Auditor Kovack's Weekend Update
April 1,  2020


 

 
 
 
 








IF YOU NEED HELP during this time, please feel free to reach out to my office at 330-764-8051 or 330-725-9754 or email [email protected] and we will try to assist you.  There are more resources listed HERE.  There are many resources available and being made available.  Don't hesitate to reach out for help during these unprecedented times.

For those of you confined to home or with kids at home MAKE A SCHEDULE!  All of us, but particularly kids, respond well to routine.  Have them do reading at 9 am, a little tv or games at 10 am, a little more homework at 11 am, etc.  The same for you seniors!  Now may be a great time to subscribe to the local newspaper.  My Dad reads it cover to cover each morning.....and does the cross word and sudoku.

These are very difficult times, and they are going to get worse for a bit.  First of all, MAKE SURE YOU ARE MAINTAINING SOCIAL DISTANCE! The coronavirus is spread by contact.  If we don't move it, we can contain it.  Second, make sure you are washing your hands whenever you are in contact with things or persons you think may spread the disease.  The virus typically enters through our mucous membranes - the eyes, nose and mouth.  So, even if you have come in contact with the virus on your hands, by washing them you avoid spreading the disease to yourself or others.

COVID-19 is real.  It is currently killing people in our community.  Please do your part to help prevent the spread.  "DO THE FIVE"
to help prevent the spread.  Stay safe!
 
Mike Kovack
 
Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.
James Lane Allen
   

 
Auditor Kovack's Pet Drawing & Coloring Contest 
Are your kids home during the COVID-19 crisis looking for activities to enjoy? From now until Monday, April 6, if your 5th grade or younger child draws a picture of your family pet, snap a photo and send it to our office!

To share some joy with the community during the Stay-at-Home Order, we will post them online. After April 6, our staff will pick one drawing to be awarded a prize with a $15 value to a local business (Brunswick - Scene 75, Medina - The Foundry, Wadsworth - Bidinger's ice cream).

Snap a photo of your drawings or coloring along with contact information, name, and age and send to [email protected].
Destroyed or Damaged Property?  
As storm season approaches it is important to remember what services are available through your Medina County Auditor's office. If you have experienced damage to your structural property this year, you may be eligible  for a valuation deduction on destroyed or damaged real property. For more info on destruction of property or call the Medina County Auditor's Office at one 330- 725-9753. 
2020 Census  
The 2020 Census will gather information from Mid-March to July 31, with the official Census Day being April 1. All information is confidential, protected by law and only used to produced statistics.
 
Census statistics impact our daily lives, informing important decisions about funding for services and infrastructure such as health care, senior centers, jobs, political representation, roads, schools and businesses. Most grant money is determined through population statistics. These statistics accurately determine how many representatives each state has in Congress and inform the redrawing of congressional district boundaries.  
 
Personal information, including your address, gathered through the 2020 Census will not be shared with any level of law enforcement and can't be used against you. The sole purpose of the Census is to provide up-to-date statistics. Visit Census.gov to learn more about the 2020 Census.
BLOOD DONATIONS STILL NEEDED!
As the coronavirus continues to impact our communities, we need your help in ensuring we maintain a strong blood supply to support hospital patient care in Ohio. Without groups continuing to host blood drives and blood donors continuing to give blood, we could see a severe blood shortage which could impact hospital patient care.
Many organizations are heeding the advice from leadership to cancel public events, and this has led to a staggering number of scheduled Red Cross blood drives being canceled as well. To date, more than 1500 blood drives representing 46,000 blood donations have been canceled in the U.S. due to coronavirus concerns. In Northern Ohio alone, we have canceled 135 blood drives resulting in over 4000 fewer blood donations.
In the face of coronavirus fears, we need your help to communicate two vital messages to the public:
  • Groups that have an upcoming scheduled blood drive should keep their blood drive on their schedule and not cancel it, which will allow donors to give blood.
  • More healthy donors are needed to give now to prevent a blood shortage. Donating blood is a safe process and people should not be concerned about giving or receiving blood during this challenging time.
  • As an emergency preparedness organization, the Red Cross has also taken additional steps to ensure the safety of staff and donors at each Red Cross blood drive.
  • The Red Cross only collects blood from individuals who are healthy and feeling well at the time of donation - and who meet other eligibility requirements, available at RedCrossBlood.org.
  • We are now pre-screening all individuals by checking their temperature before they enter any Red Cross blood drive or donation center, including our own staff and volunteers.
  • At each blood drive and donation center, Red Cross employees follow thorough safety protocols including wearing gloves, routinely wiping down donor-touched areas, using sterile collection sets for every donation, and preparing the arm for donation with an aseptic scrub.
  • Additional spacing has been implemented within each blood drive set up to incorporate social distancing measures between donation beds and stations within the blood drive.
These mitigation measures will help ensure blood recipient safety, as well as staff and donor safety in reducing contact with those who may potentially have this respiratory infection.
Those who are not feeling well should wait for 28 days before attempting to give blood. Additional donor eligibility travel restrictions have been implemented as well.
We're asking the American people to help keep the blood supply stable during this challenging time, and we are asking you as Mayor to help communicate this critical need.
Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Care is Available! 
The services at Alternative Paths are now being provided by telehealth. Mental health and addiction treatment is now available through telehealth for new and current clients.  Info or call 330-725-9195.
 
