Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter

BOARD OF
MEDINA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Stephen D. Hambley Aaron M. Harrison Colleen M. Swedyk

JULY 14, 2023

Program provides assistance to eligible Ohioans
The Ohio Department of Devel-
opment and Medina County Office
for Older Adults (MCOOA) will help
income-eligible Ohioans stay cool
during the hot summer months.
The Home Energy Assistance
Summer Crisis Program provides
eligible Ohioans assistance paying
an electric bill or assistance paying
for central air conditioning repairs.
The program runs from July 1–
Sept. 30, 2023.
To apply for the program, cli-
ents are required to schedule an
appointment with MCOOA by
calling 330-723-9514.
Clients need to bring copies of
the following documents to their
appointment:
• Copies of their most recent
energy bills.
• A list of all household mem-
bers and proof of income for the
last 30 days or 12 months for each
member.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or
legal residency for all household
members.
• Proof of disability (if applica-
ble).
• Physician documentation
that cooling assistance is needed
for a household member’s health
(if there isn’t a household member
over the age of 60).
Last year, more than 1,051 fam-
ilies in Medina County were assist-
ed through the Home Energy As-
sistance Summer Crisis Program.
“It’s quite satisfying to know that
our target population will not have
to decide between keeping their
homes healthy and comfortable,
and paying other ex-
penses. Our role at
Medina County Of-
fice for Older Adults
is to educate indi-
viduals about HEAP,
provide application Laura
assistance, and sup- Toth
port our partner agency (Commu-
nity Action Wayne/Medina),” said
MCOOA Director Laura Toth.
The Summer Crisis Program
assists low-income households
with an older household mem-
ber (60 years or older) who can
provide physician documentation
that cooling assistance is needed
for their health, have a discon-
nect notice, have been shut off,
are trying to establish new service
on their electric bill, or require air
conditioning.
Conditions can include such
things as lung disease, Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,
or asthma.
Eligible households can receive
up to $500 if they are a custom-
er of a regulated utility, or $800 if
they are a customer of unregulat-
ed utilities such as electric cooper-
atives and municipal utilities.
The assistance is applied to
their utility bill, or to purchase an
air conditioning unit or fan, or pay
for central air conditioning repairs.
Ohioans must have a gross in-
come at or below 175% of the
federal poverty guidelines to qual-
ify for assistance. For a family of
four, the annual income must be
at or below $52,500.00.
Additionally, Ohioans enrolled
in the Percentage of Income Pay-
ment Plan Plus (PIPP) program
who meet the above criteria may
Continued on page 2

