Archive for November, 2010
Surfacing- He said/She Said/ They said- Lorain City Schools- What will they say?
I have decided to surface- albeit for a little while- I have written about Lorain City Schools of late- which has brought to my attention –off the blog and on the phone- various situations and concerns.
The failed November 2010 levy of course and the WHY?(Lorain school board looks to build trust within community)
could it be that old saying from Confucius
“HE WHO WILL NOT ECONOMIZE WILL HAVE TO AGONIZE”
The Corner Stone Caper and the wordsmithying that entailed . (That really became for me a bit of joke). I listened and read for nearly 5 days to the he said/she said/ they said this was the case until I finally got cheesed off and browned off enough to ask for “definite” clarification !
However, the episode does point out a fundamental flaw in the system- trying to get to the crux of the matter, even in so simple a task, is frustrating and a myriad of the he said /she said! Two newspapers and 5 days to finally get to the bottom of the tale ( and John Cole still got it wrong on Wednesday – there is a surprise! ;)and this was just a simple missing ( not missing ) artifact- NOW – where trust and money is involved- Oh Boy!
So in the course of all this to-ing and fro-ing and the he said/ she said and the this happened /that happened – with levys and readers also giving me information on other aspects upon which to ponder – especially the financial situation that is effecting Lorain City Schools – a mention of a retreat and the cost thereof this past summer caught my attention.
Now I know the China trip did not go down too well – Remember this post
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2009/06/30/confucius-again/
with my readers at least – but I had nothing to compare it to for “worthiness”
However, this particular Lorain City Schools “SCHOOLS IMPROVEMENT” retreat was on familiar territory- it so happens I too had spent a lot of money on 130 guests at the self same “resort”.
hiring the whole of the rotunda, reception rooms – decorating the place, blocks of sleeping rooms (some for two nights) , two nights of an open bar , three days of food, entertainment etc. etc.
So when I heard the supposed amount of a LCS Retreat function at the same facility I had used and what I paid for 130 people – I decided rather than listening to the he said/ she said /they said to check it out for myself!
To that end I have today sent off a public records request as seen below- I await the “they say” 🙂
Dr. Atkinson
D. Weber LCS Treasurer
November 30th, 2010
Lorain City Schools
Charleston Administrative Center
Room 10
2350 Pole Avenue
Lorain, Ohio 44052For the attention of Lorain City Schools Treasurer D. Weber
Dear Mr. Weber
Re: Public records request- Lorain City Schools
Pursuant to the state open records law, Ohio Rev. Code Ann. sec. 149.43 to 149.44, I write to request access to information pertaining to
1. The August 15-17 2010- Retreat for SI for the OIP at Sawmill Creek- Huron Ohio
PO # 303140 – $17,435.94Please provide itemized billing and a breakdown of the services provided- for example:
(a) How many people attended the retreat?
(b) What was the purpose of the retreat?
(c) How many of the participants were teachers ( k-12 working classroom teachers) (d)How many were Administration ( e.g. principals, Charleston staff)
(e)How many family members of staff were included ( e.g. rooms)
(f)How many rooms were paid for and for how many nights, meals, the cost of “the family day” pool side barbeque?
The account(s) from which the PO’s of this retreat was paid. What was the funding source? If “grant funds” were used to cover expenses who was the “granting authority “and what were the parameters of said grant? Could this funding be used for anything other than a retreat? How much money is left in the grant if any?PO # 303304 – $500.01
The account(s) from which the PO was paid and itemized statement of billing- what was the funding source, who was the granting authority, what were the parameters of the grant. Could this funding be used for anything other than the purpose billed? How much money is left in the grant if any?PO# 303538 – $1,860.55
The accounts(s) from which the PO was paid and itemized statement of billing- what was the funding source, who was the granting authority, what were the parameters of the grant. Could this funding be used for anything other than the purpose billed. How much money is left in the grant if any?
Please confirm the total amount for the Schools Improvement “retreat” at Sawmill Creek for Lorain City Schools (August 15-17th 2010) was a grand total of $19.796.502. Information on Previous retreats- LCS
Please provide me with the following information:
(a) Number of retreats held FY 2007- 2008- 2009- 2010 inclusive if any?
