Jon Wnoroski, Summit County Realtor

Everyone has some connection in one way or another to a member of the armed services (past and/or present) who served our country faithfully.  We all owe a debt of graditude to the brave men and women for the freddoms we enjoy today.  This post is a tribute to our veterans:

We tend to take so many things for granted. They are there on a daily basis and we generally don't give them much though. However, the sad events of 9-11 brought so much "front and center" and reminded us that our "first responders" put themselves in harms way on a regular basis.

Our brave men and women serving in law enforcement and in our fire departments perform their duties on a regular basis without thought of self. They perform their duties with the highest level of training and serve their communities faithfully.

I have a cousin who retired from the Ohio Highway Patrol. I remember one discussion we had regarding "trooper awareness" when approaching a vehicle that they have stopped for whatever violation. They are trained to always suspect danger as they approach a car. Most often this activity takes place without a problem (other than an agitated motorist) but every now and then they face a hostile situation. Even though they are trained to make this approach cautiously there have been tragedies; troopers, police officers have lost their lives.

Firefighters also are trained well. They learn about the potential problems they might face in dealing with fires and other hazards. They enter buildings that are ablaze to rescue people and risk their own lives in the process. The events of 9-11 certainly brought forward not only the dangers but also the bravery of our men and women who serve their communities. Our first responders understand the risks of their jobs; however, they tend to put the welfare of others before their own.

Akron honors our fallen heroes annually and pays tribute to those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their duties. The Akron Beacon Journal recently posted an article about this tribute. You can read the article by following the link below:

http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/30733784.html

The article tells you that (to date) 93 lives have been lost this year with six of those being from Ohio.

Also found in the article is the following lines from The Firefighter's Prayer:

''When the last hose is rolled and the final bell rings for me, I ask that you protect my family and all my friends until we all meet at the general roll call in heaven . . . ''

We are fortunate (in every community) to have dedicated men and women who provide service to each and every one of us; those who put our welfare above their own.

There are a number of events that are taking place within the week in southern Summit County, Ohio. Take time to support your local charities and turn out to listen to the candidates and issues important to your local community.

Green

Chili Supper at Middle School

Bulldog Chili, hot dogs, taco salads and more

Where: Green Middle School on Steese Rd.

October 10 (4 - 7 p.m.)

Tickets: $5.00 at the door

Presale: $4.00 for seniors and adults. Children under 10, $3.00

Uniontown

Spaghetti Dinner at Church

Heaping plates of spaghetti

October 12 (Noon to 5:30 p.m.)

Where: Uniontown Community Park, 3696 Apollo St. NW

Tickets: $5.00 (adults), $3.00 (children 6 and up)

Portage Lakes

Candidates and Issue Night

Where: New Franklin Town Hall, 5605 Manchester Rd.

October 13 (7:00 p.m.)

Meet candidates for federal, state, county and judgeships and learn about the 1 percent sales tax in New Franklin.

As a former school administrator we were always concerned about the use of alcohol among members of our student body. We were concerned for student safety and the values of use/abuse of chemical substances.

Our local high school (Green Local Schools) is taking a proactive approach in dealing with potential chemical use (especially alcohol) among students attending school events. Local officials, and in particular our principal Joe Nicklos, will administer breathalyzer tests before permitting students to enter their annual homecoming event. The student council played a significant role in promoting and implementing the tests; an obvious measure of their high level of maturity and responsibility. I am always impressed by the "forward thinking" of young people in our community and applaud their sense of civic responsibility.

Joe Nicklos was formerly involved with the North Royalton school implemented a similar program with great success.

You can read about the program by clicking on the following link:

http://www.thesuburbanite.com/communities/green/x1272958697/Breathalizer-test-used-at-Green-Homecoming

My congratulations goes out to Mr. Nicklos and his student body for supporting a great idea and taking measures that demonstrate a serious concern for every member of their student body.

Business ventures in our communities are the lifeline of our local economies. There are a wide variety of business ventures in every community with some being a vital source of service to consumers while others provide commodities important to our every day lives.

The Suburbanite, our local newspaper in Green, Ohio, did a feature on the history of businesses in our area. According to the Suburbanite:

"Uniontown Electric is the oldest business in the same family in the Uniontown area. The business has contributed to community organizations and activities including the Uniontown community festival and local schools. PerLee Heisler opened the business in 1936. His son, Bruce, took over the family business in 1967. And Bruce's son, Ed, runs Uniontown Electric now."

"Henry Pressler maintained a blacksmith business in Uniontown from 1926 to 1952. After closing that business, he sold lawn and garden equipment until he retired in 1969. His son, Bill, was also active in the lawn and garden business."

More information on historical business ventues in Uniontown can be found at the Lake Township Historical Society fire side chat to be held at Lake Middle School on Thursday, October 9 from 7 - 9 pm.