Wellsville BOE Member To Be Awarded

For the third consecutive year Wellsville resident Thomas F. Brophey has been selected to be a recipient of the Ohio School Boards Association Award of Achievement. The 2011 Award of Achievement will be bestowed at the OSBA Regional Spring Conference to held in Smithville, Ohio, on Wednesday, March 23. Out of 3,400 OSBA members statewide only 81 are receiving this honor in 2011.

Brophey is President of the Wellsville School District Board of Education. He has served as a Wellsville BOE member for 18 years. At the time of his first election he was the youngest member ever in Ohio to serve on a Board of Education. He is also the State Legislative Liaison for the Wellsville BOE and has served in that position for the last four years. In addition to his Wellsville duties Brophey also serves on the OSBA Student Achievement Leadership Team. In 2010 Brophey was named a Master Board Member which is a lifetime membership on the OSBA team.

The annual Award of Achievement is in recognition of the commitment and dedication exhibited by a board member toward public education and the importance attached toward their role on the school board. It is an honor not awarded lightly. Mr. Brophey has a long, distinguished career dedicated to the service of Wellsville youth.

Congratulations Tom...

ole nib

Last Week-end For Potter Player's Performance of Salem's Daughter

This coming week-end will be your last chance to see the Potter Player's Community Theatre's performance of Salem's Daughter. There will be shows both Friday and Saturday evening plus a matinee on Sunday.

You won't want to miss it...

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Wellsville Library Helps Celebrate Black History

Thursday – February 24: In celebration of Black History Month the Wellsville Carnegie Public Library sponsored an extremely entertaining evening this past Thursday with the presentation of Storyteller Jocelyn Dabney. Dabney is a native of Smithfield, Ohio and is now a retired librarian residing in Youngstown. She holds a Masters Degree in Storytelling/Reading and we can vouch that her education is not going to waste. With singing and storytelling she had the whole audience gleefully participating in her program. For more on Dabney see our post dated February 16 when we first introduced her here.

Mrs. Dabney was accompanied by her husband Robert with his melodic singing and playing of the djembe drum. Djembe is pronounced jim-bay. It's origination is dated back to 12th Century Africa with the Mandinka peoples. It is made from a single piece of wood carved in the shape of a goblet and hollowed out with a skin cover on top. Its popularity makes it one of the most sought after drums in the western world.

Our only complaint about Dabney's performance was that it had to end. When you are having fun it's always disappointing when it comes to a conclusion. Dabney artfully intertwined bits of Black History with humorous stories and traditional music. She skillfully got her audience's willful participation with very little coaxing on her part. At the conclusion of the show you felt you were part of the cast.

It was very interesting when she told how “hand jive” music got started back in the days of slavery when the slaves weren't allowed to communicate verbally or with the widely used drum playing. We learned how the popular song “People Get Ready – there's a train a coming” was about the underground railroad when sympathizers harbored slaves traveling north to their freedom. Many folks traveling those paths to freedom passed through the Wellsville area, following the river north. Do you know what “sodisaluratus” is? Don't feel bad. We had no clue and we believe we saw only one head nodding yes when Dabney asked that question. It's baking soda, a necessary ingredient when making biscuits. One of her most entertaining humorous stories on the evening was about different people going to the store to get some “sodisaluratus” when “out jumped a big ol' bear!” on their way through the woods.

It was an educational and extremely entertaining evening that many of us young and old thoroughly enjoyed. We highly recommend that you catch one of her performances if you ever get a chance. You won't be disappointed. If interested in scheduling one of her programs or work shops you can contact her via e-mail at storyteller1114@aol.com.

Thanks to the Dabneys for a very enjoyable evening and a special thanks to the Wellsville library staff and the Friends of the Library for bringing the Dabneys to Wellsville.

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Wellsville Teachers Seek Support

Monday – February 28: In an effort to drum up some support the Wellsville Teacher's Association (WTA) hosted an open house, free spaghetti dinner this past Monday evening for all Wellsville School District (WSD) residents. The event took place at the Alumni Center on 3rd Street.

The WTA union contract expired July 1, 2010. Proposals from both the union and the WSD were first exchanged around April 15, 2010. The two sides next met in October or November. Their last meeting was on February 9 and they are still without a contract. WTA President Darlene Allison noted they have been advised there may be a meeting scheduled after March 7. Going on for nearly 11 months now they are hoping to soon reach an agreement with the district.

Reading from a prepared statement, Allison noted they are legally bound to not discuss specifics on items currently on the table for negotiation. The WTA has offered many concessions which have all been turned down by the district. On the other hand they find the concessions offered by the district “are just not affordable for us to provide for our families”.

Allison went on explaining “the Board has nearly 2 million dollars at their disposal and yet we are unable to reach an agreement. That is double what they had when we negotiated two years ago when we settled after just a few sessions of negotiating”.