(b) Where were the retreats held?
(c) Cost of each retreat- PO numbers?
(d) The account(s) from which the PO’s were paid.
(e) What was the funding source for each retreat, which was the granting authority, what were the parameters of the grant? Could this funding be used for anything other than the purpose billed. How much money is left in the grant if any?3. Premier Speakers –AUGUST 24th-2010I would also like to request a breakdown of the following PO numbers for payment to the vendor – Premier Speakers .
PO#302796 for Speaker Ron Clark $9750.00 on August 24th 2010The accounts(s) from which the PO was paid. Please give an itemized breakdown – such as – how long did Mr. Clark speak, how many were in attendance, where was the function held what was the purpose of the event? If paid for through a grant, who was the granting authority and what are the parameters of the grant and can the grant be used for anything other than speakers.
PO#302891 Premier Speakers $8,750.00 – August 24th 2010The accounts(s) from which the PO was paid. Please give an itemized breakdown of this PO exactly what this money was used for from what funding source or granting authority was used to pay this PO what are the parameters of the funding or granting authority and can the funding source be used for other services
4. Compassion Project. Compassion Baptist Church
PO#303647 – $10,000.00
The accounts(s) from which the PO was paid. Please give an itemized breakdown of this PO exactly what this money was used for from what funding source or granting authority was used to pay this PO what are the parameters of the funding or granting authority and can the funding source be used for other services. I further request a copy of the service contract for services provided in the 2010-11 school year under said project.
5. Average Daily Membership Data
Please give me the numbers of students as per the Average Daily Membership data as compiled in October 2010If your department does not maintain these public records or cannot assist with the answers to the questions above, please let me know who does and include the proper custodian’s name and address.
I agree to pay any reasonable copying and postage fees of not more than $50.00. If the cost would be greater than this amount, please notify me. Please provide a receipt indicating the charges for each document.
I would request your response within ten (10) business days.If you choose to deny this request, please provide a written explanation for the denial including a reference to the specific statutory exemption(s) upon which you rely. Also, please provide all segregable portions of otherwise exempt material.
Please be advised that I am prepared to pursue whatever legal remedy necessary to obtain access to the requested records. I would note that violation of the open records law can result in the award of court costs and attorney fees. Thank you for your assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me should you need further clarification.
Sincerely
Loraine Ritchey
CC. Superintendent Atkinson and BOE
To Be Continued…………….
Three Old Ladies Were Locked in the Lavatory- Lorain style
Update: Check out Daniel’s further investigation in the corner stone caper
http://danielebrady.blogspot.com/2010/11/lorain-high-school-time-capsule.html
The recent “miraculous” find of a time capsule- and OH! YES!!! that is the word some were saying ” it is a miracle” and nobody knew it was there. As soon as I heard those words I was transported back to younger days and singing the song
Les toilettes comédie
– photo Chris Ritchey
Three Old Ladies
Oh, dear, what can the matter be
Three old ladies locked in the lavatory
They were there from Monday to Saturday
Nobody knew they were thereThe first one’s name was Elizabeth Porter
She went in to be rid of some overdue water
And she stayed there far more than she ought to
And nobody knew she was there.CHORUS
The second one’s name was Elizabeth Pomphrey
She went in and made herself comfy
Then she said: “Girls, I can’t get my bum free.”
And nobody knew she was thereCHORUS
The last one’s name was Elizabeth Carter
She was known as a world renowned farter
She went in and played a sonata
And nobody knew she was there.
“Leave the lid up” photo Chris Ritchey
Now my version:
Oh dear what can the matter be
A corner stones miraculous recovery
Cause NOBODY knew it was there???The first flush told of heroes The 2nd flush turned into zero’s
The stone that was for safe keeping taken
Turned up a time capsule when shaken
And NOBODY??? knew it was thereThe third flush a media scoop
When one newpaper got the rest of the poop
The smell becoming somewhat putrid And fingers pointed ” No you did”
And NOBODY knew it was thereThe tale it continued for more than a bit
Nobody wanting to step in the sh-t
But the miraculous recovery became a tale of possible skullduggery
But again “Nobody knew it was there!