Chippewa Lake 4th of July Parade Kiwanis Club of Medina

Photo provided
Commissioners Steve Hambley and Aaron Harrison both
participated in Chippewa Lake’s 4th of July Parade. Also
pictured is Harrison’s son, Lincoln, who was “rocking
out” with his guitar in the back of the jeep.
Photo provided
State Representative Sharon Ray was the guest speaker
at the July 6 Kiwanis Club of Medina meeting. Pictured
left to right: Commissioner Steve Hambley, Commis-
sioner Colleen Swedyk, Ray, Recorder Linda Hoffmann,
Juvenile/Probate Judge Kevin Dunn, and Commissioner
Aaron Harrison.
Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter
BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Safety Town PLUS celebrates 10 years of success
The Medina County Board
of Developmental Disabilities
(MCBDD) hosted its 10th annu-
al Safety Town PLUS program at
the Medina County Achievement
Center from June 19–23.
Children with developmental
disabilities from across Medina
County participated in the five-
day program, with each day fo-
cusing on a specific safety lesson:
traffic safety, fire safety, gun safety,
bike safety, calling 9-1-1, bus safe-
ty and animal safety.
Throughout the week, the
MCBDD worked with Sgt. Bev-
erly Fraser of the Medina County
Sheriff’s Department, volunteers
from the Granger Fire Depart-
ment, and the staff from the Me-
dina City Schools Transportation
Department, along with a variety
of other volunteers, to present this
unique program.
The week concluded with a
graduation ceremony on Fri.,
June 23 to recognize all the chil-
dren who participated in the pro-
gram.
This year marked the 10th year
the MCBDD has offered this pro-
gram which has been provided to
about 200 students with disabili-
ties in Medina County.
The specially designed program
is one of only a handful of Safety
Program provides
assistance to
eligible Ohioans...
Continued from page 1
be eligible for assistance towards
their default PIPP payment, first
PIPP payment, central air condi-
tioning repairs, or may receive an
air conditioning unit and/or fan.
For more information about the
features of the Summer Crisis Pro-
gram and what is needed to apply,
contact the MCOOA at 330-723-
9514.
To be connected to your local
Energy Assistance provider visit
www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call
1-800-282-0880.
The Ohio Department of Devel-
opment empowers communities
to succeed by investing in Ohio’s
people, places, and businesses.
Learn more about our work at de-
velopment.ohio.gov.
July 14, 2023
al place to host this program as we
are dedicated to helping children
with developmental disabilities
fully understand the importance
of each topic.”
The original idea for Safety
Town PLUS came from parents of
children who attend the MCBDD’s
Windfall School.
These parents found other local
Safety Towns could become too
Towns offered across the nation overwhelming and did not pro-
which caters to children with dis- vide a tailored learning environ-
abilities. ment for their children, many with
Typical Safety Towns are realis- whom are on the autism spectrum.
tic, child-sized towns designed to MCBDD’s Safety Town PLUS
provide complete hands-on safety modifies instructions and creates
education for children. multi-sensory activities to give stu-
MCBDD’s program offers all dents the best chances to practice
the regular fun “PLUS” the extra important safety skills.
help some children with develop- “We are so thrilled to have
mental disabilities may need. been able to provide Safety Town
Designed for children in grades PLUS at the MCBDD for so many
K–1, the program offers activi- years,” says Bajorek. “It has been
ties, games, stories and hands- so encouraging to see so many
on demonstrations to encourage volunteers come together each
learning (in a fun way) how to year to make sure all children
make good choices during emer- have the opportunity to learn how
gencies. to be safe and how to react in an
“Safety Town PLUS teaches emergency. It has also allowed our
students how to remain safe in a local first responders to learn and
variety of situations which they get to know how people with dis-
may face throughout their young abilities may react in an emergen-
and adult lives,” said MCBDD Di- cy and how they can better help
rector of Children’s Services Ce- them. It’s been such a win-win
leste Bajorek. “MCBDD is the ide- program!”
Sweet Treats on the Square
Photo provided
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) hosted its an-
nual Free Community Ice Cream Social on Thurs., June 22 on the Medina Public
Square. During the event, MCBDD Board Members, Administrators and special
guest, Commissioner Aaron Harrison (center), scooped about 90 gallons of ice
cream, poured five gallons of assorted toppings and dished out an endless sup-
ply of sprinkles.
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July 14, 2023 Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter
JOB & FAMILY SERVICES

App now features ‘Card Lock’ option

Department
To assist Ohioans in securing their SNAP benefits from fraudulent Directory
use, the State now features a “Card Lock” option in the ConnectEBT
mobile app. To take advantage of the feature, the ConnectEBT app BUILDING DEPARTMENT
www.medinaco.org/building-department
needs to be downloaded. Once the user is signed in, they can select the
330-722-9220
“Lock my Card” option.
This will lock the card from use until it’s unlocked using the Connect- COMMISSIONERS
EBT app. To help prevent fraudulent use, consumers should consider www.medinaco.org/county-commissioners
setting their card to a locked status until they are actively making a 330-722-9208
purchase with their EBT card.
COUNTY HOME
Once the purchase is successful, the cardholder can then lock their http://medinacountyhome.com
card again using the mobile app. We hope all consumers will take ad- 330-723-9553
vantage of this lock option to protect their card and monthly benefits.
DOG SHELTER
www.medinaco.org/dog-shelter
OFFICE FOR OLDER ADULTS
330-725-9121
FINANCE
No website
330-722-9202
HUMAN RESOURCES
www.medinaco.org/hr
330-722-9209
JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES
www.mcjfs.us
330-722-9300
OFFICE FOR OLDER ADULTS
www.mcooa.org
330-723-9514
PLANNING SERVICES
www.medinaco.org/planning
330-722-9293
SANITARY ENGINEER
Photo provided www.medinaco.org/sanitary
Pictured left to right: Social Programs Supervisor Sean Parker, ADRC Specialists 330-723-9585
Diane Faltay, Mindy Baldwin, and Tami Dehn and MCOOA Director Laura Toth.