Continuing, Allison read “We are asking for your support in helping us to come to an agreement. We are asking that you not only display signs in your yards but please call the Board members and tell them, you the tax payers and parents, want an agreement reached now. The teachers have always stepped up to the plate and given when our district has been in true financial crisis – even giving back raises to help keep the district afloat. There is 2 million dollars available to pay for both a fair contract and the high quality education we want for all our students. We are not asking for anything that is not easily affordable or that would jeopardize the district in any way”. The WTA members furnished all those attending Monday evening a list of WSD Board of Education members along with their phone numbers.

Additionally the WTA members asked help in opposing Ohio Senate Bill – 5 which they claim will cost jobs and mean salary losses. They provided a list of State Senators on the Insurance, Commerce & Labor Committee along with their phones numbers and e-mail addresses. They asked that you call or e-mail them and tell them to vote no on SB-5. That is the bill trying to restrict organized state workers their bargaining rights.

Before opening the floor to questions Allison noted that the Wellsville teachers are dedicated to the students and their education. They're “asking for a fair and equitable contract, one that the Board can afford. With nearly $3 million carry-over from last year, the Board can afford the contract and the educational improvements we're asking for” she concluded.

Wellsville Councilman Joe Soldano inquired on the time line of all the negotiating sessions. Ohio Education Association Labor Relations Consultant John Avouris responded that there were four meetings in April & May. After that a couple of meetings were scheduled in June. They would have one meeting and cancel the next one. The same happened in August with the Board of Education members saying they would need a couple of months to gather information requested by the WTA. That's when it was decided by the WTA to request a Federal mediator to enter into the talks.

Another resident asked if other insurance carriers have been contacted and Allison responded they are not really sure what's going on. All members did fill out a survey on what was needed for insurance coverage for one company and they are now seeing another insurance company. Allison added the WTA is under the impression that the school district is now paying an extra $20,000 per month for coverage and have been doing that since November.

When contacted this morning WSD Superintendent Rich Bereschik confirmed insurance coverage is costing approximately $20,000 extra a month more than what it did a year ago. However shopping around for better insurance coverage costs had little to do with it. The cost of insurance benefits for district employees increased 19% this year over what it cost last year. The district's five year forecast is predicting another 16% increase in 2012 and a similar amount for 2013.

Bereschik explained that the district is hindered with bargaining for better insurance rates because they are required to accept what is called a “Shelf Policy” for entities with less than 100 employees covered. A Shelf Policy is one where the terms, conditions and costs are set. Being a small district in numbers prohibits bargaining for a customized policy based on actual needs. It's similar to buying a new car that is already in the dealer's show room. It may have more or less than what you were shopping for. WSD has just over 100 employees but only 93 take insurance coverage offered by the school. All employees are covered under the same policy whether they are a member of the WTA or not. The WTA has approximately 64 members.

In the collage above WTA President Darlene Allison is in the top left corner on the microphone. The gentleman in the center is OEA Consultant John Avouris and the others are members of the WTA and residents that were present.

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Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce February Luncheon

Thursday – February 24: The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce held their February luncheon this past Thursday at Kat's Kitchen on Main St. With Chamber President Randy Allmon being in Youngstown to attend a luncheon with the new governor, Board of Directors member, Mayor Joe Surace presided. Paul Blevins gave invocation.

Surace welcomed new member Jan Palmer of the CC Humane Society. He also advised that plans for the Trade Show sometime this spring at the Alumni Center are still pending. A thank you was sent out to Local 396 Business Agent Butch Taylor and members of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union for hosting the Chamber at their Boardman facilities last week. Members & guests of the CC Chamber of Commerce were hosted to a luncheon and tour of Local 396's Training Facilities. Dolly Brophey advised there were approximately 60 people in attendance at that luncheon. See our post dated Sunday, February 27.

Business of the Month is Wellsville SOI Lodge #657. SOI President Rocco DaLonzo was on hand to accept the honor. See below for notes on that.

Guest speakers were District Sales Manager William Mowery & Sales Manager Ellen Clark-McCoy of the Western & Southern Life Insurance Company's (W&S) East Liverpool office pictured here. Mowery said he has been with W&S for 32 years, having started with them at the age of 22. Clark-McCoy has been there for 14 years and has been a Sales Manager for 13 of those years. The East Liverpool office is located on Route 170 in Calcutta.

W&S has been around since 1888. They are a Fortune 500 company and rated the 8th strongest insurance institution financially in the country. Although the economy has been suffering through a recession W&S has not received any kind of bail out assistance. Other than property and casuality they sell all types of insurance.

