooding and sewer issues (Editor’s note: sewer issues are under the province of the county engineer), creation of emergency medical services (Editor’s note: that Boardman Township already provides), more financial support for Boardman Park, installation of a sidewalk on Southern Blvd., stretching from Western Reserve Rd. to Market St (Editor’s note: Southern Blvd. does not intersect with Market St. in Boardman Township); as well as creation of community gardens and “advocating for our residents and their needs.”
      Pavone says his priority is “listening and working with the residents will come first. Take the time to listen and explore different solutions to an issue.”
      Boardman Local School Board
      Fryda, 54, has served on the Boardman Local School Board for four years; while Davis, 55, has served on the school board since 2014; and Landers, 39; is a 12-year member of the school board.
      In citing his qualifications to serve on the school board, Buchmann responds “Tradesman. I believe I will bring uniqueness to the school board, showing those not ‘designed’ for college that there are great options that pay well without the extreme debt of college.
      “I am also an American citizen, a husband and father of teenagers.”
      Fryda points out his priorities for the school district include serving all citizens, support for a safe and positive learning environment in which students, parents, teachers and administration can witness the opportunity for all students to succeed in academics, athletics, art, technology and trades in the Boardman schools.”
      He says that fiscal accountability “is vital” and believes advocating for fair school funding “that benefits the taxpayers of Boardman.”
      Davis says she will continue “to stretch taxpayer dollars past their expiration date while continuing for fight the unfairness of public school funding at the state level.”
      She adds, “The role of a school board member is also to support the community around them. I will continue to support redevelopment and renovation plans of major investors and small business owners while keeping the Boardman school system the centerpiece of the community.”
      Landers says his priorities include continue advocation for the Ohio Fair School Funding plan, continue the evolution and improvement of school district communications to the community and the utilization of technology “and other methods design,” and “implement continued growth in in-person and online learning while supporting individual pathways to learn.”
      Buchmann says “the priorities that I believe that are important are safety, transparency, accountability and trades,” as well as “zero tolerance for bullying with a much more severe consequence for the person found to have caused the issue.”
      Buchmann also calls for “being more transparent when it comes to communication with the voters, especially before major decisions are made.”
      He says “kids need to learn more real life skills such as counting money and using a check register “rather than take classes that will do absolutely nothing for them in the real world.”

     The Boardman Schools Fund for Educational Excellence (BSFEE) announces two changes to its board of directors.
      Atty. Matthew H. Gambrel has been elected as Vice-President of BSFEE, and joins fellow officers Lynda Beichner, president; Michael Walston, treasurer; and Annie Sofran, secretary.
      A new member of the fund’s board is Kate Spires, a 2000 Boardman High School graduate who is currently employed as an architect with BSHM Architects, Inc. in Youngstown, Oh.
      The Boardman Schools Fund for Educational Excellence is a non-profit organization that awards teachers grant monies for classroom projects that go beyond the scope of those funded by the school’s educational budget. The fund has awarded over $75,000 since the group’s inception in 2009.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Incumbents and challengers for seats on the Boardman Township Board of Trustees and Boardman Local School Board spoke about their candidacies on Monday night before some 70 persons at the Community Center in Boardman Park. The forum was sponsored by the Boardman Civic Association.
      Incumbents seeking re-election for Township Trustee are Thomas Costello and Brad Calhoun. They are opposed by Tabitha Fitz-Patrick and Joseph Pavone, both of whom soundly lost their bids for the same office two years ago.
      Incumbents for the Boardman Local School Board seeking another four-year term are John Fryda, Vickie Davis and John Landers. Their lone challenger is Anthony Buchmann, president of the McKinley Cigar Club and who serves as an alternate on the Boardman Township Zoning Board of Appeals.
      Each candidate was limited to three minutes in touting their candidacy, followed by just a few questions, for each candidate.
      Costello and Calhoun, noting they are members of a team of elected officials that also includes Trustee Larry Moliterno and Fiscal Officer William Leicht, said they will continue to work on projects that benefit the community.
      Among those projects cited were updated zoning codes, improved ISO ratings for the Boardman Fire Department, maintenance of township roads, and appropriate staffing levels in the police and fire departments.
      Calhoun said the fire department’s insurance rating had been elevated to place the community in the top 14 per cent of all fire departments in the country.
      “We have created a tactical emergency medical service team to render aid to the police and our community during unusual conditions,” Calhoun said, noting the Boardman Fire Department answers 5,000 calls a year (mostly for EMS services).
      Both Calhoun and Costello lauded the collaborative effort between Boardman Township, the Boardman Local School Board and the ABC Water and Stormwater Utility District to demolish the vacant Market St. Elementary School and create a passive park.
      Costello, who also serves on the executive committee of the Coalition of Large Urban Townships (CLOUT) in Columbus, said he is a fiscal conservative.
      “Serving on that executive committee, we are able to share our issues and seek solutions,” Costello said.
      Costello noted maintaining appropriate staffing levels in the police and fire departments is important to the overall well-being of the community.
      Fitz-Patrick said she is a physical therapist and a licensed social worker, who favored creation of EMS services funded by township monies, and improved accountability.
      She cited her priorities as flooding issues, police and fire department funding and community credibility, and indicated she favored creating a fund of public monies to help citizens impacted by drainage issues.
      Pavone opened his remarks noting that “customer service” was his top priority.
      “I think we can get better at customer service,” Pavone said, adding he believed township meetings should be scheduled at convenient times for residents.
      Pavone told those in attendance that “flooding will never completely go away,” and said that ABC Utility District was making efforts to mitigate drainage issues.
      But, he said he believed there should be citizen participation on the board of the utility district.
      Pavone labeled tax abatements for the Southern Park Mall redevelopment as “ridiculous” and he favored charging non-residents for police and fire services.
      Safety issues, Pavone said, included speeding on Glenwood Ave., Hitchcock Rd. and Applewood Blvd.
      Each candidate for Trustee was asked to name their top, three priorities, if elected.
      Costello said his main concerns were solutions for drainage issues, continuing to seek grant monies to supplement the township budget, and continued efforts to work with other agencies.
      Calhoun offered his priorities included infrastructure projects, like road resurfacing and maintenance, drainage issues and maintaining services of the police, fire, road and zoning departments.
      Fitz-Patrick and Pavone did not offer three, top priorities.
      Fitz-Patrick indicated a top priority for her would be safer sidewalks from the Southern Blvd. area north to the Youngstown city limits, and concerns with accessibility to the police and fire departments.
      Pavone said Boardman should become a city for “better control and ability to serve residents.”
      School Board incumbents Landers and Davis each said they supported collaborating with township officials to create a stormwater park on the Market St. Elementary School property, as incumbent Fryda expressed pride in closing the school, a concept “that had been discussed for 20 years.”
      Fryda called the creation of a stormwater park “a no brainer” as the project will help families whose homes flood, and will also save the local school district some $500,000 in yearly maintenance costs for the property.
      Buchmann offered, “I’m the crazy guy. I would like to see a private company come there and build a trade school.”
      While Fryda, Davis and Landers said they did not favor open enrollment, Buchmann said he favored the concept because “It brings in extra money.”
     

     The Boardman Rotary Club will hold its 45th Oktoberfest on Sun., Oct. 3 in Boardman Park. The event, first held in 1976, is an outgrowth of Boardman Township’s Bicentennial Celebration and was first held as a ‘Community Day’ to promote fellowship in Boardman Township.
      Today, the Oktoberfest has grown into the area’s largest one day arts and crafts event, drawing vendors from five states. Visitors to this annual fall celebration also come from neighboring states and often arrive by the bus load.
      This year Oktoberfest will cling to its roots and again present a one day art, craft and entertainment event. The Oktoberfest is the largest single raiser of the Rotary Club of Boardman that uses the proceeds to support programs and efforts throughout the local area. International needs are also addressed when the Rotary Club of Boardman partners with other groups around the globe.
      Gates will open to the public on Oct. 3 at 9:00 a.m. and admission is $5/person. The event wraps-up at 5:00 p.m.

      12 students and two staff members at Boardman Local Schools have tested positive for COVID-19 since Sept. 1, according to the school system. Students who tested positive include one child at Stadium Dr. Elementary School, four students at Center Intermediate School, seven students at Boardman High School and two staff members at Stadium Dr. Elementary School. In each instance, the school system said it follows contact tracing protocols of the Ohio Department of health that are “required by the Mahoning County Board of Health...Under those guidelines...our staff members are required to wear masks inside our buildings,” said Michael Zoccali, principal at Stadium Dr.; Michael Masucci, principal at Center Intermediate; and Mark Zura, principal at Boardman High School.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting in a special session on Tuesday night with Boardman Township Trustees, the Boardman Local School Board transferred some 14.6 acres of land behind the now vacant Market St. Elementary School for the development of a passive community park.
      The creation of the park is directed at improving drainage issues in the Cranberry Run watershed area and is expected to impact upwards of 1,400 properties that have experienced surface water issues during heavy rainfalls for more than 90 years.
      The ABC Water and Stormwater Utility District has been studying watershed issue along Cranberry Run for three years, concluding the Market St. property is an “exceptional location” for a stormwater park.
      Development of the stormwater park is expected to be completed by 2023 at a cost of some $3 million.
      Funding for the Forest Lawn Stormwater Park will be provided through a $500,000 Ohio Capital Grant, the ABC Water and Stormwater Utility District and with support from Boardman Township and the Ohio Water Pollution Control Loan Fund and Mahoning County Commissioners, Boardman Trustee Tom Costello said.
      “Once completed, we expect the new park will be a community asset,” Trustee Brad Calhoun said, noting the project will begin with the demolition of Market St. Elementary School.
      “This project will be the first of its kind in Mahoning County and the first in the state of Ohio that has a joint partnership between a local school district and a stormwater utility district,” Trustee Larry Moliterno noted.
      Once the school building is demolished, two 60-inch storm sewers will be removed and replaced with two open stream channels that are expected to provide flood mitigation and less erosive stream velocities.
      When the park is completed, a walking path will be created and the site will include an entry plaza, boardwalk overlook of the stream (including an arbor), as well as floodplain overflow areas for added stormwater detention.
      “This project will be largest single detention project in Boardman Township to date with the capacity to hold water storage volume equivalent to one football field with 9-feet of water on top of it,” Trustee Costello said.
      “This type of project is a once in a life time opportunity will help stabilize a neighborhood and bring much needed relief in the form of stormwater control measures to Boardman,” Township Administrator Jason Loree, who also serves on the board of the ABC Water and Stormwater Utility District, said.

