East Palestine

EAST PALESTINE, OHIO

CURRENT EVENTS

AND

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(UPDATED MARCH 15, 2010)

East Palestine Municipal Offices moved out of the Captain Taggart Building at 82 Garfield Avenue on January 2, 2009 The Captain Taggart Building was sold at an auction on February 17th. The following City offices are now located at 144 North Market Street (the former McCamon Insurance Building): Sewer/Water Payment Office; Finance/Tax/Cemetery Office; City Manager's Office; Administrative Assistant/Council Clerk's Office; Building and Zoning Office; Mayor's Office. Our Health Department office is now located at 75 East Main Street, on the east side of the building . (Police and Fire Building) All City telephone numbers and extensions will remain the same EXCEPT FOR THE CITY NURSE. HER NEW NUMBER IS 330-426-1200. THE SANITARIAN CAN ALSO BE REACHED AT HER NUMBER. YOU CAN NO LONGER DIAL 426-4367 TO REACH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

The City now has two drop boxes for after-hours sewer/water payments. One is located in front of the new building at 144 North Market Street; the second one, that can be accessed from a vehicle, is located at the corner of Washington Alley and North Market Street. (Next to the post office box in front of Huntington Bank) REMEMBER THAT WASHINGTON IS A ONE-WAY-ALLEY, GOING EAST. Please use the correct drop-box when paying your sewer/water bill.

PIX: Photographs taken in 2008, 2009 and 2010 of various events in East Palestine are located in the "SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING IN EAST PALESTINE" section below. (Scroll down, past all of the announcement blocks.) Take a look. Maybe you'll see someone you know.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The 2010 Dog Days Event will take place on May 8th. Please consider volunteering on East Palestine's 8th annual "Day Of Giving". More information will be available in April.

SUMMER JOBS: Openings exist for the following positions at the East Palestine City Park: Lifeguards holding valid Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/First Aid certification, concession stand workers and ticket booth employees. Applications are available in the lobby of the Municipal Building, 144 North Market Street, and must be returned by 4 pm on April 16, 2010. The City of East Palestine is an equal opportunity employer.

EASTER EVENTS: Rotary will hold their annual "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny" and egg hunt in City Park on Saturday, March 27th. The breakfast will be held from 9 to 11 am in the Community Center. The cost for breakfast is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children. The egg hunt will begin at 11:30 and will be held outdoors in the park. Children pre-school age to and including 5th graders can participate. In the event of inclement weather on the 27th, the events will be rescheduled for Saturday, April 3rd.

PLAY BALL! On April 3rd a PITCH, HIT AND RUN competition will be held in City Park. Boys and girls who will be 7 to 14 years of age by July 17, 2010 can participate in this event. Proof of age and parental consent will be required. Registration will begin at noon. Registration forms are available at www.eastpalestinechamber.com or at www.eptalk.com.

LISTEN FOR THE NEW BELLS

2010 CENSUS: Mayor Hull will hold a public meeting at 7 pm on March 25th in the Community Center to encourage census participation.

Please keep in mind that East Palestine's small street crew is responsible for 56 miles of streets and alleys and for helping to maintain 775 culverts, catch basins and junction boxes. Whenever local funerals are held, they are also responsible for locating and marking graves in Glenview Cemetery during these snowy winter months. Your patience is appreciated.

REOPENING OF THE THEATER: The EP community has combined in an effort to reopen our historic 1930's theater located at 30 North Market Street. To meet the planned May 1st re-opening date, $10,000 must be raised. Sponsors are needed. Donations will be classified as follows: $1000 donation-Thespian; $500 donation-Understudy; $250 donation-Ticket Taker; $100 donation-Usher; $50 donation-Patron. All sponsors will be honored in all theater publications and will be invited to a grand opening party held prior to the first official event, which will be South Pacific. Call 330-426-2128 to donate time or money. You can also contact the Chamber of Commerce at dianna@eastpalestinechamber.com.