Mowery reported that his purpose for being there, speaking to the Chamber members, was to get word out that W&S is in the process of hiring sales representative, especially in the Steubenville and Salem areas. He stated he was hoping Chamber members can assist their recruiting efforts by referring anyone they may know to them for those sales positions.

W&S sales representatives start out being paid a salary plus commission while going through their training. A state insurance license is required before being hired. Classes are available on-line and in Ohio the cost is currently $250 for the certification. Once fully trained the representative goes to fully commission pay. Mowery said it can be very lucrative for the person willing to work. Certain products earn up to 112% commission. He advised W&S is a very low pressure sales company. Rather they stress the value of their insurance products and policies.

They teach sales techniques and marketing plans. New representatives are given some established customers but it is mostly cold call soliciting by phone for new ones. Positions are open to people from all walks of life. Mowery said he graduated college with an education degree and Clark-McCoy was in accounting. The benefit package is an excellent one with coverage for health, eye care, dental, prescriptions, group life and disability. They have an excellent 401k plan or the old fashion retirement plan where the employee is fully vested after five years. Typically, agents put in 50 to 55 hours per week and the potential to move into management positions is also excellent. W&S is an EEOC employer. For more information on the sales jobs contact either Mowery at 330-368-3010 or Clark-McCoy at 330-368-3009.

Board member Erin Roberts-Orr reported on the Potter Players Community Theatre's meeting of February 8 concerning the renovation of the old Liberty thearter. She advised they have been receiving lots of phone calls since that meeting. They have two electricians that were to tour the old theater this past Saturday with one of them offering help in setting up some temporary lighting. Roberts-Orr noted that officials of Local 396 indicated they might be able offer some help with some of their apprentices going through the Plumbing & Pipefitting training program. There is an open house walk through scheduled for Saturday, March 19, at 10 AM for anyone wishing to see the old place. The public is invited. Anyone needing additional information can contact either Erin or Bill Roberts at the Roberts Funeral Home.

The March luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, March 31, at theDairy Queen on 3rd Street.

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Wellsville SOI Named February Business of The Month

Thursday – February 24: The Wellsville Sons of Italy Lodge #657 was named the Chamber of Commerce's February Business of the Month. Located at 327 Main Street the SOI Lodge annually holds an Italian American Festival. It is three days of great music, delicious food, games and an annual reunion of old friends and neighbors held in August. Last year's festival was their 14th annual festival. It seems to get bigger and better each year.

Pictured above accepting the Business of the Month plaque in the center is SOI President Rocco DaLonzo with Chamber Board of Director members Mayor Joe Surace to his left and Paul Blevins.

Congratulations to Rocco and all the members of SOI Lodge #657.

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Wellsville Eagles Help Save Memorial Pottery Kiln

The Wellsville Eagles Aerie 772 have long been known for their community involvement willing to help where they can. Back in the days of the Great Depression they sponsored free medical clinics for families that couldn't afford to pay for doctor visits. Over the years that neighbor helping neighbor spirit hasn't diminished.

The bottle kiln located at 3rd & Lisbon Streets has been exposed to all kinds of weather conditions since the late 1960s when the State tore down the building it was in as part of the relocation and widening of Route 7. It was originally inside the old Acme Craft Pottery that was at that location. If it wasn't for some preservationist going to bat with State officials to save that kiln as a memorial to the area's pottery industry, it too would have been demolished. Today it is one of only three of its kind remaining in the area. The other two are located in East Liverpool – one along 2nd Street and one inside Hall China.

The kiln in Wellsville is maintained by our Historical Society. Over 40 years of being exposed to all kinds of extreme weather is beginning to take its toll. The cost of the needed repairs and work to prevent further damage is going to be a goodly amount. It is a bit more than what the Historical Society can afford. With that in mind Historical Society President Robert “Brassy” Beresford initiated a campaign to raise funds to help defray the costs of repairs. Letters explaining the situation were sent to all Wellsville clubs asking if they could possibly assist financially.

In the last month the Wellsville Eagles stepped up to the plate one more time with a very generous donation of $2,000 in response to that letter. Eagles President Ron White told us they like to help the village where they can. Pictured above at a check presentation last week are, from the left, Historical Society VP Bonny Beresford, Brassy, Historical Society Treasurer Pat Lawrence, Eagles President Ron White and Eagles Trustee Robert Marcin. To date Eagles Aerie 772 are the only ones to respond. Picture of the kiln courtesy of J. Haugh.

Brassy and other members of the Historical Society are continuing their efforts to raise funds and find help to do the needed work. Donations can be sent to the Wellsville Historical Society, P.O. Box 13, Wellsville, OH 43968. For more information contact Brassy at 330-532-1018 or 330-532-3941. Any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to the Eagles for their civic minded assistance. You're part of what makes Wellsville special.

ole nib