After a closed executive session that lasted nearly 40 minutes, the regular meeting began starting with election of board officers.

Benjamin Fligner was re-elected board chairman and Don Ortner was re-elected to his spot as board vice chairman.

The board then ratified the recent hiring of five new faculty and staff members: Helen Tagliaferro as the professional practice clinician; Brenda Bergman as assistant professor of health and wellness sciences; Annalise Gatautis as coordinator for the University Partnership Ridge Campus Outreach Learning Center; Bradley Ball as director of the culinary program; and Ariel Powell as program developer for the Engineering Business and Information Technologies department.

The board then voted to approve a policy change regarding rank, tenure and promotion.

The update to the policy permits faculty to provide alternative qualifications when applying for promotion to the rank of assistant professor.

Tracy Green, vice president of Strategic and Institutional Development at LCCC, said this change specifically is for faculty in fields that are not common in the highest levels of education.

“Typically, to move up in rank, a faculty member has to have a doctorate or other academic credentials in their field,” Green said. “We have some fields where there is not advanced education in such as our EMT and paramedic program.”

Green said there are no specifics to what kind of alternative application materials faculty can provide, but they will have to prove how their education or work experience has provided them the necessary qualifications.

The board approved bank depository agreements for nine different banks for the next five years.

It also approved a resolution that will allow for the college’s finances to be received electronically.

The meeting finished with a report from LCCC President Marcia Ballinger.

One of the highlights of the report was a presentation on a program that LCCC has partnered with Midview High School.

The program gives Midview High students experience learning about micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), which is an area of study that has taken off at LCCC after receiving funding through a program by Intel.

Ballinger also highlighted U.S. Congressman Bob Latta’s visit to LCCC to learn about the MEMS program.

She also noted that the college’s practical nursing program was named as the No. 2 program in Ohio by Practicalnursing.org for 2024.

Ballinger concluded the meeting by announcing the creation of the LCCC Hall of Fame.

Nominations can be made until Feb. 28 for the June inauguration.

To be eligible for induction, a nominee must have a degree or certificate from LCCC, have completed one year at the school before earning a bachelor’s degree from another institution or completed 30 credit hours at the college.

“The other part of the application is about how have they have exemplified our mission and values in their community by making extraordinary contributions through their professional career or volunteer work,” Ballinger said.

During the Jan. 18 meeting, the board voted 9-2 against a motion that would have removed the 2006 John Green novel “Looking for Alaska” from the JVS ninth grade curriculum.

Diane Kerecz, the mother of a 14-year-old JVS student, brought up the issue to the board at a meeting last fall after her daughter notified her about sexual content in the book.

Kerecz attended the Jan. 18 board meeting and reiterated her issue with the book for the age group assigned to read it.

“I implore you, please do not give it to our 14-year-olds,” the mother said. “I never said to ban the book. I don’t believe it’s for 14-year-olds.

“If it’s essential to your curriculum, I implore you to give it to the older kids.”

Also in attendance at the meeting was Dick Polen, who echoed similar sentiments to Kerecz.

Polen said his main concern with the book is that he believes it does not provide value to students.

“What we are really asking for, is a better one,” he said. “This book, ‘Looking for Alaska,’ I don’t see the value in it.

“This is the United States of America, and we don’t ban books here; we’re just asking for something better.”

Polen said his stance against the book also is due to his family’s religious background.

“We want something with morals in it,” he said. “Something that doesn’t talk about God in a bad way.”

Lorain County JVS superintendent Glenn Faircloth responded to those concerns by affirming his belief in the school to handle difficult topics in literature in a productive way.

“One of our educational goals at Lorain County JVS is to foster and promote critical thinking,” Faircloth said. “Our students are thoughtful readers who have the intellectual capacity to explore difficult issues.

“Our English and language arts teachers are well trained to foster these conversations in the classroom.”

Faircloth also noted that parents have the right to speak up if they do not want their child to consume assigned material.

In such situations, a student may be assigned alternative material without penalty, he said.

