Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Team Mojo Holds First Ever Wellsville Event


Saturday – August 27: The Team Mojo Foundation had its debut event in Wellsville this past Saturday. It was a Center Pharmacy sponsored Back to School 5K Run & Walk. For a token entry fee and a donation of school supplies participants were eligible to compete for one of the many trophies.

The 5K Run/Walk began and finished at Wellsville High School. Competitors started going west on Clark Avenue to 17th to Main, up to 9th and over to Riverside. From there they proceeded to 3rd Street over to Broadway, back to 9th and onto Commerce. They turned at 14th Street back to Bengal Drive and the finish line. Wellsville PD provided an escort along with assistants on bicycles.

The Team Mojo Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission “to create opportunities for underprivileged young people in areas of education, art, music, sports, life skills and other worthwhile endeavors by providing support, guidance and financial assistance”. It's their goal to help kids shine by creating worthwhile opportunities for young people in need. Team Mojo represents young people in the whole tri-state area.

Before the 9 AM race got started Yoga Trainer Amy McCormack was on hand leading stretching exercises to help the runners loosen up. McCormack is with Always Mindful Yoga For You. Team Mojo founder and Executive Director Bill Crawford noted the 70 registrants was an excellent response to a first time event in a new community. They tell us that 5K is a tad over three miles.

Winners were Tom McNear with a time of 19minutes, 49 seconds for first place. Second place went to 15 year old Austin Rhodes with a time of 21:13 and third place to Vincent Dean. Samantha Garcia, the top female runner, was running neck-to-neck with Wellsville's Tim Long. Garcia had a time of 22:23.

Prizes were awarded to first place winners broken down by age groups in addition to the overall first place winners. We think the Cline lads from Chester (in the stroller) won their division. There was 7 month old Jack and 23 month old Gannon with dad Kimmer providing the push.

Crawford said the next event being planned is a Bridge-to-Bridge 10K. That is being planned from the Jennings Randolph Bridge to the Newell Bridge. For more information on this event and the Team Mojo Foundation check out their web site at www.teammojofoundation.org.

ole nib

Friday, August 26, 2011

Wellsville Holds Special Village Council Meeting


Thursday – August 25: Wellsville Village Council held a special meeting yesterday to act on five items of business. Present at the meetng was Council Pro-Tem Randy Allmon, Council members Susan Haugh, Rosie Goss, Joe Soldano, John McMahon and Tony Cataldo. Also attending was Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Village Administrator Jim Saracco and WPD Chief Joe Scarabino.

The first order of business was passing a motion to accept the resignation of WPD Officer Justin Wright effective at 11:59 PM on September 3. Wright recently accepted a full time position as an officer with the Liverpool Township Police Dept.

Next Council approved the appointment of paid, call-out fire fighter Brian Keith Taylor as recommended by WFD Chief Bill Smith. Taylor is a certified para-medic with additional certifications in other emergency skills.

Council also approved a motion allowing WFD Chief Smith to apply for a FEMA grant for the purchase of a new fire truck. The grant is a 5% matching grant with FEMA picking up 95% of the cost. Councilwoman Haugh questioned whether there would be sufficient funds to even match the 5% if Wellsville was awarded the grant. The Fire Department runs on a very tight budget. It was noted that there are no figures available on the cost of a new truck by Councilman Cataldo. However, the motion was just approval to apply for the grant.

Next item on the agenda was giving approval to the Wellsville Nazarene Church's Impact Youth Ministries to block off Maple Avenue from 16th to 17th Street for their third annual Back to School Bash, pending completion of necessary paperwork. The street will be blocked from 11 AM until 6 PM. The event will be held Saturday, August 27.

Council then retired to a 25 minute Executive Session with Chief Scarabino to discuss personnel wages and compensation. Upon returning, and with Scarabino's recommendation, Council approved hiring Salineville Police Officer Luke Skidmore to a full time position on the force, replacing Justin Wright. Council also approved hiring Stow, Ohio resident Joseph Saraniti as a part-time officer.

Skidmore is a graduate of Jefferson Community College. His new duties begin September 4 and advises he will be resigning his position on the Salinville force. With Mayor Surace out of town he was sworn in by Pro-Tem Allmon. He is pictured above with Allmon to his left and Scarabino on the right. Saraniti has been working as a volunteer auxiliary officer in Wellsville. This is his first job as a police officer.

The meeting adjourned at 1:35 PM. The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday, September 6 at 6 PM. There will be a Property Committee meeting this coming Monday, August 29 at 1 PM. That meeting is to discuss property easements for the forced main project. Both meetings will be held at Village Hall, 1200 Main St.

ole nib

Wellsville Carnegie Public Library Named Chamber Business of the Month


Thursday - August 25: The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce named the Wellsville Carnegie Public LIbrary as the August 2011 Business of the Month. Pictured here, from the left, accepting the traveling plaque is Chamber President Randy Allmon, Head Librarian Tracee Murphy and Chamber V.P. James Saracco.

Murphy informs us that the library staff is gearing up for the very popular Fall Story Hours with new Children's Librarian Rachel Freed. Ms. Freed just began her new assignment this past Monday. The Fall Story Hours are set to begin on Tuesday, September 20. We'll have more details later.

The Chamber's monthly luncheons will resume Thursday, September 29. Allmon advises the location will be annouced at a later date.

ole nib

Jimbo's Ready For Good Story


Spotted recently at the Wellsville Public Libary, Village Administrator Jim Saracco looks like he's ready for a good story. It was just too good to pass up!


ole nib

Let The Football Begin !!!


The Wellsville High School Fighting Tigers open their 2011 Football Season tomorrow night at home in Nicholson Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM against their down the river rivals, the Toronto Red Knights. Last year they whupped them down there with a thrilling last minute victory. This year we expect them to take command early and only have to nail it down in the last minutes of the game. It will be the "Year of the Tiger" in 2011!