However, just as the song Three Old Ladies morphed into Seven Old ladies I am not sure that this “flush is finished-toilet tales in Lorain ????
Absence of Laughter- Chris Ritchey
In Search of my son- In search of me- Part 14 – LAUGHTER
Part One – In search of my son- In search of me
Part Two – Tourjours Moi-Always Me
Part Three – Always Me – Always Chris
Part Four – In search of My Son-
Chris Ritchey – Thanks
Part Five – Dark Humour- Shedding a Light
Part Six – The Unfinished Portrait
Part Seven– The Unfinished Portrait- The Artists
(2) Part Two – Who Are We Really?
Part Eight– When Premonition Becomes Hindsight
Part Nine– When Premonition Becomes Hindsight – Part Two
Part Ten (a) – There is an “I” in Death
Part Ten (b)- I didn’t know my son- Chris Ritchey
Part Eleven- Unfinished Portrait the Artistic Gene
Part Twelve- Unfinished Portrait- the Artistic Gene- Part Two
Part Thirteen– A Place of Echoes
Laughter is such an important part of ones life. It is healthy to laugh! Laughter and happiness more important than money- I know……….
I have come to the realization that no matter what wonderful events may come into my life, however funny the antics of a certain little boy –
See Nag nog – nuffin’ up my nose honest!!!!
being totally happy is something that will never again be part of my world. It is a sad statement of fact as part of me and a major part of my happiness has gone from my tangible world. It is as if Chris dying has put a “limiter on laughter” – he always made me laugh out loud type of laughter!
Nikki would complain that Chris always got away with things that she didn’t- its true- because Chris would make you laugh as he was being bad, and sometimes he would be baaaaaaaaadddddd!
I found a letter written 28 years ago to me in England by my husband. I had had to go back for a family issue and he had to take care of the kids for a couple of weeks sans mother!
“In all my “spare” time , I ‘m making that greenhouse on the side of the garage- but today I had a set back , my son ( sorry) YOUR son decided to help me. I guess he didn’t like my five large pieces of glass to make the window, so he decided to make it ten thousand smaller ones. No one was hurt because the glass was on the other side of the door as he crashed it open driving his big wheel at it full tilt!
He then decided he wanted to find out how many pieces he could turn my 123 inch ruler into and broke it into three pieces before I could stop him as I was dealing with the glass- not to waste time he decided to use all my potted seedlings as a obstacle course as he slammed his way through them and over them on the said Big Wheel- the only thing that saved him from a 17 centimeter hand on a cute little 10 centimeter bum was he innocently looked up and said – ” Help daddy some more?”
Oh Chris you did make us pull our hair out at times……..
I miss you every day and on this day as I remember having cooked your last “proper dinner”, the last time you and I were together in your apartment, the last time we “talked” and all the trauma to come after that last night before the hospital and being with you as they delivered the oxygen. I so miss being happy and I miss you making me laugh – I miss your sense of humour irreverent as it was at times. I wish you could make us laugh out loud again…………
Curiouser and Curiouser- Watson!
TAH DAH FINALLY THEY ARE ALL ON THE SAME PAGE !!!!
Lorain school board member Jim Smith confirmed the 1914 Lorain High School cornerstone that was unearthed last Friday is the original and only cornerstone from the old high school. Smith made the announcement at a school board meeting last night.
When demolition began in May last year, the district gave demolition group DEM/EX a list of items and artifacts to be salvaged. On that list was the cornerstone with the time capsule inside. Chief of Operations Dan DeNicola said the demolition contractor had the cornerstone and knew the district wanted it, but he never delivered it.
http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2010/11/18/news/mj3694265.txtUpdating the update And one more time-seems there is only one corner stone that of the NE corner- which was stored on the Bender property- apparently according to sources- there was a hollowed space in that corner stone ( awaiting a photo) in which the box would have sat. Now somehow the box was removed / fell/ jiggled out from the corner stone and then well you know the rest…………. is this the last chapter on the Corner Stone Caper ………. Ah Ha Watson time to have a cup of tea!!!!!