MCOOA awarded HIIP Team of the Year by the State

of Ohio.
SOLID WASTE DISTRICT
http://recyclemedinacounty.com

OSHIIP Team According to MCOOA Direc-

330-769-0289

of the Year tor Laura Toth, OSHIIP approves TRANSIT

The Aging & Disability Resource
Center at the Medina County Of-
fice for Older Adults (MCOOA)
provides free, unbiased Medicare
counseling and education.
ADRC employees are all Ohio
Senior Health Insurance Informa-
tion Program (OSHIIP) certified
and were recently awarded OS-
August DIAL Program at the OOA
Learn how to:
• Access streaming services on your TV
• Choose the best internet provider
• Create a non-carrier-specific email
• Use a Chromebook laptop
Successfully complete all 4 classes to
receive certificate for a 50% discount
on monthly bill for first three months of
http://medinacountytransit.org
and trains the OOA’s team mem-
330-723-9670
bers annually to ensure the correct
and most up-to-date information Click here to visit our
is given to those inquiring about website with the full
health insurance programs.
directory of public officials
If you have questions about
Medicare, you can make an ap- at www.medinaco.org
pointment for this free service by
calling 330-723-9514. 2023
Directory of Public Officials
Medina County, Ohio
AUGUST CLASS SERIES
Intro to Fiber and Streaming
Monday, August 7: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Intro to Chromebooks
Monday, August 14: 1:30–2:30 p.m. Provided by
The Medina County Board of Commissioners
Intro to Gmail
Monday, August 21: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Stephen D. Hambley Aaron M. Harrison Colleen M. Swedyk

service from Medina Fiber. Internet Basics and Online Safety www.medinaco.org

To sign up call 330-725-9176 Monday, August 28: 1:30–2:30 p.m.

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Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter July 14, 2023
COUNTY HOME

King’s Daughters host ice cream social for residents

The King’s Daugh- observed on the first day
ters hosted an ice cream of summer — June 21.
social for the residents. Residents were served
They also brought many steak — cooked by yours
varieties of pies. The res- truly — and played
idents were very appre- games on the proper- special needs. They cel-
ciative of both the fellow- by Greg Brown ty. Access the Arts (AtA) ebrate the fine and per-
ship and the food. Superintendent provided the centerpiec- forming arts in commu-
The King’s Daugh- holds a Bachelor of Arts es, decorations, table- nities and connect artists
ters ended their event Degree in Music. cloths and live music. with groups for educa-
by donating a monetary Chamberlain, who David Allin, a Sharon tion and inspiration.
amount to the Home. performs live shows Center resident, is a mu- July 4th Celebration
throughout the state of sician and owner of Allin Melinda and Russ Clut-
Ohio, drove over an Pottery, specializing in ter, family, and crew host-
hour and a half to enter- hand-thrown ceramics. ed a Memorial Day/4th
tain the residents. Allin sang a variety of of July/Christmas in July
songs for the residents party under our pavilion
who also enjoyed a deli- on Sat., July 1.
cious meal outside under
Not even a little rain
Trip Down Memory our pavilion.
could dampen the res-
Lane / Nostalgic Visit Access the Arts is regu-
idents’ great time who
Curtis Chamberlain larly creating experiences
recently visited the Home also enjoyed snacks,
for our residents as well
to take the residents as many other groups in drinks, and prizes.
Singing Sherbert
down memory lane with Medina County. Santa even visited to
Youth Group
some big band hits. Members of the Sing- They provide oppor- say “hello.” Recreation
Singing and playing ing Sherbert Youth tunities for underserved Coordinator Amber
the saxophone, Cham- Group from the Ritt- people in Northeast Holahan took the op-
berlain brought back man Apostolic Christian Ohio to engage in and portunity to get a picture
those golden sounds of Church came to sing, so- be inspired by the arts. taken with him.
yesterday with his lively cialize, and serve sherbet By their nature, AtA I greatly appreciate
performance and custom to the residents. embraces people of all both the Medina Kids
music arrangements. Summer Celebration income levels and cultur- Care and the Clutter
A professional musi- This year the Home al backgrounds. family for the time and
cian from New Concord, combined two events Additionally, they pro- talents they have in-
Ohio, Chamberlain has into one and called it vide free arts programs vested into the Medina
over 25 years of perfor- the Summer Celebration to at-risk youth, older County Home residents
mance experience and which was coincidentally adults, and those with for over two decades.

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session education program for family, friends, and significant others of
adults with mental health conditions. NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety,
depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Other topics
covered include communication, problem solving, treatment and recovery.
The course is designed to increase understanding and advocacy skills while helping participants maintain
their own well-being. The program is taught by trained family members who have a loved one with a
mental health condition. NAMI Family-to-Family is an evidence-based program (EB). For information on the
research base for the program, visit nami.org/research.