The new stands are ready for the visitors. The Orange & Black are ready for the Red Knights. Come on down and support your home team. Pictures in the collage are from Meet The Tigers Night last Tuesday.

GO Tigers!!!


ole nib

Thursday, August 25, 2011

2011 Village Yard Sale To Be Held


The 8th Annual Wellsville Village Yard Sale is returning on Saturday, September 3. Sponsored by the Wellsville Revitalization Committee (WRC) there are a couple of new twists added in this year.

The Village wide annual yard sale was started eight years ago by Mayor Joe Surace and Nunzio Lombardozzi. Originally the proceeds were to benefit the now defunct Fix-Up/Clean-Up Committee that was chaired by Lombardozzi. That committee was dissolved early in 2010. Last year the WRC picked up the torch to carry on the annual tradition with the blessings of both the Mayor & Lombardozzi. The proceeds were to benefit some of the WRC's programs such as the maintenance of the floodwall murals and the Main Street USA project.

This year there will be spaces available in two locations. As always spaces will be available in the parking lot of Wellsville Village Hall next to the Fire Dept. In addition to that there will also be spaces available for sellers in the parking lot at Save-A-Lot grocery store at 325 Wells Avenue thanks to the generosity of owner Henry Nemenz and Wellsville Save-A-Lot management.

The suggested donations for Sale permits is $3. See the copy of the WRC flyer above for information on where these permits can be obtained. The proceeds from this year's sale will be turned over to Wellsville Council Property Committee members Susie Haugh and Rosie Goss to benefit the Christmas decoration fund. It is not a Property Committee function but these two ladies are attempting to spearhead efforts to get decorations for the holidays like there use to be with the old Beautification Committee.

The annual Village Yard Sale is for any resident, merchant, church organization, club or vender that would like to participate in the sale. Spaces are available at either of the two locations mentioned. You have to supply your own tables. Sellers can set up in front of their homes, church, store or club. It draws buyers and sellers from all over the tri-state area.

Remember – “one man's trash is another man's treasure”.

ole nib

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Now You See It - Now You Don't



Tuesday - August 16: It only took one day for demolition company X-treme Trucking to bring it down. The building pictured here was located at 13th & Main St in Wellsville. It was last used as the home of the internet broadcasting station wkmxlive. They are the ones that originally began broadcasting the Wellville High School sports.

Neighbors tell us it was originally the home of the Venetian Cafe. That was before our time but before the broadcasting station we recall it being a State Liquor Store and later on a pizza shop. Up until it was condemned there were apartments rented on the second floor.

WFD Chief Bill Smith tells us that last winter a truck hit a couple of vehicles parked there before hitting the building itself. That accident cause structural damage. It you look closely at the first picture you can see a gaping space between the uptown side wall and the front. With that side wall on the right coming away from the building it was determined to be unsafe.

There will be no interruption with broadcasting WHS games. Their operation is mostly mobile except for the home location which was changed at the beginning of last season.

ole nib

Wellsville's Committee To Save Immaculate Conception Keeps Plugging Away


Monday – August 15: While it seems the whole City of Rome, Italy, is away vacationing for the month of August the Committee to Save Immaculate Conception Church keeps plugging away. They are holding weekly prayer services outside of the church their Diocese locked them out of and every Monday evening they bring everybody up to date on their petitions.

The prayer service is held every Saturday afternoon at 4:30 PM in front of the Blessed Virgin statue along Main Street. At last Monday's meeting members voted to keep everything the same as long as weather permits. Co-Chairman Nunzio Lombardozzi announced he is working on an alternative site for inclement weather. The services are open to the public.

Also, at last Monday's meeting it was announced that the Committee now has their own web site, courtesy of Haugh Designs. Haugh Designs is a web developing business owned and operated by Wellsville residents Jeff & Susie Haugh. At an earlier meeting Wellsville Councilwoman Haugh offered any support she could give to the Committee in their efforts to keep the Immaculate Conception Church as a place of worship in Wellsville. That offer included a free page on “the Wellsville site” that was developed and is maintained by Haugh Designs. Haugh went one better than that and with tears in her eyes, Beverly Hentzell announced that the internet company has developed a completely independent web site for the Committee. Naturally it is titled “Committee to Save Immaculate Conception Church”. The web address is www.saveicc.com. The site was donated by Haugh Designs.
Anybody with submissions for the site is advised to contact Hentzell.

Some tickets are still available for the $100 gas card. That drawing will be held at the meeting of August 29. Proceeds go toward the legal costs incurred for the appeals. Discussions on having a “Parish Coverdish” were discussed. There will be more information on that later. Lucky John Mahon once again won the 50/50 and as he did the last three times, donated it back to the Committee.

The next meeting will be Monday, August 22, at 6 PM. The start time was moved up a little to give time to those that want to eat. Members are opening the kitchen for anyone wanting to eat before the meeting. The proceeds go to the SOI Lodge to help defray the cost of utilities for the weekly meetings. The actual meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM. It is held at Wellsville's SOI Lodge 657 located at 327 Main Street.

Pictured above is some of the participants at one of the Saturday prayer service.

ole nib

Wellville's First Christian Holds "backpack bash" For Area Children


Saturday – August 13: The second back to school event in Wellsville this past week-end was First Christian's “backpack bash” held Saturday. With back packs loaded with school supplies, hot dogs, snowcones, cotton candy, hot dogs, face painting and all kind of games it was a smashing success. First Christian's Assistant Youth Minister Randy Mackall noted they were blessed with a beautiful day and lots of sunshine. The event was held on the church grounds and in the street. Main Street was blocked off from 8th to 9th.