     BY GREG GULAS
      Boardman News Sports
      bnews@zoominternet.net
      Terence Thomas made his long-awaited season debut, racking up 210 yards offensively, Sean O’Horo added 139 yards rushing and two touchdowns while the Boardman offense racked up 394 yards of total offense as the Spartans rocked the Howland Tigers, 33-21 last Friday at Boardman Stadium.
      In the annual Hall of Fame game, the crowd was treated to multiple plays that qualified as hall of fame-like as the Spartans moved to 3-1 on the season and 1-0 in the All-American Conference.
      Howland fell to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play as Boardman won for the second consecutive year – they were victorious 54-19 a season ago – and improved to 13-3-1 in 17 all-time games played against the Tigers.
      Starting quarterback Anthony Hightower led the team early, completing both passes that he attempted for 47 yards before an injury sent him to the sidelines.
      Wearing No. 14 – in honor KeJuan Robinson who was injured against Massillon Jackson on September 3 – instead of his familiar No. 3 shirt, Cam Thompson also stood out as he added four catches – three from Thomas – for 182 yards and two scores to help pace the Spartans’ offensive attack.
      “We knew that we would have to put some points up tonight if we expected to win,” stated Spartans first-year head coach Seth Antram after the game. “We knew they’d come out, grind the clock and we’d have to take a couple shots early. We took them and were fortunate enough to complete them.”
      Antram says his senior class is a great group of leaders.
      “We have a great group of seniors, not just Terence but he adds a little spark,” Antram added. “Look at Anthony Hightower and what he did to get us here in this situation. He got his ankle tweaked earlier but Cam Thompson is coming along, getting healthy and peaking at the right time.”
      The Spartans got on the board on their opening drive of the game when Cole Congson, a standout on head coach Eric Simione’s soccer team, split the uprights from 35-yards out at 8:37 of the opening quarter for a 3-0 lead.
      Thomas made his presence felt once he hit the field, connecting with Thompson on an 82-yard scoring strike, capping a five-play, 84-yard drive with just 22 seconds remaining in the opening session to stretch their lead to 10-0 heading to the second quarter of action.
      Thompson appreciates the fact that he has two quarterbacks in Hightower and Thomas who can get him the ball when he is in space.
      His 82-yard touchdown pass from Thomas was a fitting ‘welcome back’ greeting from his classmate.
      “Terence definitely means a lot to this team,” Thompson stated about the Purdue University commit. “He opens up both our pass game and run game.”
      Luca Massucci’s 20-yard run at 9:48 of the second period cut the Howland deficit to 10-7 and when Matthew Coomer found the endzone from 10-yards away at the 2:22 mark, the Tigers authored their only lead of the game, 14-10.
      O’Horo, who was bottled up a good portion of the first half – he had just 40 yards on six carries – gave Boardman the lead for good with 57 seconds remaining before intermission after his eight-yard dash to paydirt gave the Spartans a 17-14 lead heading to the locker room.
      He played the second half in a No. 10 jersey after his familiar No. 6 shirt was ripped in the opening half of play.
      O’Horo posted 89 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown after intermission, noting their adjustment at the half helped everyone offensively over the final 24 minutes of play.
      “We just started to throw the ball a little more,” O‘Horo noted. “They would overload the box and it gave me all the room I needed, even if it was just a little bit for me to do my thing.”
      Being 3-1 after the first four games has been an added plus, according to O’Horo.
      “It’s big for us because we’ve delt with some adversity and conquered it,” he said. “Terence and Anthony are both shifty in the backfield. Terence has a little more throwing experience and that helps a lot. We commit too many penalties and must clean that up moving forward if we expect to finish strong. We have some other stuff to clean up but just making sure that we are doing our job on every play is the big thing.”
      Congson’s second field goal of the game, this time from 33-yards out, extended Boardman’s lead to 20-14 and when O’Horo scored his second touchdown of the game from 46-yards away at the 4:55 mark, the Spartans increased their margin to 27-14 heading to the final frame.
      Massucci’s second rushing touchdown, this time from four yards out, cut the Boardman lead to 27-21 with 6:47 left but Thomas found Thompson from 13-yards away with 1:14 left for a 33-21 lead that all but put the game out of reach for the Tigers.
      “They ran the ball well against us and grinded the clock, but we knew that they would,” Antram said. “They are a hard-nosed, physical football team. Obviously, we would have liked to have gotten a win last week but our goals remain the same. That is to go 1-0 each week and get better each week so today we are where we want to be.”
      O’Horo finished with a game-high 129 yards on 17 carries and two scores while Thomas added 75 yards on 10 totes and 135 yards though the air with two scores to pace the Spartans offensively.
      Thompson was on the receiving end of four completions for 182 yards, also scoring twice.
      Thomas is happy to finally be back and barking signals under center for the Spartans.
      “It was great,” he stated. “I just loved being out there with my teammates. I had some ups and downs with my knee but I am ready to be back. Being 3-1 and almost to the midpoint of the season gives us encouragement moving forward. It keeps us fired up because we play a tough schedule. We have a few things that we have to tighten up on defense and need to put the ball in the endzone more but we have a bunch of guys who can go out there and make plays and those are things that we will clean up in practice.”
      Woomer finished with 102 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown to lead the Tigers’ offense while Massucci scored twice and rushed for 81 yards on 16 totes.
      Tigers’ signal-caller, John Perry, was 5 of 10 through the air for 42 yards.
      The Spartans will conclude their two-game homestand when they play host to the East High Golden Bears on Friday at 7 p.m. at Spartan Stadium.
      They will then open a three-game road stand at Cleveland Benedictine (September 24), travel to Warren Harding (October 1) then conclude the stand when they meet the high-powered offensive attack of Ursuline High at YSU’s Stambaugh Stadium on October 8.
       GAME NOTES…In 17 all-time games between the Spartans and Tigers, BHS owns a 13-3-1 overall mark…The Spartans have won two in a row and 11 of the last 12 outings between the two schools…There has been one tie in the series, that coming in 1979 when the two schools battled to a 6-6 deadlock....Sean O’Horo paced the Spartan defense against the Tigers, finishing with 12 tackles....Boardman defensive coordinator Mike Popio also cited the efforts of Andre Freeman, Jared Mahood, Cam Atwood, Fernando Ortiz, Stephen Conti and Ashton LaBelle, each of whom had a tackles for a loss; and Isaiah Torres, who finished with two tackles for losses and a forced fumble....
      Boardman-Howland All-Time Series
      Boardman leads, 13-3-1
      1975 – Howland, 14-0
      1976 – Howland, 16-0
      1977 – Boardman, 13-9
      1978 – Boardman, 20-0
      1979 – TIE, 6-6
      1981 – Boardman, 27-14
      1982 – Boardman, 10-7
      1983 – Boardman, 14-7
      1984 – Boardman, 20-3
      1985 – Boardman, 43-7
      1986 – Boardman, 24-0
      1987 – Boardman, 47-0
      2017 – Boardman, 35-17
      2018 – Boardman, 31-17
      2019 – Howland, 27-24
      2020 – Boardman, 54-19

      At a meeting of the Mahoning County Board of Elections held on Tuesday, Board Chairman Mark Munroe, of Boardman, announced he would retire by month’s end, September 30.
      Munroe first joined the board 30 years ago this past March when he joined Dennis Vitt, Mary Kathryn Smith and Don Hanni as a board member.
      Munroe commented: “l have seen many changes over the past three decades, including new voting systems, changes in election law, a reduction in precincts, early and no fault absentee voting and much more. There have been hearings, protests, challenges and lawsuits, but at the heart of it all was the board of elections working to run good elections that voters could have confidence in. My number one goal was to always conduct our business in such a way as to encourage faith and trust in the system. Nothing was more important.”
      “lt’s been 30 years, and this is my birthday month, so I thought it was a good time to step down.”
      Munroe says he plans to keep a busy schedule looking after a new granddaughter, nursing his 1976 MGB, and continuing to tinker with ham radio and improve his morse code skills.

     In honor of their beloved younger sister, Mary Jo, a scholarship at Youngstown State University has been established by her sisters, Renee, Gail, and Pamela Monakee, on behalf of the family. The Monakees grew-up in Boardman and attended Boardman High School.
      “There was no better tribute to Mary Jo than to have something in her name that will invest in someone’s future,” her sister, Renee, said.
      The Mary Jo Monakee Scholarship was established at the YSU Foundation for minority students at YSU, with preference given to Boardman High School graduates studying early childhood education or primary education. Applications for the award will be open in the 2022 academic year.
      Mary Jo was someone who wore many hats throughout her lifetime; a sister, daughter, aunt, business owner, wife, and later, an educator.
      She was born and raised in Boardman, Ohio, and attended Boardman High School, where Mary Jo was active in the marching band and was a majorette. She began her college education at YSU and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing at Florida Atlantic University, graduating Cum Laude.
      After college, Mary Jo moved to Los Angeles, California, and began an impressive 30-year advertising career. She was an account executive and traffic manager at leading firms and would become an executive vice president in her boutique advertising agency. She worked with clients such as Honda, Chrysler, Rockwell International, Weight Watchers, and Kawasaki. Clients at her agency included Reebok and Adidas basketball.
      At the age of 50, Mary Jo had a new calling and switched careers to fulfill a cherished aspiration. She returned to college to study early childhood education. She was excited and inspired by the minds of her young students and grateful to have the opportunity to help them begin to build a foundation for future educational success.
      The Monakee family considers it an honor to create a scholarship where Mary Jo’s journey began: In Ohio and Youngstown State University.

     The Boardman Civic Association will hold its annual Candidates and Issues Forum on Mon., Sept. 20 at 5:00 p.m. at the Lariccia Family Community Center in Boardman Park. The public is welcome. Candidates for Boardman Township Trustee and the Boardman Local School Board will be invited to the forum. They include incumbent Trustees Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun, who will be challenged by Jason Pavone and Tabitha Fitz-Patrick. Candidates for the Boardman Local School Board are incumbents Vickie Davis, John Fryda and John Landers. Also vying for a seat on the school board is Anthony Buchmann. Based upon social media posts by Fitz-Patrick, she doesn’t know the duties of a Township Trustee, posting at 11:10 a.m. on Aug. 24, “Boardman local schools should all be equipped with Central Air. If I become elected, this will become a reality.” The duties of a Township Trustee are not connected with the function of the Boardman Local School Board.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting last week, the Boardman Local School Board declared providing transportation to students who do not attend the school system as impractical.
      In the declaration, the local school board agreed to pay a parent or guardian to transport their children to seven, different parochial and/or charter schools.
      “Payment (to parents or guardians) shall be based upon the reimbursement rate set by the Ohio Department of Education and shall not exceed the average cost of transportation per pupil in the state of Ohio,” the Boardman board said.
      According to the resolution, “school conveyance” was declared impractical to the center for Adults and Children with Learning Disabilites, 118 West Wood St., Youngstown; as well as Cardinal Mooney High School, Heartland Christian School, the Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley, Summit Academy. Ursuline High School and Youngstown Community School.
      Three certificated staff members were added to the system’s payroll---
       •Cristin Balale granted a one-year limited contract as a part-time music teacher at Robinwood and Stadium Drive Elementary Schools, replacing Laura Kotheimer. Ms. Balale received her bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and her master’s degree from the University of Miami, Florida.
       •Deborah Huck was granted a one-year limited contract as an ELL teacher at Glenwood Junior High School, replacing Sarah Holloway. Ms. Huck received her bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University.
       •Ryan Mistovich was granted a one-year limited contract as an art teacher at Glenwood Junior High School, replacing Robert Sheldone. Mistovich received his bachelor’s degree from Westminister College.
      The school board accepted the resignation of Dominic DeLaurentis, high school music teacher.
      Two persons were named to the administrative staff of the district---
       •Patrick Kale was granted a one-year 261-day contract as supervisor of the Boardman Performing Arts Center (BPAC).
       •Karen Kanotz was granted a one-year limited half contract as assistant director of student services. The position is being paid from ESSER II (COVID subsidy) funds.
      In other matters Lori O’Heren was hired as a curriculum gifted coach at a rate of $25 per hour, not to exceed 29 hours per week (to be paid from Title IIA Funds), replacing Marilyn Scheetz.
      27 teachers were named as staff of the Spartan Academy (remote learning) at a rate of $25/hour. About 50 students have enrolled for remote learning for the 2021-22 school year, Supt. Tim Saxton said.
      Teachers named to staff the academy include Pam Choleva, kindergarten thru second grade English Language Arts/Social Studies; Marcy Hughes, kindergarten thru second grade Math/Science; Lisa Rucci, kindergarten thru second grade Phonics; Mark Lias, third thru fifth grade English Language Arts; Marcy Hughes, third thru fifth grade Math; Amanda Reiter third thru fifth grade Math/Science/Social Studies; Shannon Soles, third thru fifth grade Science/Social Studies; Jerry Turillo, sixth grade English Language Arts; Missy Brent, sixth grade Math/Social Studies; Lyndsay Donadio, sixth grade Science; Dana Saferek, seventh and eighth English Language Arts; Kelsie Harris, seven and eighth grade Math; Heather Moran, seventh and eighth grade Science; Lisa Anzevino, seventh and eighth grade Social Studies; Laura Kephart, ninth thru twenfth grade English Language Arts; Dana Saferek, ninth thru twelfth grade English Language Arts; Katie Tomko, ninth thru twelfth grade English Language Arts; Vanessa Reilly, ninth thru twelfth grade Math; Gianna Rohan, ninth thru twelfth grade Math; Alexis Drass, ninth thru twelfth grade Science; Rick Sypert, ninth thru twelfth grade Science; Heather Moran, ninth thru twelfth grade Science; Nicole Blaze, ninth thru twelfth grade Social Studies; Lisa Anzevino, ninth thru twelfth grade Social Studies; Mary Beth Shobel, ninth thru twelfth grade Spanish; Dale Duncan, kindergarten thru twelfth grade Special Education; and Ben Heflick kindergarten thru twelfth grade Special Education.

     The Boardman Local Schools Mask Policy has been upgraded to “mandatory” for all students and staff, effective on the first day of classes, Monday, August 30. All visitors to the buildings will also be required to wear masks during the school day. There is no mask requirement outdoors.
      Boardman’s mask policy is in place for the start of the school year, as a proactive measure to help prevent the spread of infection, as well as limit quarantines that greatly disrupt in-person education.
      “We have learned a lot from COVID and its impact on education over the last 18 months. Our parents have expressed, quite clearly, that they want in-person learning 5-days a week and at regular school times,” said Superintendent Tim Saxton.
      “With the release of quarantine guidelines, the only way to greatly reduce students being home for 10 days on quarantine is to have students masked or vaccinated. With under-12 not eligible for a vaccine and only about 40 per cent of students 12-and-over vaccinated, masks are the best defense against a student being sent home and losing valuable in-person instruction.”
      Boardman’s mask policy follows strong recommendations from national, state and local health organizations. The district will monitor and evaluate the policy for the first 20 school days, and revisit this decision toward the end of September.
     

     The Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society will sponsor their 17th annual Dahlia Show August 28-29 at Boardman Park’s Lariccia Family Community Center. The show will be open at 1:00 p.m. on Sat., August 28 and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sun., August 29. Dahlias in all colors and shapes, as well as designer arrangements will be entered into the show. Exhibitors from Ohio and surrounding states will be competing for prizes as well as the joy of showing their favorite flowers to the public. Society members will be on hand to answer questions about growing, caring and showing Dahlias and arranging them in design pieces. For questions about the show, visit the web at https://www.boardmanpark.com or call Harriet, MVDS show chairperson at 330-550-6342.