Wellington board representative Ayers Ratliff supported the public’s concerns and made a motion to remove the book from the ninth grade curriculum.

The motion would have allowed the book to stay in the school’s library and be taught in other grades.

“There’s nothing in the book that the kids don’t know, I will say that,” Ratliff said. “The thing of it is, we learn to act different in different situations.

“A 14-year-old child that goes to church may do things a certain way. They go to school and things are done a certain way in the classroom. In the hallways or at lunchtime, I’m sure things aren’t the same.”

Ratliff said the material in “Looking for Alaska” is not appropriate for a classroom.

“When you take a book and break it down and start discussing it, then you’re talking about great literature,” he said. “That book is not great literature.”

Other board members spoke up against removing the book.

Oberlin City Schools board member Anne Schaum said many other topics taught in school could be considered sensitive and that is not practical to remove them from curriculums.

“We’re on a huge slippery slope,” Schaum said. “It’s not just going to be books. There could be an article.

“Back when I was in high school, we read ‘Macbeth.’ You’re talking about murder and that could be a sensitive topic to somebody. When you look at literature and art, and all kinds of topics, this is a tough thing.”

Avon Lake City School District board member Gail Soinski-Opaskar said encountering difficult topics in educational material can contribute to the strengthening of a student’s morality.

“I believe it is our job as educators to expose our children to many different issues that they will be exposed to in society and they need to be prepared to confront and understand their morality from their families,” Soinski-Opaskar said. “I believe children need to be strong in their belief system because they are going to encounter many of the issues that are in this book.

“Let’s develop strong individuals in their morality.”

The program, which has a $50 sign-up fee, will take place from Jan. 31 to Feb. 28.

The class goes from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays.

Jennifer Reeves, storm water coordinator for the city of Oberlin and event organizer, said rain gardening helps re-distribute rain water in an environmentally friendly way.

“Rain gardening is putting together an area in your yard that is meant to accommodate storm water from your roof or other impervious sources,” Reeves said. “You can make one next to a driveway, for example.”

In teaching the class, Reeves said she will be joined by Patricia Donovan of the Lorain County Soil and Water Conservation District and Watershed and Lyn Ickes, manager of storm water outreach for the county.

Reeves said the classes will provide knowledge on what kinds of plants can survive when the shallow basin of the garden is filled with water, but also when it is more dry and has not recently rained.

“We live in one of the wetter parts of the country,” she said. “Even though I do know that last year we did have a very long dry period, it was followed by a number of frequent and intense rain storms.”

When there are heavy rains, Reeves said storm sewers can be overwhelmed and that retaining water with these types of gardens can help that issue.

Reeves also said that although Lorain County gets plenty of rain, groundwater still is a concern because of man-made systems that draw water away from natural ground areas.

Rain gardens can help that issue as well, she said.

“Anything that helps mimic the historical natural landscape, is a benefit,” Reeves said.

The class is open to people with all levels of experience of gardening.

“This class is designed for everybody who is interested, whether you have a lot of experience with plants, or no experience with plants,” Reeves said. “I’d like to think that if I can figure this out and manage it, then anybody can.”

The class is for anyone in Lorain County and Reeves invites people from surrounding communities to be a part of it.

“Storm water is a county-wide issue and concern,” she said. “Everything that goes through the Black River, goes through Lake Erie.

“And so, we want to make sure that everybody who is a part of the watershed, has an opportunity to get this information.”

To sign up for the class, visit EventBrite and through the January/February News and Updates on the city of Oberlin’s website, cityofoberlin.com.

Kianna McIntire-Pharms introduced the speakers for the event and the Jeff Meyers Band Quartet played music to open and close the commemoration of King at the college, 1005 N. Abbe Road in Elyria.

After remarks Lorain County Community College President Marcia Ballinger, PhD, LCCC Division Dean Denise Douglas, PhD, spoke largely focusing on historical information of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Douglas talked about how the initial act did not cover every base regarding equality, such as the lack of inclusion of people with disabilities.

“We must acknowledge past victories while embracing current challenges with renewed determination,” she said.