Mackall said children and their parents were lined up to register at 9:40 waiting for the 10 AM start. Before the end of the day there were over 400 children signed in for the festivities. At 2 PM the volunteers at the registration table were still busy.

We would like to add our thanks to the members of the First Christian Church in Wellsville for volunteering their time, much of it under hot sunshine, to provide a fun filled day for our area children. Their efforts just further prove that the folks in the area make Wellsville some place special.

ole nib

FCRC Sponsors Wellsville Back To School Event


Friday – 12 August: The non-profit Family & Community Resource Center (FCRC) folks got things started in Wellsville with last Friday's back to school event held at Sell's Auction. The event was for children in pre-school up through the 6th grade, giving away clothes, school supplies, a magic show and feeding them. The Ferro Family Missions participated in the activities.

The FCRC was founded by Executive Director Cindy Slavens and is located in Lisbon. They are the folks that have been running the feeding program two days a week at the Jim Kenney Center. They are funded by grants, business and community donations. They have been running these back to school events all around the county. Their motto is “renewing the family spirit of their educational programs and opportunities across the life spanned”.

Mrs. Slavens told us that the Wellsville area community has been very helpful, especially in putting on this special event for the children. Sell's Auction donated the use of their building on Broadway. John & Toni Sawyer got “Bubby Bear” to stop by for a visit to meet and greet the kids. Pastor Timms of the Bible Baptist Church, his wife Jennifer and their daughter Abigail were handing out school supplies. From the Mayor's office Jennifer Soldano and daughter Gina were helping the youngsters design their own ice cream sundaes. Kodie Ferro was in charge of cooking the hot dogs and Mr. Zap entertained the children with a magic show. From our vantage point the children were having a great time on a hot August afternoon.

Slavens related that the last day for the feeding program is today, August 17. She was uncertain on future programs but stated there is a definite need in the community with Head Start dropping their programs for 4 and 5 year old children. At present she stated they have eight grant applications in progress.

For more information on the FCRC you can visit their web site at www.fcrconline.org or give them a call at 330-420-0044.


ole nib

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Calcutta Veteran's Administration Picnic


Last Friday, August 12, the Calcutta VA put on their annual picnic in support of the veterans. It was a good old fashion summer picnic for all area veterans whether they are VA patients or not.

The picnic is organized with donations from a lot of area businesses and veteran's organizations such as the American Legions & VFW Posts around the tri-state. Key organizer of the annual event, Mary Ann Novak, was unable to attend due to a family emergency but she did a whale of a job getting things ready.

It was a first for us but we got pictures of as many Wellsville people that we could find. The veterans and their families was entertained by the Bluegrass music band Flat Iron. Not a one of them was from Kentucky but Wellsville area resident Rich Lewis said his wife is an native of the Bluegrass state.

Looks like a good time was had by all...

ole nib

Sunday, August 14, 2011

On The Calendar

Won't be long before summer is over for Wellsville teachers and their students. The WHS Golf team got their season started last Monday in tri-match with Beaver Local and the East Liverpool teams. The teachers have an in-service day Monday, August 22 and the students check in the next day. Hope all you educators and soon to be educated enjoy your last week of summer vacation.

Some poor soul wrote a letter to the Editor of the Morning Journal, that was published last Monday, stating her frustration with the sewage smell downtown. We don't think it is as strong smelling as it was in the past few years with the one new digester already in operation. There is still a very noticeable odor though and we can understand the letter writer being upset. The new aerobic digesters are suppose to burn up more of the bacteria in the solid waste being treated. According to ex-GG&J Engineer Bill Boyle it's the bacteria that causes most of the stench. That may be true but from what we understand the drying beds will still be needed. That stench may not be as strong after going through the new digesters but it's not going to go completely away, in spite of what the politicians tell you. If it's hot outside the smell is going to be worse.

Speaking of politicians...We're seeing our new congressman has been making several visits in his district all around us. He was just glad handing in Calcutta last week. Wonder if he has Wellsville on his itinerary any time in the near future? We would like to see what Johnston has in mind for helping with our flood control system.

The November General Election ballot should be just about firmed up now with the deadline for non-partisan candidates & issues having passed. Wellsville had three incumbents file for re-election for Board of Education seats. We think they were the only ones that filed for the BOE.

Village Zoning Administrator Rick Williams tells us the County Commissioners have awarded the contractor bid for the new sidewalks in the business district. That's a project that was granted with CDBG funds last year after Williams put together a bid to submit an application. It's another step to revitalize our main business district.

Monday – August 15;

  • BWD Engineering Committee – 11 AM at the Water Treatment Plant – 17547 State Rt. 45

  • WHS Golf Team vs Sebring at home – believe that is Cedar Hills Golf Course in Glenmore

  • Wellsville Board of Education – 6:30 PM in the Superintendent's Office – 929 Center St.

  • Committee To Save Immaculate Conception – 6:30 PM at SOI Lodge 657 – 327 Main St.


Tuesday – August 16:

  • Wellsville Historical Society – 7:30 PM at the River Museum – 1003 Riverside Ave. - Trustees at 7 PM


Wednesday – August 17:

  • WHS Golf Team at Leetonia


Thursday August 18:

  • BWD Board of Trustees – 9 AM at Village Hall – 1200 Main St.

  • Daw Middle School Open House – 10 AM for all new 4th Graders – 11 AM for any new Middle School students – 929 Center St.

  • WHS Golf Team at Southern Local

  • Wellsville Crime Watch Committee – 6 PM at Village Hall – 1200 Main St.

  • WHS Football Scerimmage vs Oak Glen – 7 PM at Newell Stadium – Rt. 2 in Newell

  • Wellsville Veterans Memorial Council – 7 PM at VFW Post 5647 at 329 Main St.


Friday – August 19:

  • Pottery Players Community Theater presents Devals Divas – 8 PM at the Playhouse – 417 15th St.