     PART 2 Of Series (PART 1 - 8/05/2021 Edition)
      When Dr. Tom Platt, a 1967 graduate of Boardman High School, named a parasite in honor of former President Barak Obama, it set off a firestorm of negative comments about the naming, prompting Dr. Platt, retired biology professor at St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Ind., to author and defend his action in the following ‘op-ed that was published in The Washington Post.
      (Final story of a two-part series)
      I named a parasite after Barack Obama. It was meant as a compliment
      I’m the scientist who recently made news for naming a new genus and species of parasite after President Obama. Before you accuse me of being some kind of hater, racist or worse — as plenty have — let me be clear: I absolutely intended it as an honor.
      I’ve had two species of parasites named after me, and I take great pride in the fact that colleagues thought my contributions to the field warranted this recognition. If I had named a new predator, say a jungle cat or bird of prey, for Obama, there would have been no question of my intentions. But most people have an unjustly negative opinion of the incredible — and, yes, beautiful — organisms that I have spent my life investigating.
      The problem seems to be in how parasites make their living. Animal lovers don’t find it off-putting that predators capture and dismember their prey to obtain the energy they require to grow, reproduce and feed their young. But because of the way parasites draw off some of the energy of their hosts to achieve the same ends, they are somehow seen as lesser forms of life — when, in fact, they can make their hosts better.
      Parasites are under constant attack by the immune system of the host; some parasites kill some hosts, some hosts kill some parasites. However, the hosts that survive possess immune systems that are better equipped to combat the infection and pass those attributes on to their offspring. Conversely, the parasites that survive the improved immune attack will pass those features on to their progeny. In many instances, a stalemate is reached whereby host and parasite coexist in a stable relationship.
      Baracktrema obamai belongs to a larger group of trematodes (flatworms) called “blood flukes” that inhabit the circulatory systems of their hosts. Each major group of vertebrates — fish, reptiles, birds and mammals (amphibians are curiously exempt) — has its own corresponding species of blood fluke. This includes the species that infects hundreds of millions of humans worldwide and causes the disease schistosomiasis.
      The life cycle of a blood fluke is daunting. Eggs pass from the host into water where they hatch and release a “miracidium” (a bit like a paramecium) that will die if it does not find its next host, a snail, within 12 hours. If it successfully penetrates a snail, the miracidium reproduces asexually and produces thousands of new forms called “cercariae,” which then leave the snail and have 12 hours to find the final host. For species of Schistosoma, that’s a human. For Baracktrema obamai, it’s a turtle.
      When the cercariae enter the blood stream of the final host, you would expect them to face rejection, like a kidney transplant from an incompatible donor. The host’s immune system is fully capable of “recognizing” this foreign organism and destroying it. But amazingly that doesn’t happen: Within 24 hours, the parasite develops a type of molecular cloak — eat your heart out, Harry Potter — that makes it invisible to the host. If that isn’t fantastic I don’t know what is. We know only the rudiments of how this occurs, but if we could understand it at the genetic and molecular level, it could have potential for improving transplant surgery.
      I can’t share all the incredible things that we know about parasites in this short space. Suffice to say they are amazing, beautiful and cool as hell. Anyone should be proud to have one named in his or her honor. I know I am.
      Comments
      Science nerds got this immediately. Discovering a new species gives you naming rights, by tradition, it’s usually a rare moment for a tiny bit of immortality in a field where honors for a career of dedicated, disciplined, and occasionally brilliant work are seldom public, and where you get to immortalize yourself in some tiny corner of the science universe.
      Taking that opportunity to name something after someone else, a respected mentor, leader in the field, or just something or someone you really like or admire, a mentor, colleague, former professor, is also a tradition, and an honor. It’s recognized as a pure class-act to do that.
      You also have to love that Prof. Platt takes MOST of the space in an article written under the pretext of explaining the naming honor that some might consider an insult, to expound and inform people about the amazing critters that he studies.
      Bear 100
      Cool! But you do realize that many hear won’t look beyond the terms Obama and parasite, right? You know, the ones who think the earth is flat and when you get to the edge, you fall off?
      Sunmarie
      I’d say based on the fact that a parasite can either kill the host immune system and or the host and that Baracktrema obamai develops a molecular cloak in 24 hour that essentially allows it to thrive without being detected, that the good doctor picked a perfect namesake for his new dsicovery
      BBC059
      This is a tough one. Inventing the toilet got Thomas Crapper immortality. Not sure I would hang that one on my “I love me” wall!
      NotPC2
      Mr. Platt, if I give you the benefit of my doubt at the very least your thinking was incomplete as was your explanation. Your detailing of the parasite does not explain why you thought this would be an honor for Obama. If you read the comments you can see that you gave the trolls something else to be stupid about. Name a few other people you have honored in this way.
      Concerned13
      Getting named after a discovery is considered an honor in any scientific community. This man’s field of expertise happens to be parasites, and in fact has a parasite named after himself. I doubt he was thinking about internet trolls when he did it, so maybe give him a break?
      Ryan Harte
      He mentions a favorite professor, and himself. It is a high honor for a scientist to name something that has existed for untold ages, and will continue to exist for many more, after any person, to live on after we are all gone. Look at the names of trees, bugs, planetary moons, etc. The challenge is for us to take a moment to see parasites in the same way an expert does -- as another source of important discovery and excitement. Once you see it from his point of view -- always a good exercise -- the honor is clear.
      Fairfaxvoter
      Wow, an actual thought invoking article in what has become a pathetic propaganda medium. To the author: Love your interests, don’t agree with your politics. I believe that certain virus that reach a balanced symbiotic state in the human body, such as std’s that position themselves at the base of the spine, actually have the capacity to influence subconscious behavior...actions which would result in their propagation.
      Julius Valdez
      In spite of his explanations, I would have preferred another term. Do you think Trump would provide those details when he uses that term to refer to the President or Hillary and their supporters?
      KAZ 75
      Well at least he didn’t call it a Democrat.
      Mike27
      So many cynics, too many keyboards...the article was fun, fanciful, and shows why this guy finds things to name, while so many comments show why some can only criticize what they couldn’t do.
      bumanchew
     
      PICTURED:  TOM PLATT, pictured, defended his naming of a parasite in honor of a former U.S. President, noting “Before you accuse me of being some kind of hater, racist or worse — as plenty have — let me be clear: I absolutely intended it as an honor. I’ve had two species of parasites named after me, and I take great pride in the fact that colleagues thought my contributions to the field warranted this recognition.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A 13-year-old, south-side Youngstown boy, a reported runaway and driving a stolen car, faces a battery of charges after leading Boardman police in two pursuits shortly after midnight on Mon., Aug. 9, including one chase that reached speeds of more than 100 miles-per-hour.
      According to police, upon his capture, the boy was un-phased when he was advised he could have seriously hurt someone, and he wasn’t worried about going to the Juvenile Justice Center, and he said he “can’t help himself, but do bad things.”
      Nicholas Wilson, 13, of 1438 East Florida, Youngstown, told police his plan was to “joyride” in the stolen car.
      Wilson was driving a Nuick Verano that Ptl. Phil Merlo said had just been stolen from the Boardman Auto Mall, 5328 Market St.
      Ptl. Evan Beil said he was at a church parking lot at Buena Vista and Market St. when he observed a vehicle traveling at an extremely high rate of speed and with no visible registration.
      Officer Beil began to chase the car noting “I accelerated to approximately 100-miles-per-hour, however the car was continuing to pull away.”
      Due to the high risk of the pursuit (that lasted about a half-mile), Officer Beil terminated the chase and pulled into a parking lot to write a report. About ten minutes later, he heard a grinding noise he described as a car driving on a flat tire.
      The policeman then observed the same car he had been chasing turn off Roche Way and head north on Market St.
      “The right front tire was completely gone and the car was riding on the rim,” Officer Beil said, adding the car turned onto nearby Washington Blvd. where the driver began to flee on foot.
      After tripping in a ditch, Wilson was apprehended, calling Officer Beil “a bitch.”
      Wilson told police he was “out for a stroll” when he found an open window at the Auto Mall, “so he climbed inside and began to look around.”
      Wilson told police that he used a stolen set of car keys to steal the Buick off the lot and had just driven away after committing the burglary when police tried to stop the car he was driving.
      “It should be noted Wilson had a vacalier attitude during the whole ordeal as he was laughing about what had transpired,” Ptl. Beil said, adding “He was bragging about how he was driving over 100-miles-per-hour and the only reason he was caught was due to him getting a flat tire and running out of gas.”
      Wilson faces the following charges---breaking and entering, possession of criminal tools, receiving stolen property, obstruction, resisting arrest, unruly juvenile, no valid driver’s license, failure to display license plates and operation of a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property.
      Police spoke with Wilson’s legal guardians/grandparents, Earl and Jean Moss, who confirmed his identity.
      After booking, Wilson was lodged in the Juvenile Justice Center pending his court date.