Douglas wrapped up her words urging people to take action to promote social justice.

“Seek out uncomfortable conversations, challenge implicit biases and amplify marginalized voices,” she said. “Engage in community service, bridge the divides within your circles, champion policies that promote economic and educational justice.”

After Douglas spoke, keynote speaker Parris Smith, president and CEO of the Lorain County Urban League, took the podium.

One of Smith’s main points was how people can connect history with action in the present.

“The challenges we face may be difficult, but the essence of our struggle remains consistent,” she said. “Today, we embrace the responsibilities to build upon the foundation built by our predecessors.”

Smith reminded those in attendance, that they are in a good position to be forces of change.

“Faculty and students: you are not just witnesses to history, you are the architects of the future,” she said. “You as educators and students, are the tools for personal growth and the catalysts for societal transformation.”

Smith reiterated how important it is to remember the words of leaders in the past and to let them inspire you.

“I know we talk about Martin Luther King’s dream, but once he gave us the dream, we had to run with it and do something with it,” she said. “We’re empowered to dream, but we’re also empowered to act.”

Smith also announced the action the Lorain County Urban League plans to take in 2024 under the National Urban League’s “D3” campaign.

The goal of the campaign is to defend democracy, demand diversity and defeat poverty.

Fair voting practices are a main concern of the defend democracy point, Smith said.

“We must demand a full restoration of the Voting Rights Act,” she said. “We demand fair representation in Congress and state legislation, and an end to race-based gerrymandering.

“We demand freedom of expression and freedom of speech, and we will not comply with book bans and warped lesson plans designed to erase us from history.”

Parris elaborated on what it means to demand diversity.

“We must level the playing field so our children and our children’s children have an equal opportunity for success,” she said.

The third part of the campaign, aimed at defeating poverty, is going to be focused on improving a range of services.

“In order to close all racial income and wealth gaps, we will focus on closing gaps in education, health care, housing and justice,” Smith said.

General Plug & Manufacturing, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Lorain County Community Action Agency and tool company RIDGID were at the event advertising job openings.

The Ohio Veterans Home, Lorain County Community College, EHOVE Career Center, Lorain County JVS provided information on educational services and other resources they offer.

Chris Durkin, business services coordinator for OhioMeansJobs Lorain County, said his organization is all about helping people with securing jobs, which can be a daunting process.

OhioMeansJobs Lorain County helps people with application skills like resumes and interviews, but also job skills and connecting people with the education they need, Durkin said.

The organization welcomes people of all levels of experience and encourages them to make mistakes, he said.

“Come here and make all the mistakes here,” Durkin said. “Get it out of your system so you know what your strengths are when you’re going into an interview.”

Durkin said people on unemployment often get referred to OhioMeansJobs, but it also can be for people who just want to switch employment in a world where the job search can be confusing and difficult.

“Looking for a job is a job in and of itself,” he said. “It’s a skill that most of us aren’t born with, and it’s a skill we seldom use.”

One of the big emphases of OhioMeansJobs is connecting people with employers.

Durkin encourages people to make professional connections as much as they can.

Even just talking to friends can lead to work opportunities, he said.

“Giving a referral to someone increases the odds of getting a job there,” Durkin said. “Everything in life is relationships.”

The job fair at Oberlin Community Services, which will take place every two months, provided an opportunity for people to make those kinds of connections with local employers and educational institutions.

LCCC advertised at the event its Fast-Track Certificate of Completion, which gives students important skills in their field in just one semester.

Some of the work areas that this program targets are automation engineering technology, microelectronic mechanical systems and manufacturing.

EHOVE Career Center, a vocational school in Erie County, offers job skill education to adults.

The nurse training program is popular, but that the trade-based programs are looking for more students, according to EHOVE.

Lorain County JVS advertised its adult career center as well, highlighting customized training that can prepare people to work in specific industries.

One of the marchers, Bobby Green said the turnout on such a cold day shows how dedicated people are to spreading King’s message.

“It shows you that the spirit is still alive, and people recognize that this is a cause that won’t go away,” Green said. “You just have to get up and do what you have to do to keep that message out there.”