Saturday – August 20:

  • Committee To Save Immaculate Conception Prayer Service – 4:30 PM at 11th & Main Sts.

  • Potter Players Community Theater presents Devals Divas – 8 PM at the Playhouse – 417 15th St.


Sunday – August 21:

  • Worship at a church of you choice

  • River Museum Open House Tour – 1 to 4:30 PM – 1003 Riverside Ave. - Admission by donation


We wish we had gotten more information on the Golf Team's schedule but that is all that is shown on the hand out – no times for these matches played before school starts and no locations.

The program for the Historical Society's meeting will be presented by Ms. Kate McFadden Smith of the Ohio Civil War 150 Leadership Corps.

Thursday's Crime Watch Committee's program will feature Ed Lulla from the Ohio Bureau of Crime Investigations. That's the state version of CSI. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Wellsville's First Baptist Church is preparing for their 100th Year Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, August 28, and they are inviting any former choir members to join the Anniversary Choir to provide the music at that celebration. Anyone interested is asked to attend rehearsal Saturday, August 27, 12 noon at the church. For more information call 330-532-2654.

Team Mojo is lining up a fund raising Back to School 5K Run/Walk. The race will start at 9 AM Saturday, August 27 at the High School. Entry fee is $10 per adult along with a donation of some kind of school supply. It's a first effort for a Wellsville group with Team Mojo. Proceeds go toward helping to pay fees for students less fortunate than us. You can register at Center Pharmacy, All Sports or TJD Sports. Call 330-386-3939 for more information.

Have a good week everyone...

ole nib


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Wellsiville Nazerene Church To Hold Back to School Bash Overnighter


Wrapping up a week-end of special back to school activities will be members of Wellsville's Nazarene Church hosting an all night party for all area students at the Maple Avenue church. Registration starts a 5:30 PM, Sunday evening, with the fun to began around 6 o'clock.

There will be games, food, prizes, a talent show and a special "Minute to Win-it" contest where the winner gets a cool $100. For more information call 330-870-5680.

Coming Saturday, August 27, the Nazarene Church will be hosting their third annual Back to School Street Bash. We have more on that later.

ole nib

Wellsville First Christian To Hold "backpack bash"


Coming this Saturday members of Wellsville's First Christian Church will be hold their first annual "backpack bash". It will be held at the Main Street church from 10 AM to 3 PM. It is open to anyone in the community. Their goal is to furnish back to school supplies and a day of fun activities to Wellsville area parents and students. They'll even provide transportation if needed.

Call 330-532-1587 by 9:30 AM Saturday if you need a ride or for more information.

ole nib

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Nicholson Stadium New Grandstands Construction - Day 5




Tuesday - August 9: Those fellows from Buffalo are getting pretty near to shuffling off on out of here! We tried to get there today to get pictures of the Press Box dangling in the air as that big crane lifted and set it in place. But by the time we arrived it was already bolted in place and the workmen were clearing away the straps and stuff.

School officials confirmed that what we thought was probably going to be the handicap ramp was the next thing to be worked on. As seen in the bottom picture that area was being dug out today so they could construct the forms for the concrete.

The concrete will be poured on Wednesday. After that most of the crew will be departing for another assembly job in Georgia. Only a couple will remain to finish up the last few details after Thursday.

ole nib

Wellsville Council's August Meetings

Wellsville Village Council held their one regularly scheduled monthly meeting a week ago today, August 2. Present at that meeting was Mayor Joe Surace, Council members Sue Haugh, Rosie Goss, Joe Soldano, Randy Allmon, John McMahon and Tony Cataldo. Also attending was Village Legal Advisor Andy Beech, Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Zoning Administrator Rick Williams and WFD Chief Bill Smith.

Cindy Slavens, Founder & Executive Director of the Family & Community Resource Center (FCRC), was first up in the Public Speaking portion of the agenda. She announced plans for a “Back to School Event” planned for August 12, hopefully at the Jim Kenney Center. The FCRC is a non-profit group that is putting on the free lunches at the Kenney Center two days a week. They are located in Lisbon and Slavens said they are looking to relocate their headquarters in the Wellsville area. Slavens also introduced Bunnie Ferro of the Ferro Family Missions. Mrs . Ferro is the Site Supervisor at the Kenney Center for FCRC.

In addition to talking about the back to school party, Mrs. Ferro announced that her family has been doing missionary work in the area since 2002. She related that the Ferro Family Missions have a “vision for a homeless shelter” in the area which will have 24/7 supervision. Their goal is to rehabilitate homeless members and help them turn their lives around. Mrs. Ferro also hopes to get together with area churches in a cooperative effort to begin a food pantry feeding those in need at the Kenney Center. She related that the Wellsville area has a definite need for both a homeless shelter and a food pantry.

Broadway resident Randy Mackall, representing the Wellsville First Christian Church, was next up in Public Speaking. He announced that the church was also planning “a first annual Back Pack Bash” on August 13, similar to the RCFC event next Friday. We'll advertise that tomorrow in a separate post. It's loaded with activities and Mackall was seeking permission to block Main Street between 8th St. & 9th St. from 10 AM to 3 PM for safety reasons. Mackall related the Bash was a community outreach program with “a mission to supply the “students and families of Wellsville with school supplies and fun at absolutely no charge”. A motion was passed to permit the street to be blocked off after the proper paper work was filled out and approved.

Don Brown, President of the Wellsville Veteran's Memorial Council, stated that he is strongly opposed of any kind of drilling in Springhill Cemetery. Brown stated he believes a cemetery is sacred ground and “in Springhill there is between 1,200 to 1,400 veterans buried there”. They date back to the Civil War. Councilwoman Haugh stated she understands Mr. Brown's feelings. However, she noted that any company drilling for oil or natural gas in the Marcellus or Utica shale can go through the cemetery ground whether Council agrees to it or not. Haugh further stated after having done extensive research she found that drilling can be done horizontally from surrounding property, whether Council has given their permission or not. It would be approximately 7,000 feet below the surface.

