Local Heroes
Despite or, perhaps more properly, because of the agony, sorrow, and pain inflicted by the current COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and many communities have emerged as heroes in our present up-side-down lives.
First and foremost are the first responders, the caregivers and all others who “go above and beyond” to provide for the needs and comfort of the dying, sick and suffering — our doctors, nurses, aides, firefighters, police forces, paramedics, health care professionals and the people who stand with them in service to their fellow human beings. To them, we extend our heartful thanks and praise.
We must also acknowledge the students, at all levels in the educational spectrum, who have pursued their classwork and degree programs under a framework that no one could have foreseen nor wished. And to their parents, their teachers and their school administrators who have assisted and guided them during these turbulent times.
Most particularly, we congratulate those whose have completed their requirements and achieved their graduation dreams, at whatever level that may be. To the seniors in our local high schools, I extend a special recognition of your efforts and accomplishments. You have unexpectedly and regrettably been forced to forego a number of “rites of passage” — proms, spring sports, traditional graduation ceremonies and the final weeks of your senior year with classmates who have accompanied you on this path. And yet, you have overcome these losses and adversities. May each of you be launched to a life of personal and community success and service.
Our county school officials and teachers have made extraordinary efforts to make the conclusion of this school year meaningful to Class of 2020 and respectful of their achievements and their disappointments. May their care, concern and passion for the pupils to whom they have dedicated their lives be rewarded with the personal satisfaction of a job well done and the universal positive recognition of our citizens.
I am tangentially familiar with the complex and imaginative “graduation ceremonies” created at three of our local high schools — Berkshire, Cardinal and Chardon — and I am inspired by the creativity and effort put forth to honor the graduating students. May the memories of these events be carried forward with a healthy combination of pride and purpose.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge the exemplary services provided by one additional team relative to these graduation programs — that of Geauga-TV and David Jevnikar and Brian Foster — in memorializing these recent events. Through their diligence, expertise and rapid response, they have created permanent packages of perhaps the most unique sets of graduation ceremonies in any of our lifetimes.
Their strong spirit of community and service, and their willingness of “give their all” in support of our young citizens, is recognized and applauded. What a valuable asset to our county, towns and townships, and schools.
May the perseverance and determination of each of the parties be an example to be followed and revered.
Bill Jackson
Chardon
Honor, Privilege to Serve
Thank you to everyone who supported my re-election effort. It is an honor and privilege to serve as judge of the Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court.
I will continue to work hard and do my best to protect our children, seniors and families.
Stay well, and God bless.
Timothy J. Grendell
Chester Township
Humanity for Habitat?
The recent articles regarding the potential closing of the Newbury Habitat ReStore raises many questions that Executive Director Jim Thie weakly answers.
Mr. Thie states that the reasons for the decision are based on “steep declines” in profit, along with “staffing” and “deferred maintenance” issues.
Really?
This is a business with nearly 85 percent of their staff being volunteers.
This is a business that nearly 100 percent of their inventory is donated.
This is a business that nearly all sales produce a 100 percent profit margin.
(Keeping in mind that most materials and labor are, again, donated.)
This is also an organization that specializes in building and construction maintenance, yet cannot arrange to have a load of gravel delivered and dumped to remedy the “safety concerns” in the pot-hole filled parking lot.
Really?
Mr. Thie knows how to identify the problems, but he’s clearly guilty of horrible management.
Bill Herrick
Newbury Township