     In 1967, Tom Platt graduated from Boardman High School and as he says “My life is devoid of any ill-treatment by family, teachers, clergy, or anyone else.” Platt went on to a career in parasitology and is now a professor emeritus at St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, where he served for 28 years in a career where he traveled extensively in search of new species of parasitic worms, from Costa Rica to the far-flung reaches of Australia and Malaysia. His love of turtles and their parasites led to the discovery of 30 new species, 11 new genera, and international recognition for his work, including his discovery of a new genus and species of trematode that he named in honor of the 44th USA president and his fifth cousin, Barack Obama. The story of Baracktrema has been picked up by over 200 news outlets worldwide, providing a fitting swansong to an illustrious career revisited in his part-personal and part-scientific memoir, entitled “Small Science: Baracktrema Obamai and Other Stories of a Life in Parasitology & Higher Education.” Following are excerpts from Pratt’s book from a chapter entitled “The Parasite and the President.” Platt says “I am a parasitologist: not a psychotherapist, parapsychologist, physical therapist, or other occupations with nominally similar-sounding names. I study parasites, and I have for nearly half a century. When asked what I do by someone I’ve just met, and they stare blankly when I share my occupation, I follow with, ‘If you take your dog to the vet to get it wormed, I study the worms.’ Responses range from the understated, ‘Well, I guess somebody’s got to do it,’ to facial expressions implying a note of disgust. I have been on the receiving end of both. However, either reaction almost invariably turns to curiosity. Most people have encountered parasites: ticks on a dog, fleas on a cat, pinworms in a (friend’s) child, or something more exotic, and they have questions. Nobody wants to be in a car wreck, but most folks slow down to look. Same for parasites.”
      The Parasite And The President
      On September 8, 2016, a Thursday, the Journal of Parasitology issued a press release announcing the publication of an article describing a new genus and species of parasite named in honor of the President of the United States, Barack Obama.
      I discovered the worm, a digenetic trematode, while on sabbatical at the Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2008. It inhabits the blood vessels of the lungs of two species of turtle endemic to Southeast Asia: Cuora amboinensis (the Asian box turtle) and Siebenrockiella crassicollis (the Black Marsh turtle). As the discoverer of this new organism, I had the honor of the christening, bestowing the name for the new creature according to the rules established by Carl von Linné, or Linnaeus.
      The name given to this new addition to Earth’s bestiary? Baracktrema obamai.
      Why the lag of eight years between the discovery of the new worm and its formal description?
      I fully appreciated the importance of my find almost as soon as I saw it. Nothing I had seen in the past quarter-century was remotely similar. It was a new genus and species. When my stay in Malaysia concluded, I returned to Saint Mary’s and began staining specimens and mounting them on slides for microscopic examination. My initial analysis of the “lungworm” confirmed what I had suspected from the beginning. It belonged in the family Spirorchidae (these are the turtle blood flukes, or TBFs, and will loom large as this story unfolds); however, it differed from all the other genera described. I began attempting to elucidate the form of the various organs and organ systems and measuring them for formal publication. I was excited! The basic morphology of trematodes is well known, and I was eminently familiar with the variations present in TBFs.
      The worm’s anterior end was straightforward: an oral sucker surrounded the mouth; a short esophagus led to a single cecum or intestine that ran almost the entire length of the body before terminating near the posterior end of the worm. Typically, trematodes have two blind cecae, but a single cecum evolved independently on numerous occasions across the families of flukes. The vitellarium, an organ that produces nutrients for the developing egg, surrounded the cecum. The testis was elongate, and the ovary compact. All of these structures were clearly visible in my specimens. Near the posterior end of the animal, a cirrus sac was present. The cirrus sac houses an eversible cirrus (analogous to the penis but turns inside out during copulation---ouch!).
      Most trematodes are hermaphrodites possessing both male and female reproductive organs. The genital pore, the site for both copulation and egg release, was located near the worm’s posterior tip. The big problem was between the ovary and the genital pore. The area housed a complex array of ducts, tubes, and sacs I could not decipher. Over the next six years, I examined these worms between my teaching duties, supervising undergraduate research, and working on other research projects. I was never satisfied.
      I fully understood how all the tubes and sacs connected and their role in this fascinating creature’s reproductive life. I was stumped for one of the few times in my professional career, I could not work out a trematode’s anatomy, and I wouldn’t publish something I was only guessing at. I planned to retire at the end of the 2014–15 academic year and didn’t imagine these specimens would yield their secrets to me.
      On the other hand, not seeing this through to completion was not an option. It just wasn’t going to be me who carried it across the finish line. I had to find somebody smarter, with better equipment, and the knowledge to complete the investigation.
      The choice was easy. Stephen A. ‘Ash’ Bullard, Auburn University, is a generation behind me in age and a generation ahead of me in knowledge and technique. Ash is an expert on the Aporocotylidae (fish blood flukes), which bear many similarities to their cousins found in turtles.
      He was the perfect choice to crack the problem I was unable to solve. Ash’s response to my inquiry was an enthusiastic and unqualified “Yes!” Then he surprised me by handing the work over to a graduate student interested in turtle parasites. I was skeptical, but Ash assured me the student showed great potential. His name was Jackson Roberts.
      With a sigh of relief, I packed all the material in several boxes and shipped them [to Auburn].
      I turned to the task of cleaning out my office and laboratory in preparation for retirement.Occasionally, in films and on television, a person is shown retiring from their job after many decades of service. They walk past offices and cubicles saying goodbye to colleagues carrying a single cardboard box with a few pictures, plaques, and maybe a plant peeking over the top edge. I don’t know if this portrayal is accurate, but leaving academic life is orders of magnitude more challenging. During my 45 years as a graduate student and faculty member, I accumulated over 1,000 books, 5,000 reprints (individual copies of articles), files on students, rough drafts of manuscripts, and voluminous correspondence. There were also thousands of microscope slides of worms from research projects, not to mention vials of worms (mostly nematodes) not typically mounted on slides. Deciding their fate would take the bulk of my last sabbatical during the fall of 2014. I had to cross-check information on the slides with my records, and label them for deposit in an accredited museum. I examined files individually to determine what to keep, what to recycle, and what to shred, as many contained potentially sensitive information.
      The books were the hardest to let go. I don’t know any academic of my generation who doesn’t love books. Books mark the history of our lives, our development as scientists and scholars. Many people take them home, but our house was small and already overburdened with books. I planned to continue to do research on a limited basis after retirement, so anything related to those projects stayed. What to do with the rest posed a problem. I wanted to put them in the hands of people who would use them. The sorting process was slow because of the memories many of the volumes invoked. I could recall when, where, and why I purchased most of them. I was erasing my past one volume at a time. I kept about 100 and decided which friends, colleagues, and former students might like the rest. I found homes for the vast majority of them, and I trust they will serve their new owners well.
      As the semester wore on and I was nearing the end of the big ‘sort,’ I checked with Ash to see how Jackson was doing. Within days, Ash sent a photograph of Jackson holding multiple sheets of 8 × 11-inch paper taped together, forming a 3 × 4-foot canvass with the preliminary drawing of our worm.
      I was relieved to see that my interpretation of the byzantine network of tubes and sacs was about 90 per cent correct. Jackson clearly and convincingly sorted out the rest. It finally made sense.
      After some fine-tuning, the manuscript was ready to be sent out for review; however, the worm still did not have a proper Linnaean binomial. Although I would not be the first author on the paper — that honor was Jackson’s — I did, as the person who discovered this creature, have “naming rights.”
      My choice was to name it for a relative. The name? Baracktrema obamai. Why? Why name a new parasite after President Obama?
      My cousin, Doug Toot, and his wife, Lola, are serious amateur genealogists and discov-ered our family connection to the 44th president through a gentleman who resided in Pennsylvania in the late 1700s named George Frederick Toot. He is my fourth great-grandfather and President Obama’s sixth, making us fifth cousins, twice removed.
      The primary rule for naming new species is that the binomial must be unique. No other animal can have the same name, the name must be in Latin (or Latinized), and the two names must agree in number and gender.
      Since President Obama was part of my ‘extended’ family, I followed a tradition established early in my career. Having a species named after you is an honor. I have two species and a genus named for me. I was touched my colleagues thought my contributions to the field sufficient to warrant public recognition. I voted for Obama twice and felt he did an admirable job as president during his two terms. Naming this unique and beautiful organism would be, in my mind, a tribute to his legacy.
      I finally screwed-up my courage and sent Ash my proposal. The initial response from Auburn was lukewarm. Jackson grew up in Tennessee, and many of his relatives were not fans of Obama. Both Ash and Jackson finally indicated their assent, but I sensed a level of discomfort. Ash is a friend. Although I didn’t know Jackson personally, I didn’t want to force either of them to do something they might find problematic, either personally or professionally. I told them if they didn’t want to use the name for any reason, I would change it. I didn’t have an alternative in mind, but I would think of something.
      After a brief interlude, they both decided, “What the hell, let’s see what happens.” We sent the manuscript to the Journal of Parasitology for review and possible publication. The reviews were positive and recommended publication. One reviewer suggested we should not name the organism after a prominent politician without permission.
      I expected Baracktrema obamai might raise some eyebrows. Hell, I was hoping it would. Ours wasn’t the first organism named in Obama’s honor. It wasn’t even the first parasite. None of them caused a kerfuffle as far as I knew; why would one more? I did not attempt to contact the White House. Better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.
      In April, [my wife] Kathy and I traveled to Ft. Mill, South Carolina, for the meeting of the Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. My primary reason for attending was to meet Jackson and the other members of Ash’s lab. Jackson was a delight. A large, bear-like young man several inches taller and more than a few pounds heavier than I. We immediately bonded and fell into conversation about our backgrounds in and outside the discipline. Jackson attended college in Tennessee and played baseball in high school and college. We had a great time over the two and a half day meeting, which made the 1600-mile round trip more than worthwhile.
      The April and June issues of the Journal of Parasitology passed with no sign of our paper. It had to be August. In the middle of the month, I received an e-mail from Peter Burns, the liaison between Allen Press and the Journal of Parasitology. The journal would issue a press release heralding the publication of Baracktrema obamai.
      A few days later, I received a second e-mail from Peter with a series of questions regarding my motivation for naming a parasite after the president. I was puzzled because the formal description of a new organism contains a short section entitled “Etymology,” which explains the derivation of the chosen name. We clearly indicated my familial connection to the president and were naming it in his honor. There could be no doubt we had no intention of disparaging Mr. Obama. I didn’t realize my answers (and those of my co-authors) would be crafted into a press release.
      Most of the questions centered on the negative view many people had of parasites, and was this really an honor? I thought this a strange question coming from a journal devoted to the study of these organisms. I suspect they wanted to make sure I was on record stating my motives were pure. They probed the family relationship and any significance to the parasite’s Malaysian origin (the answer was No).
      There was one question I thought was a bit strange: Does something about the new species, especially its physical characteristics, remind you of Obama?
      I thought about this for a moment and wrote: “I should note this seems the equivalent of when Barbara Walters asked her interviewees what kind of animal or tree they would be — a little silly.” With that preamble, I concluded, “The worm is long, thin, and cool as hell!”
      [My wife] and I planned a trip to New York City for ...a working vacation. We both love Broadway, and I planned on doing some research in the archives of the American Museum of Natural History for a paper on a dispute between several prominent parasitologists at the beginning of the 20th century. Kathy would spend time with a high school friend, Karen Pontius, who lives in the city, and we looked forward to attending plays in the evening. I learned the press release would appear while we were in NYC. Not an ideal time.
      I don’t have a cell phone. I have nothing against technology, and I am not a Luddite. I don’t need one. I spend most of my days either in my office at Saint Mary’s or at home. There are landlines in both places. When I travel, Kathy is with me, and she has a phone for directions and emergencies. Only this time, she wouldn’t be. I would be at the museum, and Kathy would be touring The Big Apple with Karen. I gave the journal my wife’s number as my contact...An inelegant solution to the problem, but it was the best I could do.
      September 9 was a beautiful day, warm and a bit breezy befitting late summer. The stroll from our rental on the upper eastside through Central Park to 79th and Central Park West was a glorious way to begin an eventful 48 hours. I arrived at the museum when they opened, stowed my backpack in a locker as required, and introduced myself to the librarian who would assist me during my visit. I gave her the information I needed for my project, and she headed for the stacks. I arranged my supplies: a pen, mechanical pencil, paper, and a tablet computer (to photograph documents if necessary). I wanted to examine the letters and manuscripts of Horace Wesley Stunkard, a former research associate of the museum and faculty member at New York University whom I met at my first parasitology meeting over four decades earlier. I was investigating a controversy regarding the early history of the family Spirorchidae: the same family now containing the new genus and species, Baracktrema obamai.
      I began plowing through the boxes of material the librarian delivered from the stacks. Because of the limited amount of time available, I made judgments of what to examine in detail rather quickly.
      In mid-afternoon, my world turned upside down. The librarian told me my wife called and needed to speak to me immediately. Fortunately, I was the only person working in the archives, and the staff granted access to their phone.
      Kathy wasn’t in full panic mode but close. She received calls from reporters who wanted to talk about the article. She had names and numbers for the Associated Press and Philadelphia Inquirer. I jotted them down.
      Both focused on the fact that I named a parasite for the current (and generally popular) president; parasites are regarded as among the lowest forms of life (obviously, I did not concur).
      Was this really considered an honor? I reaffirmed my admiration for President Obama and highlighted our familial connection. I shared that I named a parasite (from the eye of a turtle) for my father-in-law and conveyed my life-long dedication to the field and my love of the organisms. I felt I acquitted myself reasonably well. Kathy, Karen, and I met for dinner. We ordered, and I provided a recap of the interviews. We had purchased tickets to see The Marvelous Wonderettes playing at the Kirk Theater on 42nd Street, and the conversation turned to other topics as we ate.
      During dinner, I silently weighed my options. Should I attend the play or let Kathy and Karen go while I returned to our rental to see if there were any more inquiries I needed to address? My laptop was there, and I knew I had internet access.We came to New York to see plays. When dinner concluded, we headed to the subway and arrived at the theater about 45 minutes before curtain...
      I began to wonder if I had done something incredibly stupid. I never sought the limelight. I spent most of my days alone in my office and laboratory. I hoped for some modest recognition, but a few friends suggested Baracktrema was going “viral.”
      I wasn’t prepared for what was coming. Saturday was beautiful. We planned a trip to Brooklyn to visit the son and daughter-in-law of dear friends from South Bend, Bob and Ann Cope...I had a second objective in mind. The carousel from my hometown amusement park, the now-defunct Idora Park, had been purchased, moved to Brooklyn, and restored to its original condition.
      I spoke with the reporter from The Chronicle. Her approach to the subject was a bit different. She was interested in reviewing all the flora and fauna named in honor of President Obama. I also received a rather frantic note from Gwen O’Brien, the Media Relations Director at Saint Mary’s. She caught wind of what was happening and wanted to coordinate my interactions with the press.
      [My] story had gone viral and appeared in media outlets around the globe. Most made light of the “squirmy honor” but clearly indicated I was sincere in my tribute to President Obama.
      Conservative papers and bloggers were not as kind, noting the gesture was fitting as in their minds, Obama was a parasite — or worse. In this age of social media, “trolling” is a part of daily life for many people. However, my experience was almost nil as I had no online presence: no Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I received two e-mail messages from liberals con-demning my action.
      During our meeting, Gwen shared that KABC radio in Los Angeles wanted to do a live interview the following morning and asked if I was interested. I said, “Yes.” I was curious that Gwen hadn’t mentioned the South Bend Tribune, our local paper, or any local television stations. She indicated more interest in national and international coverage. I argued we should do everything possible to get Saint Mary’s name in front of the local community as we suffer from living in the shadow of the Golden Dome, i.e., the University of Notre Dame.
      Gwen agreed to contact local reporters. She was good to her word, and the local CBS affiliate, WSBT, would send a reporter later in the day, [and that was] Kaitlin Connin [who] fit the mold of a modern newscaster: young, attractive, and very bright.
      Kaitlin arrived with a cameraman and suggested we chat a bit before starting. I gave her a quick tour of the newly renovated Science Hall and shared some personal history and my career in biology. She and her assistant set up in one of the new laboratories, positioned me on a stool, and checked the lighting and sound levels. The interview was professional and straightforward.
      As Kaitlin was packing to leave, she indicated the story would air at 6:00 p.m. I missed the live broadcast due to a prior commitment. When Kathy and I returned home, I fired up the computer and searched for the clip online. I couldn’t find it, but I did locate the transcript. I was pleased with the flow until I got to the section on our shared ancestor, the connection that prompted me to name the new worm after President Obama.
      Kaitlin’s article quoted me saying our common ances-or’s name was George Frederick Smith, not George Frederick Toot. I nearly fell out of my chair!
      How could she have made such a horrific mistake? Or had I, in the stress of the moment, misidentified my fourth great-grandfather?
      I searched again for the video and couldn’t believe my ears when my video doppelganger uttered the name “George Frederick Smith.” I sent Katlin an e-mail noting my faux pax.
      Her reply? “Well, it isn’t the worst thing that ever happened in broadcast journalism. I’ll correct it in the print edition.” A charming young woman.The following morning, I waited in my office for the radio interview with KABC. At some point, I realized I didn’t know the ideological lean-ings of KABC or who might conduct the interview. Some of the press accounts by right-wing media were less than kind, and I thought, “Oh crap, this could be really, really bad.” Again, thanks to the internet, I located KABC online and was relieved to hear the mix of news, sports, and humorous banter associated with mainstream drive-time radio. A producer called and gave me some tips about what to expect. I heard the introduction and was live in Los Angeles. The conversation went smoothly; the on-air personalities had some fun at my expense and reined me in when I drifted into professor-speak. Six and a half minutes later, it was over. I said nothing untoward and, unexpectedly, enjoyed the attention.
      Press reports were snowballing; however, I was distressed by the derogatory nature of many of them. Even the articles reporting our naming as an honor to the president used modifiers like “dubious” or “squirmy” to indicate the public’s negative view of parasites.
      I decided to write a short piece with the working title of In Defense of Parasites. The words came easily, and within an hour, I had a 600-word essay.
      The question was, what next? This was probably my only shot at having my voice in the national press, so I went with “Go big, or go home.” It had to be either the New York Times or the Washington Post.
      The Times had done little with the story, while the Post published a substantial article with a picture of Obama.
      I went with the Post. I had zero expectation I would get a reply, let alone an op-ed in the paper of Bradlee, Woodward, and Bernstein. I searched the paper’s website for the appropriate editor and sent an e-mail explaining who I was, and asked if they would be interested in a short piece from my perspective.
      I was stunned when I heard back from Mike Larabee expressing interest in reading my “piece” but no guarantee to print it.
      Publication of a daily newspaper moves at warp speed compared to its academic counterparts. I was used to months, or more, from submission to print because the information in a scientific paper has relevance for years or decades. The life span of many news articles is the blink of an eye by comparison.
      The next day I received word the Post accepted my essay. After a thorough edit, the final draft entitled “I named a parasite after Barack Obama. It was meant as a compliment” (not In Defense of Parasites as I had hoped) appeared on Friday, September 15, less than three days from submission to print!
      Friends told me not to read the comments. I read all 100-plus: the good, the bad, and the vicious. People who disliked Obama continued their ignorant screeds. People who thought I was disrespectful to the president hammered me, but a few kind souls rose to my defense, demonstrating an understanding of what I did and an appreciation for the “beauty of life in all its forms.”
      Their thoughtfulness lifted my spirits.The week between the news release to the Washington Post article was a wild ride. Much to my relief, things settled down.
      I learned a valuable lesson; be careful what you wish for.
      I was surprised [that] I hadn’t heard from the South Bend Tribune. Then one of those coincidences of thought and action occurred. The phone rang. Margaret Fosmoe, the education writer for Tribune, was on the line requesting an interview. We arranged to meet at my office early the following week.
      We spoke for about 45 minutes, and I was photographed holding a drawing of Baracktrema.
      The following Saturday, the article appeared on the front page, below the fold. It was similar to others published over the previous weeks; however, Margaret posed an interesting question none of the other reporters thought to ask. After the standard “Have you heard from the White House?” (I had not), she asked, “What do you think Obama’s response was when he heard the news?” I thought for a second and replied, “If he did,” the professor said with a smile, “my guess is he shook his head in amusement and moved on to more important things.”
      I did not receive a call from the president or the White House. I suppose I fantasized it might happen, and I would have been delighted if Obama had reached out. I sent a copy of the Journal of Parasitology containing our article to the White House for inclusion in Obama’s Presidential Library---I received the standard postcard thanking me for my gift; a card mailed to thousands of people every year who send stuff to the president and first lady: plain, perfunctory, and impersonal. My 15 minutes of fame were over.
      Gwen O’Brien shared the results from a service the Saint Mary’s employed to follow reports of the college in various media---200-plus mentions, more than any other single event in St. Mary’s history. The paper brought nearly 10,000 unique visitors to the Journal of Parasitology’s website, more than the next 19 articles combined. I even got a nod from our campus security officers when I stopped by their office to renew my parking tag.
      And the response from the higher-ups at Saint Mary’s? Nothing! Not even an “Atta boy” from the Dean, Provost, or President. Their indifference was baffling, disappointing, and a bit hurtful.
      Do I regret my decision to “raise some eyebrows”? No. Nobody was hurt. I had a little fun and brought some attention to parasitology and the organisms to which I devoted the better part of my life.
      If Obama was facing a re-election campaign, I wouldn’t have done it. I do have a great deal of respect for the man as president, husband, and father. I would not have done anything to hurt his chances for a second term.
      The furor died down quickly, and Baracktrema obamai is still, I suspect, cycling through snails and turtles in Southeast Asia. However, the illegal turtle trade and habitat degradation may threaten the extinction of both hosts and parasite.
      Neither of the Obamas will live forever, but their name will as long as we are here, and there are folks like me who are fascinated by these genuinely remarkable and underappreciated organisms.
      (First of a two-part stories
      about The President and The Parasite)
     