In a Special Council meeting on July 28 Council members voted to enter into an agreement with the Association Landowners of Ohio Valley (ALOV) to have them represent the Village in negotiating with drilling companies for leasing land for oil and natural gas explortion in those shale regions. Wellsville has nearly 277 acres of available property to lease for drilling. Property included is located in Hammond's Park, the old reservoir, Springhill Cemetery and the old city dump. In the resolution passed to go with ALOV only the old dump was noted to allow for surface drilling. The parcels at the other three locations will only allow sub-surface (or horizontal) drilling from nearby land owned by other individuals. We been informed that property owners right behind the cemetery have already signed leases.

ALOV is a non-profit association that Council's Property Committee recommended to full Council to represent the Village. After doing a lot of research it was found that if Council didn't agree to lease acreage at the cemetery, Hammond's Park and the reservoir the drilling companies could still go after the natural gas under that land. Wellsville would lose any possible revenue that they could possible earn in those areas. With allowing only sub-surface drilling in those areas there will be no unsightly drilling rigs or platforms evident. The Property Committee hopes to put any funds earned from leasing the land into Capital Improvements for any grants requiring matching funds. Wellsville has had to pass up millions in grant money in the past because there wasn't money to meet the matching fund requirements.

The final speaker was Commerce Street resident Tim Long. Long is one of the organizers for the annual Dash for Mat's Bash that takes place in the fall. Mathugh Johnston died at the age of 15 a few years ago and a scholarship fund was established in his honor. The Dash is one of the fund raising events that sponsor those scholarships. Long was asking permission to have the streets blocked for the annual event. It is set for Saturday, October 15. Council voted to approve the street closure pending the proper paperwork is filled out and approved. Last year's event had 540 registrations and even more are expected for this year's race.

In the Mayor's Report, Joe Surace complimented everyone that got involved in the community clean-up effort recently. He said it turned out real well. He also thanked the FCRC for the party they sponsored later that same day.

Fire Chief Bill Smith reported the Fire Department responded to a total of 56 incidents as of July 31 for the year. Out of that 19 were for investigations and 18 were full fire calls. For reasons he can't determine the number of fire calls are down this year compared to 2010 figures. Smith also noted he had been trying to set up a town “meeting with the State & a couple of other agencies” to explain the new home owner flood insurance rate maps. However, he said he has received notification that FEMA is still making changes for any community that has a flood control system rated “below grade”. Consequently no date has been determined for his town meeting. The maps are available for review at the Fire Station but the insurance rates are still being worked on.

For the Finance Committee, Chairman Tony Cataldo reported that as of the end of June the General Fund had $8,900, the Street Fund had $6,700 and the Cemetery Fund had $6,900 in rounded off figures. Total of all funds for June was $342,200. Cataldo noted that at the end of May the total of all funds was $414,000 but said there was a $70,000 “payment out of Sewage”. He must have been referring to the Sewage Update Fund. There was $77,873 spent out of that fund in June, probably for the upgrades taking place at the Sewage Treatment Plant. They don't like to elaborate too much on expenditures at Council meetings. Cataldo said he would be going over the figures and calling a meeting in the “next week”.

For Streets, Lights and Parking, Chairman John McMahon asked the Village Administrator if he had a chance to look at the lights that were out in Broadway Park. Saracco responded he had not but would have Kevin check them when he returns from vacation.

McMahon also reported that he has had complaints about people dumping garbage in other people's dumpsters. One in particular was at the Alumni Center where someone had dumped mattresses and old springs. McMahon noted there are ordinances against that and if caught violators could be fined.
The last item McMahon reported on was a company called Premier Gas opening a hole along Main St. The Administrator said he didn't know who it was. Apparently they replaced concrete with hot patch after completing their job. Tony Cataldo noted that companies need to get permits to open up the streets, cut curbs and sidewalks. Violators should be cited into Court. Saracco said he went to check on it and the workers “were done and gone”. The Zoning Administrator said that last year they had a zoning permit to work in town. He would have to check the expiration on that permit. Saracco said he would have to get contact information from the Zoning Office. Apparently Premier did not contact anyone a Village Hall prior to digging. Plans for any work like that has to be submitted and fees paid in order to obtain permits as stated per Village ordinances.

Rosie Goss advised she had to check if there is an ordinance on the books or something else covering required fences around swimming pools. No one was certain if it was covered by Ohio Revised Code or if there had to be a local ordinance.

Goss also asked that everyone keep the parishioners of the Immaculate Conception Church in their prayers in their quest to keep that church open. Goss stated that she was very impressed by those parishioners. Goss said she was advised that all electricity to the building has been recently shut off . She is hoping that everyone will “get behind them” and support them.

Showing his lack of familiarity of Ohio's Sunshine Law, Councilman Cataldo made a motion “to go into Executive Session for sewage contracts” under New Business. The motion was seconded by Randy Allmon. According to the newspaper reporter present, that was not one of the permissible reasons allowed by the Sunshine Law to go behind closed doors, where upon the Village Legal Advisor suggested the motion be changed to asking legal advise on a contract.

Council then retired behind closed doors for 16 minutes. No comment was made or action taken in regard to any contract when they returned. We suspect that “sewage contract” has something to do with the proposed forced main project and issues on easements for that project. At a Property Committee meeting yesterday, August 8, called “regarding the Force Main”, Property Committee Chairwoman Haugh went into Executive Session regarding “legal issues to purchase property”. That session lasted for 52 minutes. Again when everyone returned there were no comments or action taken to recommended anything to Council. The Committee meeting was promptly adjourned. In today's newspaper Haugh was quoted as saying “that the village is still attempting to acquire easements for the project”. We suspect there was no joy in river city as a result of that committee meeting yesterday.