Green said this holiday is vital to ensuring people continue to learn about King’s advocacy for equality.

“It means reinforcing the central idea that Martin Luther King brought forth all those years ago,” he said. “We have the same old problem, but we have new names for it.

“It all boils down to how we should judge a man by the content of his character, not his by his race, who his dad was or what church he belongs to.”

Elyria YWCA Executive Director Jeanine Donaldson joined the marchers after briefly considering staying home due to the frigid temperatures.

“I was thinking about not marching,” Donaldson said. “All I can think about is right now, we just have cold weather.

“But, back in the civil rights era when Dr. King was leading our dream, we had to worry about dogs and water hoses and beatings. This is the least I could do.”

Once the march reached the Elyria Performing Arts Center, a program began with numerous speakers and performers.

The Rev. Dr. Carl B. Small presented the invocation, which was followed by the presenting of the colors by local Army Junior ROTC members, the playing of the national anthem and the Black national anthem.

The focus of the indoor portion of the event was on elevating youth voices.

“It was so exciting to see so many young people out this morning and in here in this auditorium,” said recently inaugurated Elyria Mayor Kevin Brubaker. “We, as the current generation, must do more to elevate the next generation so that the progress does not stop or slow until the fight is over.”

Elyria Black Legacy Connection presented educational slides with the organization’s founder Ethan West leading the way.

The presentation highlighted Black Elyria history, including that of the first predominantly Black neighborhoods in Elyria in the 19th century.

There also was information on Elyria native Tuskegee Airman 2nd Lt. Ferrier H. White, who died in World War II.

Donaldson, who also received the Dr. Conley Community Service Award at the event, spoke about the YWCA’s work toward racial equality.

After she spoke, the Lorain County Urban League played a video featuring students in their Project Ready program.

MLK Day program at Wesley United Methodist Church focuses on young people

The theme of the video was for the students to respond to King's quote, "the time is always right to do what is right."

Many of the students talked about how that applies to the racial justice movement, but also how it applies to uplifting and taking care of themselves.

Lorain County Community College student Steven Furcron played a musical selection accompanied by an Eastern Heights Middle School student with vocals.

Elyria High sophomore Dekarion Wimberly, who also is a part of the Project Ready program, delivered a spoken word to wrap up the event.

Dekarion focused on the importance of remembering what King fought for and what it means to continue that fight.

"Dr. King's philosophy transcends the boundaries of time and circumstance," he said. "It challenges us to confront the shadows of hatred with the radiant light of love."

Dekarion urged young people like himself to continue working toward progress.

"Dr. King's dream wasn't just his dream, it was the dream of every minority in the nation," he said. "Today, we are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out that dream and making sure it is seen through our actions and thoughts."

She did not always know she wanted to be an author but set out to write her first book in 2009 after gaining some inspiration.

“I met a couple authors at craft shows and I said ‘Oh I can do this,'” Zwaduk said. “I was a teacher and I knew how to write from that.”

Zwaduk said she liked writing as a kid but did not pursue it as a career early in her adulthood. After graduating from Kent State University, Zwaduk taught at Jefferson Area Local Schools in Ashtabula County.

She said the process of becoming an author was not always easy. Zwaduk said she had much to learn while trying to get her first book, “Right Where I Need to Be” published.

“It was scary because I had this idea that I was going to send it to all these big-name publishers and of course, I had 47 rejection letters because it wasn’t ready, it wasn’t polished, it was just the first draft,” she said. “I didn’t know any better.”

Zwaduk said she joined author groups to connect with other writers to work on her craft. She said New York Times Bestselling Cincinnati author Lori Foster invited her to join her author group, which she said greatly helped her development as an author.

“I knew how to write a story, I just needed to work on the craft on how to get it published,” Zwaduk said. “I met a small press publisher while I was there and submitted that sucker in paper and then they asked me to submit it electronically. That’s how I got my first contract.”

Zwaduk said she updated that book with a new publisher recently, and it now goes by the title “Her Man.”