GRADUATION TIME IS APPROACHING: CALL 330-426-4367, EXTENSION 20 TO RESERVE A BUILDING OR PAVILION AT THE EAST PALESTINE PARK FOR YOUR GRADUATION PARTY.

NOTICE: All fall and winter decorations must be removed from Glenview Cemetery by April 15th or they will be discarded. Spring and summer decorations should not be placed on the graves until May 1st. Dial 330-426-4367, extension 19 for additional cemetery information.

We congratulate the winners of the first ever East Palestine iHoops Basketball Skills Challenge held on Sunday, February 21st.

EP Holy Week Events: The EP Ministerial Association is announcing the following Holy Week activities: Sunday, March 28th, 7 pm: Nazarene Church, Palm Sunday Praise Service; Monday, March 29th, 7 pm: Centenary Methodist Church, Christ in the Passover; Tuesday, March 30th, 6 to 8 pm: Emmanuel Methodist Church, Prayer Labyrinth; Wednesday, March 31st: Your home, prepare for the sacrifice; Thursday, April 1st, 8 pm: Presbyterian Church: Living Last Supper; Friday, April 2nd, 3 pm: OLOL Catholic Church, Stations of the Cross/Passion; Saturday, April 3rd, 7 pm: OLOL Catholic Church, Easter Vigil; Sunday, April 4th, 6 am: City Park, Sunrise Service. The internet address for the association is www.epministerial.org.

EAST PALESTINE CARES: You may see forms circulating in EP containing the heading, "East Palestine Cares". The local Chamber of Commerce, area churches and other organizations are attempting to identify any persons living in the East Palestine area who may need assistance in the event of a natural disaster or during other emergency situations. This is a voluntary program. Completing the form does not guarantee services. People living outside the City limits may fill out a form but should note that some services may not be available to those individuals. Various local organizations are distributing the blank forms but completed ones may be returned to our Police Department, our Fire Department, the Municipal Building, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary members, Social Concerns or your local church.

Congratulations to the EPHS boys' basketball team, 2010 ITCL Champions.

NEED A JOB? Call the U. S. Census Bureau at 1-866-861-2010 or go on line: www.2010censusjobs.gov.

E P DOGS LLP (the hot dog shop), located at 96 North Market Street, IS NOW SERVING BREAKFAST. Telephone # is 330-426-6050.

MEMORIAL DAY - 2010: The American Legion has been granted a permit to hold a Memorial Day parade on Market Street on Monday, May 31st.

STREET FAIR - 2010: The George F. McBane Post 31 of the local American Legion has announced dates for their annual street fair. The fair will begin on Wednesday, July 7th and end on Saturday, July 10th.

NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN: Robinwood held its grand opening on December 19th. The business is located at 94 North Market (formerly Bonnie's beauty shop location) and sells unique alpaca products. Stop in or call 330-426-3315 for more information.

COVINGTON HEALTH CARE CAMPUS-INDEPENDENT LIVING/SKILLED NURSING/REHABILITATION: The Covington Campus located just off of Brookdale Avenue (Hunston Road) is now open. To schedule a tour of the facility, or to get additional information, call 330-426-2920. Photos of the facility are below in the "See What's Happening in EP" section.

NEW IN THE AREA: Stone Springs Vineyard, a wine and culinary boutique, held its grand opening on October 10th. The new business is located in Unity, at 49995 State Route 14. Telephone: 330-426-9044.

NEW IN 2009: Gifts, candles, etc. from the 1820 House can now be purchased at a second location. On July 1st, Missy Smith opened a shop at 135 North Market Street, East Palestine, next to Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell. Stop in and look around or go to www.1820housearomachology.blogspot.com.

NEW BUSINESS: E. P. Computer Connection offers on-site consultation, pick up and delivery service, parts, software, computer sales & service, software training, old equipment disposal, data rescue & recovery, data backup, network construction & repair, computer construction & repair, all computer upgrades, virus/spyware removal, wireless network construction & repair. 330-771-4469.