The forced main is a sewage line that conveys raw sewage to the Sewage Treatment Plant. Many parts of the line are what was orginally put in several years ago and is beginning to show extreme wear and tear with costly line breaks. Replacing it is one of Cataldo's pet projects. Engineer Bill Boyle formerly of GG&J did preliminary planning on it nearly a year ago. Getting the project started was held up pending an EPA decision on the balance of the STAG funds.

Last Tuesday's regular Council meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, September 6 at 6 PM.

ole nib














NIcholson Stadium New Grandstand Assembly - Day 4




Monday - August 8: Day 4 of putting up the new eastern side grandstands at Wellsville's Nicholson Stadium made it look like only a few finishing touches are left. Most of the seating has been put in place. The new press box arrived, already assembled. All it appears to need is to be lifted into place and bolted on. The other contractor, doing the fence returned and completed that portion of the project. The access ramps appear to be staked out. Looks like Bereschik was correct!

Seeing the speed of it going up is amazing...

ole nib

Area Veterans & Families Invited To Annual VA Picnic


The VA Clinic out in Calcutta is having their annual picnic for all area veterans and their families. You do not have to be a Veteran's Administration patient to attend the picnic. It is open to all area veterans and their families and there is no admission. The picnic is sponsored by the VA and other area organizations including Wellsville's VFW Post 5647 & the Wellsville Veteran's Memorial Council.

The picnic will be held at the VA Clinic in Ogilvie Square in Calcutta. Bring an appetite.

ole nib

Wellsville Area Back To School Event Coming Friday


The Family & Community Resource Center and the Ferro Family Missions are throwing a back to school party. It is for children from pre-school through grade 6. Party time is from 4 to 6 PM this coming Friday. It will be held at Sell's Auction at 409 Broadway in Wellsville. The FCRC is the non-profit organization that is having the free Summer Feeding Program at the Jim Kenney Center every Tuesday & Wednesday from 11:45 AM to 2 PM.

The Back to School party with feature free school supplies, clothing and lots of fun. See details on their flyer posted above.

Pre-registration is required. For more information call 330-420-0044 or stop by the Jim Kenney Center today or tomorrow between 11:45 AM and 2 PM.

Wonder if they'll let an "old kid" make his own sundae???

ole nib

Monday, August 8, 2011

Nicholson Stadium New Grandstand Assembly - Day 3




As of Sunday evening the new stands looked like this...

ole nib

Sunday, August 7, 2011

On The Calendar

We're back... We skipped last week and you can blame author Tom Clancy for that. His new book had me completely distracted. It's only 756 pages. We're a littler over three quarters along but this week we're feeling guilty. Other than a Wellsville Council meeting there wasn't much going on except the annual Italian Festival. That got a lot of newspaper coverage.

Once again the SOI members did a heck of job with a very entertaining and enjoyable three-day festival. Except for about 30 minutes Saturday evening the weather was perfect. Congratulations to the two scholarship winners, Cayleigh Crook & Andrew Gooding, and good luck with your college studies.

In the Morning Journal's “Loose Ends” column in today's edition the Wellsville reporter denied taking a picture of an Immaculate Conception parishioner receiving Communion during the last Mass offered July 23. They said someone “thought such a photo would be sacrilegious”. We've always felt that one's religious beliefs is entirely personal but if someone actually did say that we feel they are not very well versed on Christianity as practiced by Roman Catholics. To us, personally, Communion is the high light of celebrating Mass, signifying the sacrifice Christ made for our salvation. The act of receiving Communion is a commemoration of that sacrifice and should be shared with gladness.

We went back and reviewed the pictures we posted. We did post one of the Bishop and others on the altar preparing for Communion in the collage. We did get pictures of people taking Communion which did not get posted. As a Catholic we do not feel any guilt for taking those pictures. Getting the Word of God out does not have room for hiding behind closed doors, locking doors or hiding one's head in the sand. Receiving the Body & Blood of Christ, as ritualized through Communion, is one of the greatest honors any Christian can be blessed with. It doesn't matter whether you call yourself Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Nazarene or whichever faith one associates with.

Monday – August 8:

  • Wellsville Council Property Committee – 1 PM at Village Hall – 1200 Main St.

  • WHS Golf Team Tri-angular vs East Liverpool/Beaver Local – 1 PM

  • Committee To Save Immaculate Conception – 6:30 PM at SOI Lodge – 327 Main St. - Kitchen will be open


Tuesday – August 9:

  • Nothing on our calendar


Wednesday – August 10:

  • Nothing scheduled for Wednesday


Thursday – August 11:

  • Wellsville Knights of Columbus – 6 PM at E. Liverpool Motor Lodge – Dresden Ave.


Friday – August 12:

  • VA Clinic Annual Picnic – 9 AM to 3 PM – Ogilvie Square – Calcutta, OH


Saturday – August 12:

  • WHS Football Team Scrimmage – 10 AM at Steubenville Harding Stadium vs Steubenville Catholic Central & Bridgeport


Sunday – August 14:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • Wellsville River Museum Open House – 1 to 4:30 PM – 1003 Riverside Ave. - Admission by donation


We forgot to ask but believe the WHS home golf course is Highland in Glenmore. It wasn't shown on the schedule. Monday's golf match is a “home game” for the Tigers. Someone help us out here.

Have a good week everyone...

ole nib

New Nicholson Stadium Grandstands Beginning To Take Shape


Saturday - August 6: Shown here is how the new Nicholson Stadium grandstands look after only two days of assembly. The heavy aluminum parts were delivered last Wednesday and the contractor began putting the parts together just this past Friday.