      SMALL SCIENCE is a 268-page book written by 1967 Boardman High School graduate Tom Platt, the son of Ken and Jane Platt, who grew-up on Macachee Dr. It was published on June 16 and is available in paperback for $28. In the book, Platt provides perspectives on the places and people encountered along the way, details of interactions with wildlife, as well as interesting and accessible insights into parasite behavior in the external environment and with their hosts. ‘Small Science’ is an inspiring story of an unexceptional high school student’s path through college, graduate school, the academy, and a successful research career. The book is available on Amazon, or can be purchased through Kindle.

     According to the Ohio Association of Townships (OTA), Boardman Township is set to receive $4.068 million in funding from the American Relief Plan (ARP).
      The ARA provides additional relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19.
      After months of uncertainty, with townships unintentionally left out of original ARP bill language – due to definition inconsistencies for “non-entitlement unit of local government” (NEUs) – it was announced by the US Treasury in May that Ohio was one of eight states in which the state itself would determine ARP eligibility and the definition of NEUs. In late June, township eligibility was placed into first SB 111 and then HB 168; and after signature of HB 168 by Gov. Mike DeWine, townships in Ohio have finally and rightfully been confirmed for direct ARP funding as true units of local government.
      According to the OTA, eligible uses include:
       • Support public health expenditures, by, for example, funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff.
       •Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector.
       •Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic.
       •Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors.
       •Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet.
      Half of the APR funding is to be distributed this year and half is to be distributed next year. The funding will be distributed through the Ohio Office of Budget and Management (OBM) by population.
      According to the OTA, other townships in Mahoning County set to receive ARP funding includes Austintown, $3.654 million; Canfield, $815,487; Coitsville, $137,852; Ellsworth, $221,129; Goshen, $323,785; Green, $316,348; Jackson, $254,335; Milton, $254,335; Poland, $1,24 million; Smith, $347,040; and Springfield, $668,628.

     Tom Platt, Boardman High School Class of 1967, who later went on to earn his PhD in Parasitoloy, has just had a book, ‘Small Science,’ published. The book chronicles his
      personal life, as well as his travels around the world in furtherance of his research. Platt’s road to success was not initially smooth. Faced with a brutal tenure rejection at the start of his career, he was told that “You are not the type of person we want to invest in for the next 30 years.” After a brief stint in the business world, Platt bounced back in spectacular fashion by embarking on a successful 28-year career at Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Ind. He traveled extensively in search of new species of parasitic worms, from Costa Rica to the far-flung reaches of Australia and Malaysia. His love of turtles and their parasites led to the discovery of 30 new species, 11 new genera, and international recognition. He provides perspectives on the places and people encountered along the way, details of interactions with wildlife, as well as interesting and accessible insights into parasite behavior in the external environment and with their hosts. The link to his book is https/worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12339
     

     FIREWORKS WILL BE BACK AT BOARDMAN PARK on Sat., Aug. 28 when a concert at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theater will be followed by a Phantom Fireworks display. Details of the event are still being finalized and will be announced soon, the park’s executive director, Dan Slagle Jr., said this week.
     

     Road resurfacing projects that will be get underway in August in Boardman Township include Oakridge Dr., from Applecrest to Mapleridge Dr.; Squirrel Hill Dr., from Jaguar Dr. to Silver Fox; Paulin Dr., from Walker Mill Rd. to Tamarisk Trail; Sheridan Rd., from
      Country Club Ave. to Mathews Rd.; Salinas Trail, from Rt. 224 to Stadium Dr.; Green Glen Dr., from St. Albans to a dead end; Banbury Dr., from Green Glen to Robinhood; and
      Robinhood Dr., from Banbury to a dead end.

     The 15th annual American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball, ‘Denims and Diamonds,” will be held at the Lake Club on Fri., Aug 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The ball is one of the Mahoning Valley’s premiere charity events, with tickets selling out each year and tens of thousands of dollars raised to fund the fight against cancer.
      This year’s honorees, chairs, event sponsor, and special guests include---
       •Honorary Chairs: Lauren Lindvig, Ron Flaviano, Fred Housel.
       •Medical Honorees: Kene Ugokwe, MD, and Jennifer Baird, MD.
       •Cancer Survivor Honoree: Jennifer Sayavich.
       •Special Guests/Pediatric Cancer Survivors: Brett Wilcox and Ava Timko.
       •Event Chairs: Carole Weimer and Annette Camacci.
      2021 survivor honoree is Jen Sayavich of Sweet Arrangements Florist, who has battled breast cancer as a young mother. The 2021 medical honorees are both also cancer survivors: Dr. Kene Ugokwe, a Mercy Health neurosurgeon, and Dr. Jennifer Baird, a physician with The Center for Women.
      Pediatric cancer survivors Brett Wilcox and Ava Timko, who were honored at this event in 2012 and 2013, have continued to be guests at the ball, providing all who battle cancer with pride and hope for the future.
      This year’s event will also recognize 2020 honorees, whose event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
      2020 honorary chairs were Patt and Doug Sweeney. Patt is the former health commissioner for the Mahoning County Health District and Doug is the former president of the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC.
      The medical honoree of 2020 was Dr. Thomas Chirichella, a Mercy Health physician and surgeon, associated with the Mercy Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Center.
      The Survivor Honoree of 2020 was Mrs. Robin Daprile, who sadly lost her battle to cancer several months after the Cattle Baron’s Ball aired in August, 2020.
      The Cattle Baron’s Ball will offer attendees a lively, western-themed party featuring gourmet cuisine, musical entertainment and dancing, live and silent auctions, and much more. Attendees are encouraged to don their favorite country/western denim along with some glitz for this “Denim and Diamonds” event.
      Entertainment will be provided by Leanne Binder during the 6-7 p.m. cocktail hour, and the K Street Band will provide entertainment for the balance of the evening. Returning for this year will be Dana Balash from WFMJ, who will serve as master of ceremonies.
      The event is made possible through the generous support of the presenting sponsor Mercy Health. Additional major sponsors include Hollywood Gaming; Komara Jewelers; The Muransky Companies; Simon Roofing; Richard and Susan Sokolov; and Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC.
      To purchase tickets, provide a sponsorship or auction items, contact the American Cancer Society at 330-318-4107, or kelly.sobotka@cancer.org or visit www.youngstowncattlebaronsball.org.

      Meeting on Monday, Boardman Township Trustees unanimously approved the purchase of body cameras for Boardman Police Department officers. Police Chief Todd Werth said the cameras could be in use within two months, and that his department has been developing rules and standards for the use of the cameras for several months.
      Policies have been developed and presented to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office for review, Chief Werth said, adding that body cameras are important to law enforcement and “facilitate the collection of evidence, prosecution of suspects, and provide transparency.”
      On Monday night, Trustees approved a five-year service agreement with Watch Guard/Motorola for the body cameras at a cost of $216,000.

     A 24-year-old man was shot and wounded by a Boardman police officer early Tuesday morning on South Ave., near Mathews Rd.
      About 12:40 a.m., the officer saw a man wearing a trench coat and carrying a baseball bat while riding a bicycle along South Ave. near Mathews Rd. The officer stopped to speak with the man, and sources indicate the man came towards the officer.
      “I will be out with a male with a baseball bat,” the officer informed police dispatch. Moments later he requested a back-up and within 30 seconds, he announced ‘shots fired, man down.’
      The officer immediately went to provide life-saving measures to the man, as 14 police officers converged on the scene. The suspect reportedly brandished a knife and four knives were seized as evidence.
      Damian Cessna, 24, of 7059 West Blvd., #187, was transported to a medical facility within 14 minutes, He is charged with felonious assault.
      According to his Facebook page, Cessna is a graduate of Boardman High School and is employed as a stage set-up worker at Skull’Rz Bane band.
      Several police sources indicate
      His Facebook page notes---
       •About Damian: “Never give up. even when im down or depressed and say im giving up dont believe like most my freinds do a few that know me best know that i am unable to give and if i want something in life ill swear up and down im giving up but as soon as i get another chance im trying again even if i dont want to keep trying just because i want to accomplish it or die trying even though i say its hopeless im still trying again and to be honest not even i know why i keep trying against it all, but i do know something keeps me trying i just dont know what yet...”

     Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley will be expanding the emergency department on its Beeghly campus and has received a $1 million gift from Leonard J. ‘Lenny’ Fisher, CEO of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt, to help support the project.
      The donation has been recognized with the naming of the Leonard J. Fisher Family building. Construction on the project is expected to begin this fall with an anticipated spring 2023 opening.
      In Oct., 2020, Fisher was recognized by the Boardman Civic Association as its Business Person of the Year.
      “I am pleased to support such an important initiative in the Mahoning Valley,” Fisher said. “The health of our children is so important, especially in today’s climate. And providing support for the emergency department, which has seen explosive growth, is a way that we can help impact the community for generations to come.”
      Since the opening of the Beeghly campus in December 2008, there have been over 348,000 visits to the hospital’s emergency department. The current facility has the capacity to see 80 patients per day, but the department regularly cares for well above that almost daily.
      The new facility will increase the emergency department’s square footage from 9,600 to 34,700. The emergency department will feature 23 treatment rooms designed with input from patient families and staff.
      “The need to expand this department is critical,” said Grace Wakulchik, president and CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital. “Mr. Fisher’s generous gift is allowing us to get the fundraising for the expansion off the ground. We are so grateful for this support and for his long-time advocacy for children’s health care and Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.”
      In addition, this gift will help fund three behavioral health rooms specially designed to take patients who are facing emotional and behavioral emergencies. The current department has one such room, which is often occupied.
      “Our expanded emergency department is a major investment in the Mahoning Valley community and continues to build on the commitment we began when we opened the campus in 2008,” said Paul Olivier, vice president of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. “It is through the generosity of donors, like Lenny Fisher, that makes projects like this possible.”
      “While we are off to a great start with this generous gift from Mr. Fisher,” chik said. “We still have funds to raise. The generosity of the Mahoning Valley is unparalleled, and we look forward to working with donors and community leaders to bring the project to a successful conclusion to ensure the children and families in the Mahoning Valley have the access to care they deserve.”
      Lenny Fisher is the chairman of the board of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. He has been a long-time supporter of children’s health in the Mahoning Valley through his support of Akron Children’s Hospital. His support has included the Vision for our Valley’s Children Campaign Fund, the Pediatric Cardiology Fund and the Mahoning Valley Fund. In addition, Mr. Fisher helped launch the Koins for Kids Campaign that challenges schools in Trumbull and Mahoning counties to raise awareness and funds to support Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.
      Handels was founded in July, 1945 by Alice Handel, who began serving ice cream out of her husband’s gas station in Youngstown. For many years the company operated its business in the Fosterville area of Youngstown, before moving to Boardman.
      Since then, Handel’s has grown to include locations in California, Florida, Indiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Oregon. The menu has expanded to include over 100 flavors of homemade ice cream and yogurt. Handel’s success has been documented in many national publications including USA Today, People Magazine, Chocolatier Magazine, and US News and World Report.
      Recently published books “The Ten Best of Everything” and “Everybody Loves Ice Cream” both recognize Handel’s as one of the best ice creams in the world.