UPDATE:As time marches on the tale of the two corner stones continues Rona Proudfoot has more on the subject this morning in the Chronicle
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2010/11/17/buried-treasures-local-history-buffs-get-private-showing-of-lhs-time-capsule/
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2010/11/16/lorain-high-demo-uncovers-problems/
Is it the “Corner Stone Caper”
and “History Held Hostage”?
Or just a lucky find “The Time capsule that (Lorain) Forgot”
http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2010/11/16/news/mj3679799.txt
One little , two little ,………….
“Open For Discussion”- Guest Blog- The Limits of Charity- T. Paine
ED NOTE:
This is the first in the “Open for Discussion” Guest Blog – This post is actually the thoughts and opinions of more than one individual compiled under the nom de plume T- Paine.
What are the limits of charity?
This is a question that is being danced around in Lorain.
There have been at numerous meetings discussing the homeless, crime and general decay we are experiencing in Lorain. There are meetings regarding the growing homeless need. No one is looking at the root of the problem.
There exists in Lorain County a great disparity of social services. While everyone agrees that there is great need and that we should help those that are less fortunate, there should be limits to our assistance and an expectation of change as a result of our investment. If you look at Lorain and the disparity of services that we as a community provide compared to social services by all of the other cities in the county; then we in Lorain are either the nicest, most charitable people or the least intelligent. This would then mean that our surrounding neighbor communities are either made up of the most thoughtless or the most intelligent people.
Most people will say that the people of the surrounding communities are not bad people, even though they do not do the hard work of dealing with social programs or put their community at risk as does Lorain. Then we must conclude that we in Lorain must be the least intelligent for allowing these social programs to put our community at risk. If this is not the case, then why do other communities not step up and take upon their shoulders some of the charity work that is done in Lorain. Instead the surrounding communities send the less fortunate here.
Some will say that the need is greatest here. We agree because we have the programs to house feed and handle the need of a growing indigent population. We are in a terrible downward cycle as a community that is rapidly causing its ultimate demise. We are not serving just the homeless of our town we are now importing the homeless from surrounding cities, counties and states.
Why? Because; to quote a recent transfer from another state,
” I can get free services here in less than a month and back home it takes over a year”.
This individual has no friends in Lorain, no family and no ties to the community or the state of Ohio. Many others from Illinois, Florida, New York, West Virginia, and Kentucky have also come to Lorain for the easy benefits. They are here to take advantage of our social services, since it obvious that they have not come to find work in our depressed local economy.
Hooverville then – Lorain Now?
Lorain suffers from the hypocrisy of those residents of other communities who advocate for social programs for the disadvantaged and badly behaved, yet do not allow Section 8 housing or social programs in their nice community. These people want “someone” to help the less fortunate or demand that government should “do something”, but do they send their children to school where there are children from public housing? Do they shop at or support businesses that are patronized by people on public assistance? Of course not. Lorain bears the burden for them.
We have watched the soup kitchens and shelters grow from caring for a few individuals to being overwhelmed. This has caused additional organizations and churches to open up food kitchens and shelters.
Those waiting for their next meal camp out in the Library, roam the streets, alleys and neighborhoods. There are thefts of numerous items; copper disappears from vacant homes and from homes where the owners are on vacation. Anything that might be of value disappears from yards, outdoor furniture, tools, fences, gutters, siding and downspouts to name a few. Litter and broken windows make Lorain look threatening and uninviting. Aggressive panhandling is back and exists not only in the commercial areas, but in the residential neighborhoods. The police, in many cases know the perpetrator, but are unable to “catch them in the act” and aggressive methods to discourage them could be viewed as violations of civil rights or harassment.
How much more are the diminishing number of tax-paying residents and business people in Lorain willing to tolerate, let alone support? The programs that are offered keep growing and therefore the need keeps increasing as Lorain has the reputation of being “the place” for social programs. These programs have no expectation of an end for those they serve. We are merely warehousing and feeding. We are not teaching a man to fish, we are simply feeding him.