School officials tell us the Press Box should be delivered this coming Tuesday and the Buffalo, NY, assembly crew expects to have it completely assembled by mid-week.

When the 2011 football season opens the new eastern side grandstands will be the visitor's side.

ole nib

Wellsville's 2011 Italian Festival Is One For The Books


Saturday – August 6: Finishing touches were put on the 15th Annual Italian Festival last night in Wellsville. Ma Nature tried to put a damper on the SOI Lodge #657 sponsored festivities with an early evening downpour. She had the crowd scattering for shelter but members of the SOI went smoothly to “Plan B” without missing a beat. Extra tables were set up and the food operation temporarily moved inside as the Lodge doors were opened to welcome the public in out of the rain. With “Sicilian determination” it was decided no stinkin' rain was going to cut the party short! After about a half hour Ma Nature admitted defeat and moved the rain clouds out of the area. It was amazing to see the crowd increase in number even while the chairs were being dried off. Of the three nights for the festival it was the biggest crowd for this years event.

Highlighting the evening was the awarding of two $1,000 scholarships. One went to Andrew Gooding and the second to Cayleigh Crook. Both recipients are graduates in the Classes of 2011. Andrew graduated from East Liverpool High School and Crook is a Wellsville Tiger.

Returning for her second year in a row, Mirella Volpe opened up the evening's entertainment. She was followed by Italian tenor Aaron Caruso and he had all the ladies, young and not so young, listening to every note with googly eyes. He not only has a fantastic voice he's not bad looking either! He even had Pauline Hager traveling all the way from Logan, Ohio to enjoy his show. This is the 13th year that Caruso has appeared at the Wellsville festival. A native of Detroit, he is a close friend of the Joe LaScola family. Putting the night cap on this years festival was the immensely popular local band Route 45. The very entertaining group is based in Wellsville and have a large following from all around the area. Their fans were boot scooting boogying right from the first number. Closing out the annual Wellsville Italian Festival seems to be a Route 45 tradition.

Congratulations to all the Wellsville SOI members for another job well done. Even under very adverse conditions you still threw a whale of a party. We're already looking forward to next year...

ole nib

Wellsville's 2011 Italian Festival Is One For

Saturday, August 6, 2011

2011 Wellsville Italian Festival - Day 2


Friday – August 5: Day 2 of the 2011 Wellsville Italian Festival, sponsored by the SOI Lodge #657, is now history. We have no idea of the number of people that attended last night but it was elbow-to-elbow all up and down the midway from very early on. The vendors were doing a brisk business and the SOI members were busy replenishing the roasters for the sausage and meatball sandwiches. Seemed like a steady parade of runners bringing pots loaded with replacing from their kitchen. The “Italian Steak” sandwiches were going about as fast as they could make them.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by a band called 5 D's Plus singing a mixture of Italian favorites and traditional American music numbers. Members of that group were mostly from Shadyside, OH, and it was their first appearance in Wellsville. Finishing up the evening's entertainment was Nanette Corradi with her group called Touche. Corradi is a Midland, PA, area girl with family connections in Wellsville. She had folks singing along and dancers crowding the street. A special touch was her congratulating the cancer survivors in the audience and wishing her aunt and uncle, Stormy & Frank Rivelle, a Happy 53rd Anniversary.

Tonight, Saturday, August 6, is the closing of the 15th Annual Wellsville Italian Festival. Opening ceremony is scheduled for 6 PM with the SOI scholarships to be awarded at 6:10 PM. The entertainment will start at 6:30 with Mirella Volpe. Joe LaScola's old friend Aaron Caruso is set to take the stage at 7:30. The very popular Italian tenor recently sold out Carnegie Hall with his concert there. He has a great voice and is very popular with the ladies. Finishing out the evening will be the extremely popular local band Route 45. They are schedule to go on at 9:30 and they bring their own crowd. You'll want to get there early to get a spot to enjoy it all.

See ya there...

ole nib

Friday, August 5, 2011

New Grandstands Going Up At Nicholson Stadium




Friday – August 5: Construction crews began assembling the new eastern side grandstands at Wellsville's Nicholson Stadium this morning. As noted earlier, the metal arrived this past Wednesday. It is all prefabricated and basically will go together like a big erector set.

The crew assembling the new grandstands are from Buffalo, NY, and advise they will not be returning home until the Nicholson Stadium stands are completed. It is estimated to take about a week and they said they will be working through the week-end. One crew member indicated they travel all over the country doing this and this one is one of the smaller ones they have put up.

While that crew was busy working on the stands another subcontractor was busy setting posts for the new fence that will be installed where the old concrete walls once stood.

Looks like we'll be in good shape by the time the season opener rolls around in 22 days.

ole nib

Immaculate Conception Parishioners Continues Saturday Prayer Services




As they have been doing since the last Mass was celebrated in Wellsville on July 23 members of the Immaculate Conception Parish will meet again Saturday afternoon, August 6, at 4:30 PM for a brief prayer service. They have vowed to continue having the service each Saturday for as long as necessary.

The intention of the weekly prayer service is in hopes that their appeals will be heard to keep the 11th Street church open as a worship site of the newly formed Holy Trinity Parish for at least one Mass a week. Those prayers were partially answered earlier this week when members of the Committee to Save the Immaculate Conception received acknowledgment that their appeal to the Congregation of the Clergy was received at the Vatican in Rome, Italy. In a letter dated July 23 from the Congregatio Pro Clericis, Under-Secretary Monsignor Antonio Neri, confirmed that the Committee's letter was received and “that the Dicastery has the matter under study”. The Congregation of the Clergy at the Vatican has the authority to reverse the Bishop's decision to close the Wellsville parish if he doesn't voluntarily have a change of heart on his own recourse.