      Meeting last week, Boardman Township Trustees Thomas Costello, Brad Calhoun and Larry Moliterno approved an agreement with Elliott’s Garden Center, 1283 West Western Reserve Rd. to provide free composting services to ‘non-commercial’ residents of Boardman.
      The agreement is for services through Mar. 30, 2024. Cost of the services is $10,000.
      Yard waste accepted includes brush (4-ft. or less and 6-inches or less in diameter), tree and shrub prunings, grass clippings, garden waste (vegetative and perennials), loose leaves or paper bagged leaves), ornamental grasses, and clean pallets. Waste must be separated into grass, leaves and brush. No trash (plastic, glass, metal, rocks or food waste) will be accepted. All plastic bags must be emptied and discarded. No animal waste or batteries.
      All township residents must sign in at the Elliott’s office prior to dumping.
      Trustees also approved a lease agreement for $5250 with the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners to provide funding for a public recycling site.
      By unanimous vote, Trustees adopted a resolution to place a 3-mil current expenses renewal levy on the November ballot.
      Proclamations recognizing four employees of Giant Eagle were presented to Chris Spencer, Sara Jeffrey, Tiffany Adkins and Christine Kennedy for their life saving efforts involving a 5-year-old girl, Alex Lucas.
      The child was inside a local Giant Eagle store when her heart stopped beating while she was inside a bathroom. Spencer, Jeffrey, Adkins and Kennedy immediately reacted, performing CPR, calling 9-1-1 and using an AED to assist the child.
      Since that emergency, Lucas has been diagnosed with a heart condition called CPVT. Her family says she is doing well and that she has a permanent defibrillator on her chest.

     During a special meeting held last week, the Boardman Board of Education hired a new director of operations; and added a supervisor to direct digital education provided by the newly-established Spartan Online Academy.
      Brian Fonderlin was hired as Director Operations and Human Resource, and Edward Admas was named Supervisor of Digital Instruction. Fonderlin’s beginning salary is set at $90,500; while Adams roles in digital education brings a $49,812 annual salary.
      Fonderlin will replace Matt McKenzie who resigned his position effective June 30, 2021. Fonderlin’s 3-year contract begins July 1, 2021.
      Fonderlin, a Boardman resident, is a former owner of a construction business, and currently serves as an Assistant High School Principal in the Niles School District.
      “Brian Fonderlin comes to us with the best of both worlds: he knows buildings, construction and maintenance--as well as all the rigors of school administration, scheduling and personnel,” said Superintendent Tim Saxton.
      In the private sector, he owned and managed Fonderlin Restoration, Inc. for 16 years. His company specialized in new construction of residential and commercial buildings across three states and he also did restoration projects. In the education sector, Fonderlin taught and coached at Jackson Milton Local Schools for 6 years, and most recently has served as assistant principal at Niles McKinley High School.
      “This is a great opportunity for me to serve the community where my children grew up,” said Fonderlin. “I am honored to join the Spartan family, and look forward to getting started.”
      Fonderlin earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Youngstown State University and a masters in Leadership in Educational Administration from Capella University.
      Fonderlin and his wife Barb, who is a guidance counselor at Glenwood Junior High School, have lived in Boardman for more than 20 years, and raised three children here.
      Adams is currently serves as the Boardman Local School District’s STEAM advisor and his role will be expanded to oversee all virtual learning.
      Adams was hired by Boardman Schools in 2018 as the technology teacher at West Boulevard Elementary. He quickly expanded that role, as the overall STEAM coach in the district the following year. Adams has established a hands-on STEAM program at all three elementary schools. He has introduced K-3 students to coding concepts, 3-D printing, and robotics. He also played a critical role as the district transitioned to remote learning during the pandemic.
      “Ed Adams has brought excitement and great ideas to our STEAM instruction, keeping the attention of our youngest Spartans with unique projects,” said Director of Instruction Jared Cardillo. “We are certain he is the right person to guide our new virtual learning academy so that all of our remote students are engaged and learning.”
      Adams earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Youngstown State University, and a masters in Political Science-Security Studies from the University of Akron. He is currently pursuing a second Masters in STEM Curriculum and Instruction at YSU.
      “I’m very excited to enter into this new chapter of my career here in Boardman,” said Adams. “This district has time and again demonstrated a real commitment to understanding how best to use technology to make learning more exciting, engaging, and accessible for our students, and I am truly honored to have the opportunity to help lead this effort.”
      Adams will continue his role as STEAM coach for the district, and also oversee all aspects of the Spartan Online Academy in August. Spartan Online Academy information can be found on the district website.
     

     Steve Bendel Jr., 54, of Amberwood Trail, the owner of Bendel Enterprises Incorporated (B.E.I.) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack on May 12. Frank Quinlan, one of Mr. Bendel’s employees, is leading an effort to raise money and donate it in Mr. Bendel’s memory.
      “Mr. Bendel was the type of man that would not turn anyone down. He would put everyone in front of him and put himself at the bottom of the list. Mr. Bendel would drop everything he was doing to go and help someone in need,” Quinlan said.
      “I am that little boy in the poem Ditch Diggers, who plays with Lincoln logs and Tonka trucks. Thanks to Mr. Bendel, my mentor and friend, he saw this love I had and allowed me the opportunity to work beside him. From the time I was 11-years-old, I would spend my summers working alongside him, learning the trade. I too am a ditch digger and Mr. Bendel was the reason for it. I want to use this fund to help other future ditch diggers as well,” Quinlan said, adding “Since Mr. Bendel was taken from his life too early, all of his good deeds and favors could never possibly be repaid. With this memorial fund, I am hoping to pay all of his good deeds forward.”
      A portion of the funds raised will be donated to Glenwood Junior High and Boardman High School, both of which Mr. Bendel was an alumni. The donation for Glenwood Junior High will help with the purchasing of equipment and supplies for the Boardman Makers Club. The donation for Boardman High School will aid with the redevelopment of the industrial art classes.
      Mr. Bendel was a 1984 graduate of Boardman High School. While in high school he won the prestigious Lincoln Electric welding award and also the Golden Hammer.
      “It is my hope that the funds donated to these two schools will help to teach students the tools of the trade that are needed to be future ditch diggers,” Quinlan said.
      The rest of funds raised will be donated the Mike Rowe Works Foundation. The Mike Rowe Works Foundation is a foundation that raises money for students who have the dedication and work ethic to go into the trades. The foundation gives scholarships to those students who are in need. The foundation doesn’t just pick random kids to give the scholarships to. They are awarded them to people with a dedication to their trade.
      “Mr. Bendel left behind his family including a wife, four daughters, a brother and the B.E.I. business. If you were fortunate enough to know Mr. Bendel, you know that he was one of the nicest people around here. He was also one of the best equipment operators in the Mahoning Valley,” Quinlan said.
      Persons wishing to donate in Mr. Bendel’s memory can call 330-719-4295; or go to
      https://gofund.me/32fb2172
      “I would like to say thank you in advance for any donations large or small. If you cannot make a donation, please keep the Bendel family in your hearts and prayers,” Quinlan said.

     Boardman Township Trustees provide free composting for Boardman residents at Elliot’s Garden Center, 1283 West Western Reserve Rd. Yard waste accepted includes brush (4-ft. or less and 6-inches or less in diameter), tree and shrub prunings, grass clippings, garden waste (vegetative and perennials), loose leaves or paper bagged leaves), ornamental grasses, and clean pallets. Waste must be separated into grass, leaves and brush. No trash (plastic, glass, metal, rocks or food waste) will be accepted. All plastic bags must be emptied and discarded. No animal waste or batteries. All township residents must sign in at the Elliot’s office prior to dumping.

      In recognition of his academic achievement, Noah Holdridge,a 2021 graduate of Boardman High School, has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship from Medical Mutual. Holdridge plans on attending the University of Michigan and majoring in chemical engineering. He was among six regional winners of $10,000 scholarships based on academic achievement and financial need.
      “Noah clearly was a high achiever at Boardman High School and is a deserving recipient of the scholarship,” said Ben Stoffer, Regional Vice President, East/Southeast Ohio. “Medical Mutual is pleased to support his pursuit of a college education in chemical engineering.”
      Noah, the son of Shannon Holdridge and the late Lynn Holdridge, of Presidential Dr., is a member of the National Honor Society at Boardman High School and graduated with ‘First in Class’ honors maintaining a 4.0 gpa while in high school

      A Colorado Springs, Col. man was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest on Thurs., June 10 after Boardman police, accompanied by Secret Service agents, stormed the Red Roof Inn seeking to question 57-year-old Timothy Geisler, who apparently made questionable posts over social media.
      “The Secret Service needed to interview him regarding threats to the White House and believed he was in the process of traveling to Washington, D.C.,” Boardman Police Sgt. Paul Grimes said.
      According to police, 24 officers, including Chief Todd Werth, arrived at the Red Roof Inn about 11:30 a.m. and the first and second floors of the Inn were evacuated after local authorities learned the Secret Service had remotely tracked Geisler there.
      Police were told by an housekeeper at the inn that Geisler had been seen bringing a throwing axe, assorted pointed sticks and clubs into his room.
      Chief Werth and Sgt. Grimes were in a hallway near Geisler’s room, when, according to Sgt Grimes “suddenly, Geisler opened the door to his room and was face-to-face with Chief Werth with only one hand visible.”
      As Geisler was ordered to “show his hands,” he began to retreat back into his room when Chief Werth grabbed his hands and a struggle ensued.
      “Geisler was wrestling with the officers ordering him to the ground,” Sgt. Grimes said, adding a taser was deployed to help subdue the man.
      “Geisler went to the ground and after further wrestling, his hands were brought behind his back and he was handcuffed. He quickly calmed down,” Sgt Grimes said.
      Geisler was taken to the Boardman Police Department where he was interviewed by two Secret Service agents, then taken by ambulance to Mercy Health/Boardman for an evaluation. Sgt. Grimes said the axe, pointed sticks and clubs were seized by police.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Boardman Trustees are working on a host of initiatives to address surface water issues in the township this summer.
      Road Department Superintendent, Marilyn Kenner, said four homes on Wildwood Dr. and South Cadillac Dr. will be demolished and the properties will then be designed to move a water channel away from existing homes, and also to reduce the velocity of water flows during peak rainfalls.
      Homes set for demolition include 230 and 233 Wildwood Dr., and 230 and 241 South Cadillac Dr. Cost of the project is supported by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Kenner said.
      Meeting in May, Trustees Tom Costello, Brad Calhoun and Larry Moliterno approved a resolution to transfer property at 6706 Glendale Ave. to Boardman Township.
      “This property is known to flood during heavy storms and according to land revitalization protocols, this property will remain as green space,” Kenner said.
      She added, “As part of the stream restoration portion funded by FEMA grants, we will be removing a dam on Wildwood Drive to drain a pond and return it to a natural watercourse.”
      Other initiatives designed to improve drainage include in the Loch Heath/Heathers neighborhood, improvement to culverts on Turnberry Dr., Glenridge and Wildwood Dr., where erosion has undermined existing culverts.
      Boardman Township has received a $500,000 capital grant from the governor’s office, and those funds will be used to improve drainage near Market St. Elementary School.
      There are indications much of the school property will be donated by the Boardman Local School Board to the township to aid in addressing drainage issues associated with that property.
      “We are also applying for a grant his fall, that if approved, will also provide more funding for that project,” Kenner said.