NAMI offers NAMI Family-to-Family free of charge to participants, beginning

5.00
Tuesday, July 11th, 2023.
It will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30-8:00 pm at The Human Services Building at 246
$
Northland Dr, Medina, Ohio. PER PERSON

Participant Perspectives

AUGUST 23, 2023 • 11AM - 1PM

“This course overall was the single most,
without a doubt, helpful and informative
thing ever offered in all my years searching
for answers…it has helped me to
understand better and communicate more FOOD MUSIC FUN FRIENDS
effectively with my brother.”
“The course has helped me to realize that NEW LOCATION WHILE WE’RE UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!
my son is still inside the body that is often
times hidden by the mental illness and that
MEDINA COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL HALL
I am not alone in this.” 620 N BROADWAY ST., MEDINA
SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM SENIOR CENTER PARKING LOT AVAILABLE

SPACE IS LIMITED MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY

Contact us at (216)875-7776 to register 330-723-9514 OR 330-725-9176 OR AT FRONT DESK
for NAMI Family-to-Family! ENTERTAINMENT BY
SCOTT SOPATA
SPONSORED BY

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July 14, 2023 Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter

Current Open HUMAN RESOURCES

Positions Featured
Postings current as of July 13, 2023
Click on any of the below job titles
WE’RE Job Openings of
the Week
for a full job description.
• Administrative Assistant/ HIRING!
Community Service Supevi-
sor (FT) – Juvenile Court
• Administrative Clerk (FT) –
Sanitary Engineers
ROAD SUPERVISOR (FULL-TIME)
• Bus Driver (PT) – Transit
MEDINA COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSIT DEPARTMENT
The Medina County Board of Commissioners seek a full-time Road Supervisor for
• Civil Engineer III (FT) – County their Medina County Public Transit.
Engineer
Responsibilities: Under the general supervision of the Operations Supervisor: acts
• Cleaning Technician (FT) – as the liaison between administration and driver staff. Operates county-owned buses;
Maintenance Maintains records of work performed. Assists in supervising personnel which may
include recommendations for hiring, performance evaluation, training, work allocation,
• Cleaning Technician (PT) – and problem resolution. Assists with organizing and conducting classroom and
Maintenance behind-the-wheel training sessions. Prepares reports to management regarding driver
• Correction Officer (FT) – knowledge and skills. Assists in scheduling and assigning daily bus routes and drivers.
Juvenile Detention Center Assists Transit Director in resolving scheduling conflicts, investigating and resolving
customer complaints; assures operating policies are followed and maintenance and
• Deputy Dog Warden (PT) – repair of vehicles.
Dog Shelter Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent. Valid Ohio driver’s license, CDL
• Driver – Meal Delivery (PT) – with passenger endorsement preferred. Must have a minimum of 1 year of supervisor
Office for Older Adults and adult training experience. Experience with transit system or other on demand
driving company preferred. Working knowledge of computer hardware and software.
• Front Office Staff (FT) – Adult Ability to be insured under County policy.
Probation Hours: Monday–Friday with rotating Saturdays
• Highway Maintenance Benefits: Medical Insurance, Retirement Contributions, sick time, paid holidays and
Worker II (FT) – Highway vacation earned after 1 year of employment.
Engineer Starting Rate: $22.00/hour
• Line Maintenance Worker Apply at or send resume to:
(FT) – Sanitary Engineers Medina County Human Resources, Attn: TRS
• Maintenance Worker (FT) – 144 North Broadway Street, Room 201
Medina, OH 44256
Wastewater Treatment Plant –
Sanitary Engineers Medina County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The selected candidate must pass a background check, drug screen and physical.
• Park Laborer (FT) – Park
District
• Probation Officer (FT) – Adult
Probation Department Commissioner Department
• Resident Care Aide (FT) –
County Home
July Birthdays
• Road Supervisor (FT) – Building Office for Older Sanitary
Public Transit Department Kevin B. Adults Engineer
• System Administrator – Erin J. Abram M.
Job & Family
Democratic (FT) – Board of Services Records Raymond M.
Elections Tracy B. Retention Salina M.
• Tech Support Level 2 (FT) – Eric C. Natalie L. Richard R.
Information Technology Sarah L. Jesse S.
Sanitary Tamika S.
• Wastewater Operator (FT) – Deborah L.
Sanitary Engineers Engineer Charles Y.
Kimberly S. James F.
• Water Reclamation Facility Lisa S.
Shift Supervisor (FT) –
Jesse G. Solid Waste
Marissa T.
Sanitary Engineers Daniel H. Jeffery J.
Melissa Z.
(FT) = Full-Time • (PT) = Part-Time William H.
Enjoy the BENEFITS of working for Maintenance William J. Transit
Medina County! Apply Today! Weston D. David K. Stacey C.
WORK/L
Commissioner Department
JOB ! BALANCIF E
STABILIT
Y GREAT! E!
12 PAID TEAM
HOLIDAYS! LOW-COHST
HEALT E!
INSURANC
Milestone Work Anniversaries
NT
EXCELLEENT GENERO 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
RETIREM U
SICK S 7/8 – Daniel H. – Sanitary 7/8 – Kelly C. – Building
SYSTEM! LEAVE!
7/30 – Lauren E. – JFS 7/29 – Joseph P. – Transit
Click here to visit our
website for any updates:
20 YEARS
www.medinaco.org/hr/ 7/21 – Jonah C. – IT
employment/