Zwaduk said all her work is in the romance genre and that much of it also fits into the erotic literature genre.

While Zwaduk said she enjoys constructing the stories, which mostly come from her imagination, she said the editing process is her favorite part of producing her work.

“I love edits because yes, crafting the story is good but every time I turn my story in, I know there’s edits that need to be made that I can’t see,” she said. “I love the editing process because I get so close to the story I don’t know where some of the problems are.”

Zwaduk has recently written some LGBT romance stories and she said that she is currently working on a story about a relationship between two men in a complex family situation.

Zwaduk said her work is well-received by her readers.

“The people that read this genre and get it, are very receptive and really like it,” she said. “I go to author events and not to boast, but my stuff flies off the shelves. I try to be very visible at these things and interact with my readers a lot.”

Zwaduk, who now lives in Pittsfield Township, has worked with Canadian and British publishers which has helped her work go international.

“It’s surreal because I’ll look at my royalty statement and see people bought my books in Mexico or Germany or Italy or Japan,” she said. “To see that this little thing that I worked on in LaGrange, Ohio, has reached all these places just doesn’t seem real.”

Zwaduk stays involved in the local community helping local authors work on their writing once a month at “Writer’s Guild” events at the Elyria Public Library — Keystone LaGrange Branch.

She said she knows how important it is to learn from others when starting out as an author, which drives her to do this.

“When I started I was completely on my own,” she said. “I knew what some of the stuff was but I had no one giving me a hand or a direction to go. That’s what I want to do for people and help give back.”

Zwaduk said it can be tough to have the confidence to do creative work but encourages people to share their stories.

“You have a story in and only you can tell that story,” she said. “You might be self-conscious about it but you’re never going to find out if it’s any good until you put it out there. There’s always going to be people who are going to help you get it ready and back you up.”

The council approved a placemat fundraiser which the organization has done in the past. Companies can buy business card-sized squares as advertising that will be on placemats used during the organization’s banquet in the spring.

Agriculture equipment company Wellington Implement presented a fundraiser it is putting on to raffle off a brand new Case IH square bailer or $16,000 of in-store credit if you do not need a bailer. A representative from the company said the goal of the raffle is to help local organizations, including several FFA chapters, raise money as each organization gets to keep all the money from each $20 raffle ticket sale.

During the meeting, the Wellington FFA agreed to sell tickets for the raffle which will take place March 6 at Wellington Implement’s Ashland location.

Wellington FFA president Jillian Stannard and vice president Scotty Hook provided a chapter update during the meeting.

Stannard noted that herself and Hook received their FFA State Degrees, the second highest honor in the organization while fellow Wellington FFA member Taylor Michel received the top honor, the American Degree.

Stannard also explained the organization’s FFA for a Day program which provides a day of agricultural education to kids in grades K-8 in Wellington.

“That’s been going really well and it seems like the kids have really enjoyed learning about different things in agriculture,” Stannard said.

Hook provided an update on a state competition he was a part of recently through the organization. He said the chapter’s Ag Technology and Mechanical Systems team competed at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster Dec. 7 and placed 10th in the state.

Wellington FFA alumni council member Kalyn Wise has been involved in FFA since she was in high school and has been a part of it at the state level as an alumni. She emphasized the importance of agricultural education.

“Obviously agriculture feeds all of us,” she said. “If we don’t have people feeding us, how do we survive? FFA stretches into horticulture, floriculture, meats and dairy products.”

Wise also said FFA is not solely focused on agriculture, but also helps students develop career skills they can use anywhere. She mentioned the Career Development Events held through FFA that can help students learn how to write a resume, do job interviews and write cover letters among other skills.

“Whether you’re in agriculture or not, those are things you need to know how to do,” Wise said. “The program teaches a lot of life skills. When the students do these SAE projects, they have to keep track of everything like income and expenses. Anything you learn here, you’re going to use somewhere in your life.”

SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experiences) projects are done by current FFA members students to learn about something agriculture-related of their choosing. For example, one of the projects on display at the meeting was on maple syrup production while another was on restoring a vintage Farmall tractor.