REWARD ! A $300 reward is being offered by the local Chamber of Commerce for info leading to the arrest and conviction of the criminal(s) who vandalized the Bulldog next to Huntington Bank. Donations to the reward fund can be made at Huntington Bank. Anyone with information about the vandalism should call the police at 330-426-4341 or can leave an anonymous message at 330-426-2128.

PARTY TIME? Are you planning an informal reception, shower, reunion, birthday, anniversary, retirement or graduation party? The Park Community Center is heated and air conditioned and available for rentals all year. It seats approximately 150-160, has a kitchen and indoor restrooms. The Center is located just steps from tennis courts, basketball courts, the Community Trail and Rainbow Dreamland, East Palestine's large all-wooden playground. Fall and winter dates are still available. Additional Park photos, information and prices are shown in the "PARK" section of this web site. Call 330-426-4367, Extension 20, or visit the Municipal Building to reserve the Center (September to May). Visit the Park Pool Ticket Office or call 330-426-2301 to make reservations during the summer. Please note that alcohol is not permitted in our Community Center or anywhere in our Park. **** A FEW DATES FOR 2010 GRADUATION PARTIES IN OUR COMMUNITY CENTER ARE STILL AVAILABLE. CALL 330-426-4367, EXTENSION 20 TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS BEFORE ALL WEEKEND DATES ARE TAKEN.

??????? SWINE FLU QUESTIONS ??????? If you have questions concerning the swine flu, call the Health Department Hotline at 2-1-1.

COMMUNITY CRIME WATCH meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday each month at Bea's Insurance office, 31 N. Market.

E P CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: The Chamber meets monthly in the upstairs of the Masonic Lodge located at 19 1/2 North Market Street. See the Chamber's web site ( www.eastpalestinechamber.com ) or call 330-426-2128 for additional Chamber information. Additional event listings may appear on their site. See any member of the Chamber about adopting a bulldog. Proceeds from the adoptions will help pay for the July fireworks presentation at City Park.

NEW BUILDING/ZONING/PROPERTY COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

COMPLAINTS ABOUT GARBAGE, JUNK, HIGH GRASS, OR JUNK VEHICLES ARE NOW BEING HANDLED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. CALL 330-426-4341. DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 OR THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING.

Building permit applications are available from the front desk of the City Municipal Office at 144 North Market Street from 8 to 4, Monday through Friday. Completed applications, with non-refundable fee attached, must be returned to the same office. After receiving your completed application, the City must conduct a review and inspection prior to start of construction. Building permits will be issued after the review and inspection are complete. Apply for your building permit early, as review and property inspection may take up to three business days. (No inspections will be conducted and no permits will be approved on weekends or holidays.)

Rental property inspection is being conducted by the East Palestine Fire Department. Call 330-426-4341.

Unsafe building condemnations and demolitions are being handled by the office of the City Manager at 330-426-4367, Extension 20

Contact sewer and water department personnel at 330-426-4367, Extension 10 or Extension 11, for plumbing inspections and requests for sewer/water tap-ins.

The above procedures were approved by a motion of City Council and are effective as of June 1, 2009.

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S P O R T S S I T E S

For information concerning various children's sports programs in East Palestine (not affiliated with the programs in the schools) browse the EAST PALESTINE YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATION web site. Click here: www.EPYSASports.com Registration forms can be picked up when you visit Cold Duck Screen Printing located in the East Palestine Plaza, at 169 East Taggart Street. (330-426-3900) For information, reports and photos of recent high school and middle school sporting events, and other EP sports links check out www.EPBULLDOGS.com Photos can also be viewed on EPTV, at the school's k12 site. The school's athletic schedules and other information can be found at www.epschools.k12.oh.us/. The local Rotary organization sponsors a children's soccer league in the fall.