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Medina County Commissioners’ Newsletter July 14, 2023
SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Medina County Invasive Buy-Back Program begins

Do you live in Medina County
and have Callery pear, bush hon-
eysuckle, or autumn olive on your
property?
We are now accepting submis-
sions of proof of removal of these
designated species in exchange
for a native tree or shrub.
Why these species?
These species were specifically
selected, because they are a few
of the many plants that can be
found on the ODA invasive plant
list. Which means by law, any in-
vasive plant on this list are not to
be sold, propagated, or distribut-
ed in the state of Ohio due to their
ability to cause economic and en-
vironmental damage.
Callery Pear was specifically made
illegal in January 2023, resulting
in putting a big focus on that tree,
PARK DISTRICT
by Kellie Docherty
Conservation Educator
while honeysuckle and autumn olive
are other common invasive shrubs
found on people’s properties.
Why should I participate?
Invasive plants take over natu-
ral spaces, creating large patches
of habitat with low quality plants.
This decreases valuable habitat
for wildlife, which affects birders,
hunters, hikers, and many others
who like to enjoy nature.
We are asking Medina County
residents to work together to re-
move Callery pear, honeysuckle,
or autumn olive from their proper-
ties for a chance to exchange one
for a native plant to improve the
habitat in Medina County.
How do I participate?
The first step is to remove/cut
down one of the three designat-
ed species on your property (res-
idents should NOT remove trees
or shrubs from the “tree lawn” as
those are managed by municipali-
ty and should not be altered).
Secondly, take photo proof of
your cut down invasive species and
make sure you are also in the pho-
to. Any photos that would help with
identification are also preferred.
Finally, be certain to visit medi-
naswcd.org for more information
on how to submit proof, complete
rules, the list of native plants to pick
from, or tree removal contractors.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Hiking trails at Oenslager Nature Historical

Center/Alderfer-Chatfield Wildlife Society hosts
Gingerbread
Sanctuary now have extended hours House contest
As of July 1, the hiking trails at Oenslager Nature Center/Alderf-
The Medina County Historical
er-Chatfield Wildlife Sanctuary are open for exploring on a daily basis Society will be having their first
from 6 a.m. to one hour past sunset Monday through Sunday. Over ever Gingerbread House Contest!
four miles of trails take visitors through an amazing array of landscapes The entries will be on display at
— including mature forest, wetlands, meadow, and prairie. the John Smart House Museum,
The new hours will allow the public, specifically those who work 206 N. Elmwood, Medina, in No-
during the day, more opportunities to enjoy nature and hike at the vember (subject to change).
wildlife sanctuary in the evening. The nature center opened in October Each category will win a
of 2000 and has the feeling of a comfortable, rambling farmhouse with prize. Both adults ages 16+, and
its natural wood interior, back porch, and inviting stone fireplace. The children ages 15 and under are
hours for the nature center will remain the same: Tuesdays through encouraged to enter. 
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. For more information or to re-
For more information about the site, visit https://medinacountyparks. quest an entry form and rules,
com/index.php/parks/wildlife-sanctuaries/alderfer-chatfield-wild- contact MCHS at 330-722-1341
life-sanctuary. or email mchs@zoominternet.net.

CONTACT US
Office: 330-722-9208
Medina County Commissioners
Toll Free: 844-722-3800
144 North Broadway St., Room 201,
Clerk: Rhonda Beck,
Medina, Ohio 44256 rbeck@ohmedinaco.org

Commissioner Meetings are held every

Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m.
Please join us at:
www.facebook.com/MedinaCountyCommissioners
To be added to our mailing list, please contact Public Information Officer Brian Gallatin
at bgallatin@ohmedinaco.org, or visit our website at www.medinaco.org/newsletter-sign-up/

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