The prayer service will be held in front of the Blessed Virgin statue facing Main Street at the side of the Immaculate Conception Church. The public is invited to join in. Shown here are scenes from last weeks service.

ole nib

Wellsville's 2011 Italian Festival Opens


The 15th Annual Italian Festival opened last night. There was great food, fantastic entertainment and lots of smiles with folks greeting old friends.

Master of Ceremony Joe LaScola got things started with SOI Lodge #657 President Rocco DaLonzo, Wellsville Mayor Joe Surace and SOI V.P. Joe Traina all welcoming the crowd. Entertainment was provided by the Frank Gallo Band. The Frank Gallo Band has opened the Wellsville festival for the last 15 years now.

It was a beautiful evening with the mid-way crowded with people enjoying it all. Tonight's entertainment is the band 5 D's starting at 7 PM followed by Touche by Nanette Corradi. The festival closes Saturday evening. Be sure to stop by. You never know what the M.C. has in store!

ole nib

Italian Festival Surprises



True to his word... Master of Ceremonies Joe LaScola had a couple of surprises for entertainment at the opening of last night's Wellsville Italian Festival.

Pictured here is Molly Bowling doing one of two Mariah Carey numbers she shared. She's as cute as a button and has the voice of an angel. Molly is from Chester, WV, and is the grand daughter of Jake LaScola.

Also shown here is surprise number two. None other than Cab Calloway (aka Aaron R.) made a special guest appearance singing his signature song Minnie the Moocher. Ol' Cab still has the moves!

ole nib

Italian "Steak Sandwich"


It don't get much better than this... Well, if you don't count the sausage or meatball sandwiches.

nib

Lost At The Italian Festival


This fellow thought they said "Irish Festival"...

nib

Thursday, August 4, 2011

2011 Wellsville Tiger Football Underway




This past Monday was the first of what high school football players call two-a-days. Although it is vitally important to any football program we would venture to say it is the most hated segment of the game. It's hot, dusty, sweaty and repetitious. It's the part of the sport that “separates the wheat from the shaft”. Barring any injuries it determines who has the desire and heart to be part of a winning team and who should be getting in line to get season passes if they want to see the games.

We caught some of the action this past Tuesday evening. Head Coach Dave Skinner is back with his full compliment of assistant coaches from last year plus a couple of additions. Coach Barry Keller moved up from the Middle School to work with the offensive and defensive linemen. New Coach Derek Thompson has joined the ranks to work with the receivers. Thompson was a wide receiver at Seton Hill College.

The 2011 Tigers got two scrimmages scheduled before the start of the regular season. The first is at 10 AM Saturday, August 13, at Steubenville Harding Stadium against Steubenville Catholic and Bridgeport. The second one pits the Tigers against the Oak Glen Golden Bears at their homefield in Newell, WV at 7 PM on Thursday, August 18.

The Tigers open the regular season at home Saturday, August 27 at 7:30 PM vs. the Toronto Red Knights in Nicholson Stadium. It's part of the WTOV Game of the Week schedule.

Good luck fellows.

As a footnote the metal for the new eastern side grand stands was delivered yesterday. School officials said once assembly begins it will be ready for use in 7 to 10 days. Superintendent Mr. B said they will be ready for the opening of the 2011 season.

ole nib

Wellsville High Schoolers Getting Ready For Fall Sports


This past Tuesday we checked out the preparations for Wellsvlle High School's preparations for the Fall season.

The members of Wellsville's Marching Pride Tiger Band were busy down behind Nicholson Staium along with the majorettes and flag ladies. Band Director Emily Barlow had them stepping lively.

Up at the High School Mrs. Wilcox was working with the cheerleaders while the Lady Tiger Volleyball athletes were busy at it inside the Tiger's Den. Even though the volleyball players were out of the sun light, we think it was hotter inside the gym than down at the stadium.

The Volleyball team has a new assistant coach. Her name is Ashley Haddox. Their season gets started Tuesday, August 30, at Western Reserve. Game time is 5:30 PM.

Good luck to all..

ole nib

15th Annual Wellsville Italian Festival Opens Tonight



It's time once again for the much anticipated annual Italian Festival which is sponsored by Wellsville's SOI Lodge 657. With Main Street blocked off from 3rd to nearly 4th the 15th Annual Wellsville Italian Festival is set to open with ceremonies tonight at 6 PM. The festival runs for three days from Thursday, August 4, through Saturday, August 6 starting at 6 PM each evening. As their program states “The purpose of the festival is to share some of the Italian culture and customs such as friendship, great food and fantastic entertainment”.

After opening ceremonies this evening The Frank Gallo Band will be entertaining the crowd as he has done on opening nights for the past fourteen years. Festival Master of Ceremonies Joe LaScola told us this morning that there will be a surprise celebrity visit sometime during tonight's opening. LaScola said he was sworn to secrecy on who it might be but promises it will be special.

In addition to great entertainment there will be food and beverage vendors enough to satisfy anyone's appetite along with the crowd pleasing Fiesta ware and homemade cake games . At the top of the list is homemade Italian meatball and sausage sandwiches lovingly prepared by members of the SOI. They're delicious.

Pictured above is SOI President Rocco DaLonzo tending to some of the last minute details. In the other picture with their backs to the camera is Joe LaScola, Kris Vallera, Mac Comparetto and Steve Vallera lending a hand.


ole nib

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Immaculate Conception Parishioners To Hold Hoagie Sale



What better way to get prepared for the annual Italian Festival that to feast on a meat ball hoagie. The hoagie sale will be held at the WHS Alumni Center. The members of Wellsville's SOI Lodge are in full swing preparing for Thursday's opening night of this years festival. The Alumni Center is located at 201 3rd Street.

The hoagies will be served on home made rolls with chips and a drink included. If you want to phone ahead for a take-out order call 330-532-9811.

The hoagie picture was borrowed from Google images.

ole nib