     BY GREG GULAS
      Boardman News Sports
      bnews@zoominternet.net
      Boardman Community Baseball’s Fields of Dreams Complex is set to celebrate their 25th anniversary season on Saturday, June 25 with ceremonies scheduled for noon at their complex, located at 410 McClurg Rd.
      Ceremonies are open to the public free of charge.
      The 43-acre, 20-field baseball complex held opening ceremonies on June 15, 1996 with a parade of its current players, remarks by YSU President, Jim Tressel – at the time he was the Penguins’ head football coach and executive director of athletics – and former Major League all-star Dave Dravecky, a former Boardman Little League star pitcher.
      In a June 1994 article that appeared in The Boardman News, the first step toward realizing the dream of a centralized baseball complex for all Boardman youngsters occurred when Dr. John York and Clarence ‘Sonny’ Smith, the collective driving force behind the project, reached an agreement with three local doctors (Dr. Daniel P. DeGenova, Dr. Raymond S. Boniface and Dr. Elias T. Saadi) for Boardman Community Baseball to purchase 30 acres of land north of McClurg Rd.
      The doctors also agreed to donate an additional 10 acres for the project with several smaller parcels of land purchased to provide direct access from McClurg Rd. to the east of the Ohio Water Service towers.
      With the concurrence of the Boardman Community Baseball organization, Boardman Little League past-president, architect Chuck Schafer, who helped build the first community Little League Complex at Boardman Park, was asked to provide design services – he was aided by Paul Brock as on-site managers – while Warren ‘Pete’ Drescher agreed to provide surveying and field engineering services.
      Steel Valley Engineering volunteered to design the plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems required for the entire complex with all professional services provided at no cost to Boardman Community Baseball.
      The rough grading, already completed, was provided by the A.P. O’Horo Co. with cooperation and assistance from the Operating Engineers Training Program, while several other members of the construction fraternity offered to provide services and-or materials.
      Parents of participating baseball players, skilled in various construction trades, also volunteered to join the construction team.
      The solicitation of funds, materials and services provided the main thrust of the construction efforts with the committee comprised of then current BCB president Marykaye Carlson, past president John Walsh, treasurer Tim Kaple, Jim Spaite, Woody Stone, Frank Dravecky, York, Smith and Schafer, who served as chairman.
      Greg Krieger, league secretary and director of complex operations, and a league board member for the past 28 years, is the unofficial historian of Boardman Community Baseball. HeLittle League since its chartering.
      “The Boardman Little League was chartered in 1955 and in 1993, merged with Boardman Youth Baseball,” Krieger stated. “Dr. John York, who came from BYB, then entered the picture and the two organizations merged to form Boardman Community Baseball. He knew that we outgrew our Boardman Park fields and parking was a challenge so in the winter of 1993, Dr. York, along with Clarence Smith, purchased the property on McClurg Rd. and gifted it to the league.”
      Schafer had a love for Little League baseball and for well over a quarter century, remained active as an announcer at the District tournament games during each summer session. Today, his son, Rick, carries on the tradition that his father started some six decades ago.
      Ironically, this year’s ceremonies will take place during the 18th annual Chuck Schafer Scholarship Tournament, a fundraiser which awards two, $2,500 yearly scholarships to an eligible Boardman High School, Cardinal Mooney or Ursuline High School player who has played at least five years at Fields of Dreams.
      The scholarships are announced during Boardman High’s annual year end awards ceremony.
      That first year in 1996, the organization offered 12 leagues with play in T-Ball (boys and girl’s baseball and softball), Minor League (boys and girls), Jr. Varsity (9 and 10, boys and girls), Varsity (11 and 12, boys and girls), Tri-T PONY League (13 and 14, boys and girls), Colt League (15-18 boys) and the ever popular Challenger Division (Co-ed, 4 though 18 years of age for mentally and physically challenged youth).
      This year, those same 12 leagues remain in existence and while 1,600 youths participated that first season at its Fields of Dreams Complex, close to half that number is expected to participate 25 years later.
      The challenge of an abbreviated 2020 season (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) is now a fading memory and Chad Miller, current league president, said it is nice to be able to return with a more normal schedule.
      “In 2020, our goal was to simply provide baseball and softball for the kids of Boardman,” Miller noted. “Our club officers and executive committee came up with a great plan to safely provide an opportunity to play and we did so from June 15 to July 30.
      “There were no state or all-star opportunities a year ago but this year, our 12-U Little League baseball and softball teams will play for a World Series championship. All others will play for a state crown but will not be eligible for regionals or a trip to the World Series.”
      In 25 years of play, BCB estimates that over 100,000 kids have enjoyed the use of its facilities, a site that has hosted multiple state Little League baseball and softball tournaments and all because Dr. John York and Clarence Smith had a vision to grow what had already become one of the very best Little League programs in the state of Ohio during its first 41 seasons of operation.
       NOTE: A total of 25 Boardman Community Baseball-Boardman Youth Baseball-Boardman Little League teams have won either a state, regional or World Series championship. They are as follows:
      1976: Little League Softball, State Champions
      1978: Senior League, State Champions
      1981: Senior League (13-yr. old Baseball), State, Regional and World Series Champions. (Ray ‘Bags’ Bagdasarrian, manager, Ed Moore and Mike Kish, coaches.
      1981: Senior League, State Champions
      1982: Senior League (13-yr. old Baseball), State Champions
      1983: Senior League, State Champions
      1985: Little League Baseball, State Champions
      1987: Little League Baseball, State Champions
      1988: Senior League Softball, State Champions
      1992: Little League Baseball, State Champions
      1994: 10-U Softball, State Champions
      1996: Little League Baseball, State Champions
      2002: Junior League Softball, State Champions
      2005: Little League Baseball, State Champions
      2006: Junior League Baseball, State Champions
      2006: Junior League Girl’s, State Champions
      2007: Junior League Girl’s, State and Regional Champions; World Series Participants
      2011: 11-U Baseball, State Champions
      2013: 11-U Softball, State Champions
      2014: Junior League Softball, State Champions
      2014: Intermediate 50-70, State Champions
      2014: 11-U Softball, State Champions
      2016: 10-U Baseball, State Champions
      2017: 11-U Baseball, State Champions (Back-to-Back)
      2019: 11-U Baseball, State Champions (Did not get a chance to defend their title in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic) notes that 2021 is the 66th year for Boardman

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Sister Jerome Corcoran, of the Ursuline Sisters, died Sun., June 6, at the age of 105. She served most uniquely as an ambassador for God and children in the Mahoning Valley for more than eight decades, and had a particular passion and ability to raise funds to benefit area youth.
      She was a woman of great compassion for others.
      Sister Jerome was a graduate of the first-ever coed class at Ursuline High School (1934) in Youngstown. She went on to earn both her B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She also earned her PhD. in education and research at Case Western Reserve University. She taught at colleges, universities, and Diocese of Youngstown Schools, as well as being a supervisor of education.
      She was recognized with numerous awards, including the Sargent Shiver Anti-Poverty Remedial Reading Award, B’nai B’rith Woman of the Year, Mahoning County Bar Association Annual Award, Ursuline High School Woman of the Year Award, Salvation Army Others Award, the Ohio Department of Education Award, the Chamber of Commerce William G. Lyden Spirit of the Valley Award, William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society Pioneer Award, and the Ethnic Heritage Society Lifetime Achievement Award.
      On May 19, 2016, Sister Jerome was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizen Hall of Fame.
      At the time of her death, her popularity was as strong as ever, as many of her friends complained she had been kept out of public view, and contact with them. Despite this, she continued to show her compassion for others through telephone calls to her longtime friends and supporters, always offering encouragement through the word of God.
      In 1965, she began a children’s reading program and in 1967, the reading program was extended to adults. Over the next decade, 100 adults were able to receive GEDs through this program.
      Sister Jerome founded (in 1975) and operated the Mill Creek Children’s Center, preschool for children from low-income families, for more than 36 years until she was summarily dismissed from the post at the age of 96.
      That didn’t stop Sister Jerome’s efforts to help area youth.
      “The Lord has made me a tough old bird,” she said upon her dismissal, adding “I plan to work Sister I can be...I am thinking of one last big effort to thank the good Lord for my very happy life.”
      So, she continued to serve in education programs taking place in correctional facilities and opened her own nonprofit program called Sister Jerome’s Poor. She founded the Mission College program at the age of 97 in 2013. Its board selected 12 city college students with a promising future and helped them pay for their education either in college or technical school---as long as they held a job and kept their grades up.
      “That they learn, that they learn how to read, that they learn how to speak, they learn how to present themselves, the whole package is literacy,” Sister Jerome said of her missions in education.
      A year after she earned her doctorate in education and English, from 1953 to 1963, she was the supervisor of education for the Diocese of Youngstown.
      Sister Jerome Corcoran, was born Apr. 21, 1916 in Chicago, Ill, and moved to the Youngstown area as a child. Her parents were Irish and actually met in Chicago. With the United States economy down and unemployment rising, the family decided to move to Ireland where Sister Jerome and her parents lived six months with her father’s family and six months with her mother’s family, saving their money to come back to the United States.
      About 1924, her father heard that there was work in Youngstown, the family returned to the United States, purchasing the McKelvey home (from the department store era) on the city’s north side.
      Sister Jerome once recalled, “It was a magnificent home and my father thought with the three stories they could rent out rooms in an apartment on the top floor that would help pay for their mortgage.
      “The very top floor was rented out as an apartment, the second floor was rented out as rooms, and the main floor the family lived in.”
      “Every month, rent money would be collected and the family would then have me (8-year-old Sister Jerome) sit down and do the math on how much money was collected and subtract that from the mortgage to know what their balance would be.”
      Of course, as sister would later explain, she didn’t count any interest, as that was a more complicated.
      In June, 1935, at the age of 19, Sister Jerome received her White veil.
      Helping ‘working poor families,’ as she would always call them, was her passion. She helped college students with mentoring and expenses such as food, transportation and clothing.
      Many nights her friends would get calls from Sister Jerome, expressing her concern and need to be helping someone who had called her---whether the need was for gas or food, or other emergency, Sister Jerome was someone ‘to talk to,’ and depend on. Sister Jerome had no qualms about driving in so-called high crime areas and somehow she made everything seem okay.
      Those who knew her respected and loved her, and her spunky and persistent ways.
      In Oct., 2015, a 100th birthday party for Sister Jerome was held, even though her birthday was still six months away. The event, held at the Georgetown, was really a fund-raiser for Sister Jerome’s Poor and raised more than $100,000 for that mission.
      Spry and chipper on the backside of 99-years-old, (she was born Apr. 21, 1916) Sister Jerome told those in attendance that retirement was not an option.
      “I still have a lot to do,” she said after receiving accolades from local, state and national political figures, as well as a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis.
      “Poverty begets poverty, and the only hope to escape it is a good education. I have found this to be true time and again in my decades as an educator and school administrator,” Sister Jerome said.
      Asked about the secret of her longevity, Sister Jerome replied “My parents each lived to be 98-years-old, and that’s a good start. Aside from that, I have no idea.”
      A local group of many good friends of Sister Jerome are establishing a scholarship in her name at Youngstown State University. The scholarship will benefit students needing monetary help to further their education, which was Sister Jerome’s passion all her life.
      “Education is the way out of poverty, Education is the way to realize your potential,” Sister Jerome often observed.
      All donations may be sent to the Youngstown State University Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Oh., 44502. Please put at the bottom memo line of your check: Sister Jerome’s Scholarship.

      Under terms of the Boardman Local Schools Retire-Rehire Program, Supt. Tim Saxton has been given a three-year contract that will reduce to salary by some $30,000. Meeting in May, the Boardman Local School Board gave the superintendent a new contract, but under the Retire-Rehire program his annual salary has been reduced from $120,477 a year to $89,307. “The new contract will save the district $31,139 a year,” said Treasurer Terry Armstrong, who noted three other staffers, Donnis Kaut, Betsy McCrate and Tom Davis, also joined the Retire-Rehire program. Coupled with Mr. Saxton’s contract, the new contracts will save the school district $131,952 in the next school year, Armstrong said.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Boardman Township’s 117th annual Memorial Day observance was held Mon., May 31 at the Maag Amphitheater in Boardman Park where some 1,100 persons attended the ceremonies.
      Featured speaker was Gold Star Father Donald C. Clark, whose son Chief Warrant Officer Donald V. Clark, died in a helicopter crash on Nov. 15, 2008 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
      His 37 years were packed with life,” Mr. Clark said about his son, adding, “When he passed away that night, I realized he belongs to America. He’s not just mine; he’s also your soldier.”
      Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Mark Luke, of the Boardman Kiwanis Club.
      “Today is not a day for travel, vacationing, barbeques, family gatherings, swimming pool openings, picnis, walks in the park, wearing white from now to Labor Day, or even parades and services like this one....unless you choose them to be...because you can choose to spend your day in the manner you wish,” Luke said, adding “because great Americans with qualities like duty, honor, courage, service above self...gave you the freedoms to make your choices.”
      Luke said that throughout the history of the United States, “a special breed of individual has always stepped forward to protect the sovereignty of our nation, and our way of life, many of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice, surrendering their lives to the altar of freedom.
      “To those of you with us who served, or are serving our nation, and to those no longer with us, we, who now live in the greatest country in the world, say thank you.”
      Following Mr. Luke’s remarks, a wreath honoring current military personnel was placed at the Veterans’ Memorial in Boardman Park by Cassidy Bryan, president of the Boardman High School National Honor Society; and a rifle salute honoring all those who served in the armed forces presented by Sons of Confederate Veterans Ron Johnson, Kellie Wright and John Aaron.
      Providing patriotic music for the service were members of the Boardman High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Thomas M. Ruggieri.
      Members of the ensemble included Aeva Richard, Anna Shevock, Miranda Russell, Desi Girardi, Theresa Laverock, Molly DePinto, Ellie Leipply-Caban, Katelynn Kershaw, Tyler Tremayne, Riley McCurdy, Adam Lipka, Ryan Sweder, Zac Khoury, Lainey Beichner, Khloe McDaniel, Noelle Hammar, Emma Vondran, Ayden Dabney, Jason Lagese, Evan Sweder, Nick Ricottilli, Marshal Gollings, Alivia Shablesky, Caden Fleet, Isaiah Grazier, Sonny Testa, Teddy Anzevino, Zach Knickerbocker, Jason Sweder, Caleb Austin, Michael Misel, Max Martin, Nick Vivaqua, Nathan West, Aidan Swavel, Megan Bendel, Aaron Viars, Vivien Smith, Jacob Wolf, Noah Holdridge, Connor Zimmer, James Jama, Andrew Schrembeck, James Solmen, Brayden Norvell, Tommy Doerr, Sal Buonamici, Carlos Gonzalez, Brayden Norvell, Joey Callard, Emily Honthy, Celesta Richard, Logan Ciavarella, Erik Lipinsky, Benji Rolston, Anthony DeMain, John Cagnina and Zoey Fick-Mills.
      The ensemble closed the Memorial Day Ceremonies with Stars and Stripes Forever.
      Leading the Star Spangled Banner was vocalist Miranda Russell, and delivering the invocation was Lauren Johnson. Conducting the flag ceremony were members of Boy Scout Troop 46.
      Special recognition was given to three members of the Boardman community who passed away during the past year, including Clarence ‘Sonny’ Smith, Peter J. Gross and Earl ‘Dig’ Coffin.
     