THE CITY OF EAST PALESTINE CONGRATULATES THESE 2009 ATHLETES:

2009 I T C L BASKETBALL CHAMPS

EPHS RELAY TEAM - 2009 DIVISION III WINNERS AT STATE: SHANE PETERSON, TREVOR PATTERSON, DALTON COPE, JEFF FARKAS

EPHS SOCCER TEAM - 2009 I T C L CHAMPIONS

KERRIGAN WISCHERMAN - PUNT, PASS AND KICK DIVISION WINNER - Kerrigan participated in the finals in Cleveland and came in 3rd in her division. She participated in the Cleveland Browns halftime show on Sunday, December 6th.

LEIGHANN KELVINGTON - EPHS CROSS COUNTRY TRACK - STATE MEET PARTICIPANT

EPHS VOLLEYBALL TEAM - SALEM RUNNER-UP

EPHS FOOTBALL PLAYERS, 2009 PLAYOFFS

EAST PALESTINE 8TH GRADE VOLLEYBALL TEAM, 34 - 0 AFTER TWO UNDEFEATED SEASONS IN 2008 & 2009: MEGAN BROWN, KRISTEN MORRIS, SYDNEY DAVIS, ASHLEY GINGHER, MEGAN ROBINSON, CARLY SANSENBAUGHER, ADRIENNE HUSTON.

2009 WAS AN AWESOME YEAR FOR EAST PALESTINE ATHLETES!

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A PARKING LOT FOR HIKERS USING THE EAST PALESTINE COMMUNITY TRAIL IS LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF CRUM'S HILL (RIGHT SIDE OF ROUTE 170, AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL, TRAVELING SOUTH TOWARD NEGLEY). ACCESS TO THE LOWER TRAIL AND ADDITIONAL PARKING AREAS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE TOP OF THE HILL IN CITY PARK (BETWEEN THE BOY SCOUT CABIN AND THE UPPER YOUTH BALL FIELD.) THIS PORTION OF THE TRAIL IS NOT PAVED AND THE TRAIL CROSSES THE CREEK AT THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. THE PORTION OF THE COMMUNITY TRAIL FROM THE PARK DUCKPOND TO LESLIE RUN ESTATES IS PAVED. SEVERAL PARKING AREAS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ALONG THE PAVED PORTION.

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S E E

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN EAST PALESTINE

New Council member Don Elzer was sworn in on January 11, 2010, along with Jim Tyger and Scott Rauch who were re-elected in
November.

2010 EAST PALESTINE CITY COUNCIL
Front, left to right: Sandy Wales, Clerk Cindy Clark, Margo Zuch.
Back, standing: Scott Rauch, Mayor Raymond Hull, Don Elzer, Jim Tyger, Chuck McGuire.

v 2009 PHOTOS v

Mayor Hull and City Manager Gary Clark attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Covington Health Care Campus on September 23, 2009. The facility is now open.

4TH OF JULY AT CITY PARK

MILITARY CONVOY
On July 7, 1919 a convoy of 81 military vehicles set off from the White House grounds to cross the continent. 3,250 miles ahead (of which only 650 was paved) was California and the Pacific coast. One of the Army officers selected to go along was Captain Dwight David Eisenhower of the Tank Corps. Thirty-seven years later as President he would sign the Interstate Highways Act to build the national highway system. 2009 is the 90th anniversary of that Army achievement. The Military Vehicle Preservation Association planned a Transcontinental Convoy that includes nearly 100 privately-owned military vehicles who will retrace this 3,250 mile route. The Convoy began in Washington, D. C. in June. Convoy members stopped at the East Palestine City Park with their vehicles on Monday, June 15th for approximately 2 hours at lunch time. The City of East Palestine, the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Park Board, V.F.W., American Legion, Historical Society, Nostalgia Haulers Truck Club and other groups and individuals coordinated events during the stop-over. People were able to talk with convoy members, view their military vehicles and have lunch with them in the Park Community Center. To view a route map and schedule go to www.mvpa.org ("2009 Convoy" tab). For additional information on the original trip, type "1919 Transcontinental Motor Convoy" into your search engine. Below are pictures taken at East Palestine City Park during their 2009 visit.