Wise said the alumni meetings help connect past generations of FFA members with current members.

“It’s important to learn what the students are doing so we can help support them to meet their goals,” she said. “Maybe there is something they want to do that they’re having a hard time with and we can help them with that.”

An example she gave is that if a student wants to work with dairy cattle but does not live on a dairy farm or have financial access to cattle, they can help try to connect them with a local dairy farmer.

“They may need mentoring or financial help and we’re just here to help them with anything they need to reach their goals,” Wise said.

Holly Brinda, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County, said the Night at the Races is the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year.

“It’s an opportunity for members of our community to come together to support youth in Lorain County,” Brinda said.

For $50, attendees get dinner and beverages and can learn about the organization and its various programs, she said.

There will be plenty of fun activities like raffles and auctions, and people can place bets on virtual horse races can to win cash and prizes, Brinda said.

“It’s a lot of fun, and people really enjoy it,” she said. “It’s great entertainment, and if you’re unfamiliar with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County it’s a chance to have fun and learn about a great nonprofit.”

Brinda said you can visit the organization’s website to buy a ticket or donate.

Sponsorships for the event still are rolling in, so interested companies also have the opportunity to participate.

Brinda said the event has been highly successful in the past and that the organization is hoping for another big year.

“We had a big turnout last year, and we’re hoping to have an even bigger turnout this year,” she said.

While much of the emphasis is on having fun, the goal is for people to learn about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County, Brinda said.

“We love to see people have fun but also provide an environment for us to share our mission and how people participating helps children in our county reach their full potential,” she said. “Mentoring for our children in Lorain County really does make a difference.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County awarded 21st Century Learning grants

One of the new programs the event will provide information on is the Big Futures college readiness initiative, which works with students from five high schools in Lorain County to help prepare them for life after high school.

Brinda said some companies learned about it through the Night at the Races event last year and decided to get involved with the program.

Events like Night at the Races are great for making connections, she said.

"It's not only a fundraiser but a friend-raiser," Brinda said. "We have new people who are introduced to the organization who might not have thought about mentoring or helping with other things before."

The board re-elected Farah Emeka as president and re-elected Jo-Anne Steggall as vice president

Ken Stanley was sworn in to his seat on the school board after he won re-election in November.

Janet Garrett was sworn in for her first term on the board after she was elected as a write-in candidate in the November general election.

Garrett replaces Anne Schaum, who decided not to run for re-election after serving 10 years on the board.

Garrett, who notably ran for Congress against Republican Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-4) three times from 2014-18, said she ran as a write-in for the school board due to a timing issue.

She said she was consumed by working to get reproductive rights protections on the ballot in Ohio, and then on getting it passed through State Issue 1 last November.

“I worked really hard during the last year and a half on Issue 1,” Garrett said. “I was working to gather signatures and wasn’t thinking about the board.”

However, after the deadline to get on the school board ballot had passed, she said a friend called her to convince her to run as a write-in.

That is when she made the decision to enter the race.

“I went in and the deadline for signing up was four o’clock on a Monday,” Garrett said. “It was 10 minutes to four o’clock when I walked out.

“I wasn’t really thinking about running, but after it was in the pipeline, I was stoked about it.”

Garrett taught at Oberlin City Schools for 24 years, retiring in 2015 after 12 years teaching kindergarten in the district.

She said she is looking forward to getting back into education.

“I’m very excited to be back here,” Garrett said. “I’ve been attending meetings since I signed up to be a candidate, and I know a lot of the people that are still here.”

Garrett was named the Ohio School Board Association Legislative liaison during the Jan. 9 meeting, which is a role she said connects to her political career.

“That’s just in my wheelhouse because I’ve been involved in political stuff for so long,” she said.

Garrett, whose entire teaching career spanned about 40 years, said she is excited to be a voice for teachers on the school board.

“I am very dedicated to making it easier for the teachers to do their jobs,” she said. “I have the teachers’ backs and that’s what I’m the most excited about.”