      PICTURED: photo/John A. Darnell jr.
       SOME 1,110 PERSONS ATTENDED THE 117th annual Boardman Township Memorial Day services held in Boardman Park on Mon., May 31. Pictured, many of those in attendance join in the Pledge of Allegiance.

     photo/John A. Darnell jr.
       FEATURED SPEAKER AT BOARDMAN TOWNSHIP Memorial Day observances held in Boardman Park was Gold Star Father Donald C. Clark, whose son, CWO Donald V. Clark died at the age of 37 when his OH-58 Kiowa helicopter crashed while on a mission over Mosul, Iraq on Nov. 15, 2008.

     photo/John A. Darnell jr.
       WORK BEGAN ON A $980,000 CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECT last week in the Loch Heath-Red Grouse neighborhood. Rudzik Excavating is clearing and replacing culverts that are a constant maintenance concern and that have deteriorated, including one culvert that caused a sink hole. Once the project is completed, surface water/drainage issues will be greatly reduced. The project is funded through the ABC Water and Stormwater District.

     Denise DeBartolo York and Dr. John York, San Francisco 49ers co-chairs and longtime education advocates, awarded 15 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties in ceremonies held last week at the Lake Club.
      The scholarships, part of The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, totaled $150,000 were presented to the recipients during a luncheon for the students and their families.
      The scholarship was first established by DeBartolo York’s father, Edward J. DeBartolo, and several close friends, who worked to provide commendable youth the opportunity to continue their education. The scholarship foundation, overseen by the Yorks in honor of Mr. DeBartolo, serves to provide the same platform for excellent area youth in need of financial assistance.
      “My father believed that all students who have demonstrated intensity and desire to achieve their personal goals, regardless of their financial situation, should be afforded the opportunity to receive a college education. The goals of the foundation are to continue to reward those students who have proven themselves as role models and leaders in their community.” said Mrs. DeBartolo York.
      The 2021 scholarship recipients are---
       •Megan Black, South Range High School. She
      plans to attend either Mount Union, Youngstown State or The Ohio State University to study nursing.
       •Angelica Bohurjack, Austintown Fitch High School. She plans to attend Duquesne University and study music education.
       •Bailey Campbell, West Branch High School. She plans to attend ether Ohio University or The Ohio State University to study biology/pre-med.
       •Megan Chludzinski, Lisbon High School. She plans to attend The Ohio State University to study food science and technology.
       •Brooklyn Funari, Columbiana High School. She plans to attend Kent State University to study nursing.
       •George Getsy Jr., South Range High School. He plans to attend The Ohio State University to study political science.
       •Alannah Hetzel, Boardman High School. She plans to attend either Youngstown State or Franciscan University of Steubenville to study early childhood special education.
       •Nikole Husnick, Brookfield High School. She plans to attend either Walsh College, Edinboro University or Slippery Rock University to study exercise science.
       •Ruth Kaiser, Bloomfield High School. She plans to attend Cleveland State University to study studio art.
       •Makenzie McBride, Liberty High School. She plans to attend either The Ohio State University or Youngstown State to study mechanical engineering.
       •Hannah Minor, United Local High School. She plans to attend Slippery Rock University to study public health (pre-physician’s assistant).
       •Krista Perry, Crestview High School. She plans to attend Walsh University to study education.
       •Lily Secrest, Salem High School. She plans to attend either Ohio University, Mount Union, or Hiram College to study environmental civil engineering.
       •James Shaffer, Campbell Memorial High School. He plans to attend Grove City College to study accounting.
       •Tatiana Tolson, Cardinal Mooney High School. She plans to attend either Walsh University, John Carroll University or the University of Miami to study chemistry/pre-med.
      More than 350 applications were received by The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which included grade transcripts, student essays and recommendations from guidance counselors and principals. Scholarship award winners are determined by academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.
      The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 Million in scholarships over the past 24 years and strives to provide advanced education for deserving valley students well into the future.
     

     Meeting on Monday, May 24, the Boardman Board of Education hired principals for Boardman High School and Center Intermediate School.
      Tapped as the new high school principal, replacing Cyndi Fernback, is Mark Zura; and named new principal at Center Intermediate is Mike Masucci, who replaces Randy Ebie.
      Both new principals come to the Boardman Local School District after serving as administrators with the Poland Local Schools.
      Zura and Masucci received three-year contracts.
      Zura currently serves as Director of Student Services in the Poland Local School District. He has more than 20 years of educational experience, half of which was spent at Boardman. He served as an intervention specialist, teaching math at BHS before becoming Assistant High School Principal, and then Boardman’s Director of Student Services as recently as 2019.
      “I witnessed Mr. Zura grow into an outstanding leader over his nine years as a Boardman staff member and was saddened to see him leave in 2019,” said Supt. Tim Saxton. “He returns to Boardman with even greater leadership skills and wisdom after serving the Poland Local Schools. Boardman High School is in great hands with Mr. Zura at the helm.”
      A West Branch native, Zura earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education at Youngstown State University, a masters in education administration from Ashland University. He also earned superintendent licensure from Ashland in 2014.
      “I recently returned to [Boardman’s] campus to watch Project Mayhem rehearse for their concert this past weekend and I just felt a sense of great pride,” said Zura. “So many Spartan teachers, staff and administrators continue to have a great impact on me. I am so excited to return to a role where I can get to know and work closely with students, parents and staff members with the goal of building strong relationships and trust.”
      Zura and his wife Jennifer have two children---Olivia is a sophomore and Sean is finishing seventh grade. Education runs in the family, as his wife teaches math in Liberty.
      Zura’s annual salary will be $99,127.
      Masucci is currently principal at Poland Union Elementary School. He is a seasoned educator who began his 27 year career as a Title teacher at Boardman’s West Boulevard Elementary School, taught first grade for eight years in Poland before becoming an elementary principal in 2002.
      “Mr. Masucci brings to Center Intermediate School decades of proven success and dedication to his staff and students,” said Supt. Saxton. “After repeated years of change at our intermediate school, we are excited for the staff and the families at Center to experience Mr. Masucci’s outstanding leadership and passion.”
      A graduate of the Boardman High School Class of 1989, Masucci earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Youngstown State, and his masters in educational administration from YSU in 2001.
      “At 50-years-old, I decided to take a leap. The role of principal of Center Intermediate is an incredible opportunity and I cannot wait to get started,” said Masucci. “I am humbled to join such a tremendous team and look forward to creating a warm, friendly environment where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated.”
      Masucci and his wife Michelle, have three children: a son, Michael, and two daughters, Katie and Hannah.
      Masucci’s annual salary will be $99,820.
     

     Days Inn: Meth Explosion
      Holiday Inn: Unwanted Guests
      Red Roof Inn: Looking For 15-Year-Old Girl (Found At Holiday Inn)
      Boardman Inn: Man Stabbed
     
      BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A 39-year-old North Brockway Ave., Youngstown man was lodged into the Mahoning County Jail last week after some suspected meth he was cooking blew-up in a room sometime around 9:00 a.m. at the Days Inn, 7393 South Ave. on Thurs., Mar. 11.
      Justin Robert Bowman, 39, was charged with aggravated arson, possession of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine, tampering with evidence and inducing panic.
      The Boardman Fire Department was called to the inn after a fire alarm activated. Lt. Joel Wharry, of the BFD, then called Boardman police to the scene to check for a possible meth law in room #127.
      Wharry told police a man staying in room #127 told him that he was cooking food on a hot plate when it caught fire.
      Plt. Steve Dubos then interviewed the man, identified as Bowman, who told the police officer “Man, I had a hot plate in there, the plastic under it melted. I freaked-out and it started smoking, so I put the hot plate under water. It steamed-up real bad, and now it’s everywhere.”
      However, Sgt. Glenn Patton, of the BPD, said fire department personnel were unable to locate a cook plate in room #127, or any burnt food.
      Footage from video surveillance cameras obtained by Boardman police showed Bowman enter room #127 about 8:30 a.m. and about an hour later, “smoke is seen coming out from under the door and the fire alarm begins to go off.”
      Police said Bowman, who claimed to be a student at Kent State, is then captured on an exterior surveillance camera exiting the inn and carrying a large, black plastic bag.
      The bag was later located by Lt. Wharry and Ptl. Mike Dado, and Sgt. Mike Hughes, head of the BPD’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU) “identified the presence of chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine,” Sgt. Patton said.
      Owner of the inn, identified as Munawar Chaudry, told police when he entered room #127, “fumes smelled like starter fluid.”
      Sgt. Hughes said he determined “while cooking the methamphetamine, an explosion curred that caused smoke in the hallway, leading to the fire alarm activation and eventual evacuation of the inn.”
      Sgt. Hughes also learned during the incident, the Mahoning County Childrens Services came to the Days Inn to check on the welfare of a 1-year-old child staying there. Once the child’s presence was confirmed, the possession of chemicals charge was enhanced to a felony-2 crime.
      Sgt. Patton said once Bowman was placed into handcuffs, he began to complain of chest pain and he was taken to Mercy Health (under police guard) for an evaluation.
      Once released from the hospital, Bowman was booked and taken to jail where he was lodged without bail.
      Holiday Inn
      On May 7, near midnight, police were called to the Holiday Inn, 7410 South Ave., after they were told the occupants of room #501 had tampered with a fire alarm. The front desk manager asked police to help with evicting the guests in that room.
      When hotel management, accompanied by police, entered the room, no one was inside.
      Ptl. Daryn Tallman said in plain view on a dresser was a credit card in the name of Monica Robles. On the credit card was a white powder residue, Officer Tallman said, adding there was also possible remnants of some type of ecstasy pills.
      Police learned a man who used the name of Michael Roddy had rented the room and he had paid for an additional night so a female could stay there.
      About 40 minutes after police arrived, Robles, 23, showed-up at the hotel to get her belongings out of room #501, Officer Tallman said.
      Red Roof Inn
      About 11:00 p.m. on May 3, police were called to the Red Roof Inn, 1051 Tiffany South Blvd., in response to a reported fight, that included a claim a female jumped over the front counter.
      While investigating that claim, police located a group of individuals at a nearby convenience store, Country Fair on South Ave., where they spoke to 34-year-old Naqkeei McRae, of Braddock, Pa.
      McRae denied jumping over the counter at the Red Roof Inn, but said she and other family members went to the inn looking for her 15-year-old daughter.
      McRae told police her daughter had her hair done on the east side of Youngstown, then apparently left the hair dresser and went to the Red Roof Inn.
      McRae told police she and family members “saw” the 15-year-old girl, Cheelo, at the inn.
      “She ran from them (mother and family members) and would not talk to them,” McRae told Ptl. Angelo Pasquale.
      Police said they contacted a man by the name of Kelvin Monseraat, who was able to call Cheelo, who was then located at the Holiday Inn on South Ave.
      “Cheelo stated that she didn’t run away...(and) she went to the Red Roof Inn with her cousin, whom she could not identify,” Officer Pasquale said.
      Boardman Inn
      On Thurs., May 13, about 11:30 p.m., three Boardman police officers were sent to the Boardman Inn, 7109 Market St., after the manager of the business, Teja Patel, said he was monitoring an altercation on a surveillance video.
      Police learned that Deletaire White, 38, of 293 North Martha Ave., Akron, Oh. and Christopher Terrence Israel Waller, 20, of 412 Wirt St., Youngstown, Oh., had been involved in a physical altercation. Waller told police his hand was sore from duking White in the face, but he refused medical attention,
      While investigating the assault, police learned that Waller was wanted on a warrant issued out of Liberty Township. He was taken to the Mahoning County Jail where his custody was released to the Liberty Police Department.
      Boardman Inn
      On Fri., May 14 about 12:45 p.m., police were called to the Boardman Inn for a reported stabbing where the victim was reported to be Michael Mazorra, 29, of 448 Richland Ave., Youngstown, Oh. Police interviewed 29-year-old Hali Delgado, of 50 Westminster Ave., Austintown, who told Ptl Evan Beil she and Mazorra were arguing. “She stated that Mazorra was beating her up, so she grabbed a knife and was swinging it around,” Officer Beil said. Delgado was charged with felonious assault and domestic violence. Police said that Mazorra had been stabbed in the stomach and back, and had a cut behind his left ear.

     The 117th annual Boardman Memorial Day Service will be held Monday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m. at Boardman Park’s Maag Outdoor Amphitheater where all who have served America in the armed forces, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while in military service will be honored.
      All veterans and community members are welcome to recognize, remember and express solemn thankfulness for the historical sacrifices made to preserve the American way of life.
      Featured speaker will be Gold Star father Donald Clark, who will speak about his son, Donald V. Clark, who died in a helicopter crash over Mosul, Iraq in 2008.
      William Wainio will give the invocation. Lt. Colonel Bill Moss, USAF retired, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and place a wreath in honor of deceased veterans.
      Boardman High School National Honor Society President Cassidy Bryan will place a wreath in honor of those currently serving in the military. Mark Luke, of the Boardman Kiwanis Club, will serve as master of ceremonies.
      The Boardman High School Wind Ensemble, conducted by Tom Ruggieri, will provide music for the service.
      “We thank and recognize everyone who makes this event a success – our Military Veterans, Boardman Township Park, Boardman Local School District, Boardman Police Department, Boardman Fire Department, and our many volunteers and attendees. We are truly humbled by the public interest and dedication that so many have for our cherished annual service,” said Luke.
      In the event of rain, the service will be held in the Boardman Park Lariccia Community Center at 10:00 a.m.