THE HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND PLAYED AS THE VEHICLES ARRIVED IN THE PARK.

^ THERE WAS PLENTY OF FOOD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTER TO FEED MEMBERS OF THE CONVOY AND ALSO SPECTATORS DUE TO THE GENEROSITY OF LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS. THE CITY ADMINISTRATION THANKS EVERYONE WHO HELPED IN ANY WAY TO MAKE THE CONVOY'S VISIT TO EP AN ENJOYABLE ONE.

^ EVEN RONALD MCDONALD AND THE UDDERLY SMOOTH COW CAME TO THE PARK FOR THE FESTIVITIES. ^

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Bob McElroy, the City's Building and Zoning Officer, retired at the end of May. Above, City Manager Gary Clark congratulates Bob at his recent retirement luncheon given by his fellow employees. Prior to his employment with the City of East Palestine, Bob served time overseas while in the Army Air Force, raised five boys, received an engineering degree at age 43, and built and installed the window washing system on the U. S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. We wish Bob and his wife, Jean, the best of luck following his retirement.

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East Palestine dispatcher Fran Beers retired in June and celebrated with a cake and fellow employees.

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CHILDREN'S 2009 BALL SEASON AT CITY PARK.

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MEMORIAL DAY AT THE PARK

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2009 ALICE STREET SALE

Hundreds of shoppers and lookers visited the annual Alice Street Sale on Saturday, June 6th.

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COVINGTON

THE COVINGTON HEALTH CARE CAMPUS, OFF OF BROOKDALE AVENUE. PHOTOS ABOVE WERE TAKEN ON JUNE 5, 2009.

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On April 28, 2009 City Manager Gary Clark accepted the 5 year Tree City USA award at a ceremony held in Doylestown.

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2008 PHOTOS ARE BELOW

THE 100+ YEAR OLD WEST STREET BRIDGE CAME DOWN AT NOON ON AUGUST 27, 2008. PHOTOS BELOW SHOW DEMOLITION AND PROGRESS ON THE NEW BRIDGE AS OF NOVEMBER 5TH. THE ALL-NEW BRIDGE OPENED IN DECEMBER.

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^ Pam Figley and 46 other individuals & organizations painted the pool house at City Park in June of 2008. Volunteers from First United Presbyterian Church painted the playground equipment at the Park Exit in August. Matt Ferko and Gary Clark designed the foot bridge pictured above. This was Matt's Eagle Scout project.

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COVINGTON HEALTH CARE CAMPUS

On August 6th, 2008, Mayor Hull, City Manager Gary Clark, several members of East Palestine City Council and 20 others attended the long-awaited ground breaking ceremony for the Covington Health Care Campus. The Campus will be located at 1700 Hunston Road, (Brookdale Avenue) East Palestine. Photo of the campus (right) was taken on October 20, 2008.

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DOG DAYS 2009

At EPHS "DOG" refers to the school mascot. But in this small community of 5000 residents, "D-O-G" is also an acronym for "Day Of Giving". In 2003, East Palestine Mayor Raymond Hull designated the second Saturday in May as an annual "Day Of Giving". Each year additional people choose to get involved. On May 9, 2009 the 7th annual Dog Days Event was held. Hundreds of volunteers worked on various projects at the park, the schools and at other locations in the City. Individuals, families, church groups and civic organizations worked side by side cleaning, painting, renovating, weeding and performing other tasks throughout the day. Generous individuals and businesses also donated food, supplies and money. The local post office sponsored a food drive in conjunction with the annual event, with all donations going to Social Concern.

2009 Dog Days steering committee and support team: Joann Knight, Greg Reeves, Jim Wilson, Teresa Sprowls, Gary Clark, Raymond Hull, Tamra Hess, Denny Sugar, Brett Todd, Sandy Wales, Cindy Clark, Tom Inchak and Clyde Hoffmeister.

THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN 2009 !

HOPE TO SEE YOU IN 2010 !

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