As the tax-paying few continue to leave the city, the tax base and donations will diminish creating an even larger problem. Our community is breaking under the stress created by the inequity that exists in the county. The city has no funds for basic services, crime increases while prevention becomes nearly impossible under the strain. Prisons, other communities and other states send the problems that they do not deal with to Lorain along with the people. The laws have come to protect not the innocent, but known criminals, and make enforcement agencies impotent.
Our neighborhoods and streets become less safe. Crime increases causing further exodus of residents and businesses. Housing vacancy increases causing property values to remain disproportionately low as compared to the rest of the county. Tax payers leave. Schools suffer. Businesses suffer. The spiral continues. Strangers are taking over our streets.
There are many good and decent people that need help and certainly there are some exceptions in all of the situations listed above.
The good people of Lorain are breaking under the burden and several questions need to be asked.
Can we not create limits to our charity that take care of our own without being taken advantage of and having to support the rest of the nation? Why should the good-hearted tax payers in Lorain be made to feel guilty for saying, “No, that’s enough”.
Can we create programs that have an expectation of change or end point, so that those on them have hope and motivation, instead of becoming more statistics of failure?
Can requirements of service be put in place as a reward for good behavior instead of entitlement? Community service projects such as, cleaning up litter, pulling weeds, performing simple chores could be a requirement for receiving services or meals. Our children perform simple chores to help out and develop a work ethic and to understand that nothing comes for free. All of us must perform at our jobs and maintain a good work record to receive our pay. Why can’t this be a requirement of the social programs? We have all heard that there is no value for anything that is given for free. We are not helping people we are making those on public assistance dependent on handouts rather than teaching values. The public assistance programs have become simply another addiction rather than a means to a cure.
Can random drug tests be made a requirement of receiving public assistance? A failed test would require immediate rehab treatment and continued “good progress” in order to maintain assistance. All taxpayers face consequences for not performing well at work or not paying the very taxes that support social programs some employers require monthly drug tests however those on public assistance have no standard to meet.
Why don’t other communities step up?
What are the rights of the taxpayers?
Can Lorain be charitable while upholding the laws that keep our children, homes and streets safe?
These are questions that must be asked if our community is to survive and thrive.
This is simply common sense.
T. Paine
Lorain, Ohio
Disclaimer: The views of the “Guest Writer” may not necessarily reflect the views of “that woman” blog
Can you hear them now?? Lorain City Schools
UPDATE on the Update- And then there were two- and no body knew it was there
http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2010/11/16/news/mj3679799.txt
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2010/11/16/lorain-high-demo-uncovers-problems/
Update :”Come Watson the games afoot”- our intrepid history detectives are on the trail of “The Case of the History Held Hostage” – it seems there is more to this than meets the eye- 😉
those pesky voices from the past who are calling to be recognized?
The Lorain City Schools and their “past” adventures have been in the news the last couple of days
from a corner-stone of Lorain High School and a time capsule ending up as “fill” or landscaping found by a “student” albeit in a different school system.
I would recommend reading the Chronicle article by Rona Proudfoot it is more in-depth
However the Morning Journal also has some coverage by Freddie Hunt
http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2010/11/13/news/mj3660231.txt
Photo Mark Teleha
Why the corner-stone ended up where it did ? No matter the demo crew or the LCS the fact is there was “no follow through and accounting” for this piece of Lorain’s past by someone ( sound familiar) – and it was only by luck this “corner-stone ” (which I was told personally months ago would be incorporated somewhere in the new building) could have been landfill for the ages. This was someones “job of work” for which they were compensated by the taxpayers – no matter a private corporation or the LCS system.
And on the local blog “Buster’s House”http://bustershouse.wordpress.com/
Lisa points out the words from the past – have they been lost to Lorain too?
http://bustershouse.wordpress.com/2010/11/12/wise-words-from-the-past/
You can also access the complete demolition as covered by Mark Teleha on his blog here
http://www.locophotogblog.com/?p=438
“Open for Discussion”- That Woman Blog
How many times have we sat on our hands and bitten our tongue, thinking thoughts but not expressing them out loud for various reasons?
NOTE: Published in 2000 when media tried to “control” a situation- 10 years later and you tell me is the article still topical???
1. We don’t want to look like we are not “team” thinking.
2. Will disagreeing cause us to be come a target? ( I know that one)
3. Our thoughts may not be politically correct as this ” political correctness ” wave sweeps over us.
4. People, on the whole, no longer read , they scan and our words have been misinterpreted – and therefore it follows we are hung for the sheep instead of the lamb! I know that one too 🙂
So have we become a community held hostage by our own censorship of opinions?
In the past year I have written things about my personal situation and the death of my son and what followed- It is my truth and makes some uncomfortable – I made the conscious decision initially ( out of respect for my son) not to name names or delve too deeply into the subject- That changed as their lack of respect for this family and our grief was ignored.
AND THEN:
I came across the posters designed by my son when he felt “censored in his work” There you have it a new Guest Blog option-“OPEN FOR DISCUSSION’ and the rules are
1. You may write under your own name or a nom de plume as an individual or even a group ( you are going to have to put your trust in me) if you write under a nom de plume but I alone will have to know the source. I am sorry I can’t be fairer than that – I have to have some checks and balances when it comes to what is written on my blog. Otherwise you of course have the option to host your own blog.
2. I would very much like to keep this as material that effects those of us living in LORAIN LOCALE discussion.
3. There will be a disclaimer that the opinions of the writer /writers is not necessarily that of “that woman” .
4. And please keep the post from personal attacks and situations need to be documented- for instance if you say “money was used for something other than its main intent “ prove it please with documentation and photos are always welcome.
5. I will be using my sons’ Anti PC posters to designate the “Open for Discussion” posts but I will not edit your words.
So if you trust me and you want to offer a subject up that effects those of us in Lorain ( city / county) discussion- you can contact me through this blog ( see About Me)
In Flanders Field……..
The 11th hour, the 11th day , the 11th month……..
Bright Eyes- burning like fire…
Bright eyes
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
I struggle to escape grief- as mentioned before- watching old reruns and the military channel doesn’t always help- the brain still segues- but there are times I can watch Graham Norton and his shows and be entertained in my unreal “real world”-
Wednesday being the third of November– I desperately need an escape for just a few minutes- surely “I’d do Anything..” the hunt for a Nancy for Oliver in the West End should be pretty safe, after all since it aired in 2008 I already knew the ending !
No! I was dragged back to grief , missing, the unbearable pain of being – kicking and screaming by a little blonde Oliver singing “Bright Eyes”- I had heard that song over and over and over and over for so much of Chris childhood.
Chris, when he was little loved the movie Watership Down. Seeing that movie years later on cable , I must admit maybe it wasn’t the most appropriate animation for a young child but thinking about it , we have wolves eating grandmothers ( Red Riding Hood)- children being stuffed into ovens to be cooked ( Hansel and Gretel) and Giant’s eating English men- Fe Fi Fo Fum…
Chris would be glued to the television and would play the video all day if I let him. The song Bright Eyes became part of our daily routine, the soundtrack by Garfunkel a staple.
When Chris died and I was “finding “ his life- I opened a small box of “treasures from his childhood” he had obviously kept – in it was the video of Watership Down. This video tape which would probably disintegrate if played has a special place . I know where it is and try to ignore its calling but when a child sang and the music touched my heart and tears fell- all fairy stories came to an end.
Bright Eyes
Is it a kind of dream
Floating out on the tide
Following the river of death downstream
Oh, is it a dream?
There’s a fog along the horizon
A strange glow in the sky
And nobody seems to know where you go
And what does it mean?
Oh, is it a dream?
Bright eyes
Burning like fire
Bright eyes
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes
Is it a kind of shadow
Reaching into the night
Wandering over the hills unseen
Or is it a dream?
There’s a high wind in the trees
A cold sound in the air
And nobody ever knows when you go
And where do you start
Oh, into the dark
Bright eyes
Burning like fire
Bright eyes
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes
Bright eyes
Burning like fire
Bright eyes
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes
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