Local Scholarships
2020 Auditor Kovack's Citizenship Scholarship  
The Medina County Auditor's  $500 Citizenship Scholarship is awarded to one senior each at Brunswick and Wadsworth High Schools.  ELIGIBILITY: Must be a 2020 Brunswick High School or Wadsworth High School graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better 
and reside in the Brunswick City School District or Wadsworth City School District.
Plan on attending a two or four-year degree program from an accredited community,
state or private college or university.  
 
Brunswick Info.
 
Completed applications must be submitted by April 3, 2020.
American Association of University Women Medina County Scholarship Opportunity 
The Medina County Branch of the American Association of University Women is accepting applications for two $1500.00 scholarships to be given to a "non-traditional" woman undergraduate student who is attending an accredited college or university.   This applies to the 2020-2021 academic year and applicants must be a resident of Medina County. Applications are available through The Akron Community Foundation at www.akroncf.org/Students.  For more information email Jill Morton, Scholarship Committee Chairperson at [email protected] 
 
Completed Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 16, 2020.   
  • All public, private, and chartered schools closed until May 1; the Governor is considering extending the shutdown through the rest of the school year, but hopes to continue learning in that time.
    • Students are still eligible for free school meals during three-week shutdown due to waiver from President Donald Trump's administration.
  • All Ohio bars and restaurants closed until further notice to in-house customers; to-go and carryout options still available.
    • Unemployment law revised through executive order to better assist workers impacted by restaurant closures.
  • Visitations to state-run psychiatric hospitals discontinued
  • Visitations to community jails and correctional facilities restricted
  • Outside visitors prohibited at Ohio nursing homes; end-of-life care exceptions will be made
  • Mass gatherings of more than 50 people in a single space banned
  • All Ohio casinos, fitness centers, gyms, bowling alleys, public recreation centers movie theaters, indoor water parks, and trampoline parks closed.
  • All Ohio restaurants and bars are closed indefinitely for dine in service. Carryout and takeout orders are still permitted.
  • Telehealth services expanded, providing access to behavioral health care via phone to all Ohioans.
  • Stay at Home Order has been issued. Only essential travel and activities are permitted. order for all Ohioians. It will take effect on Monday, March 23 at 11:59 p.m. and remain in effect through April 6. The stay-at-home order still allows for citizens to leave for the following reasons:
    • health and safety
    • necessary supplies
    • outdoor activity 
What should you do if you're feeling sick and you're not sure if it's the cold, influenza or coronavirus?
 
Health care officials are urging people to refrain from going to the emergency room, unless it's truly an emergency and they can't breathe or are having other non-coronavirus-type emergencies, like a heart attack.  
 
So what should you do?
Virtual visits
Call your primary care physician first or use one of the many virtual health lines that area health systems are offering to help screen your illness.
  • Cleveland Clinic is offering the broadest virtual visits for free. It is waiving fees for its on-demand and scheduled virtual visits for the public, regardless of health coverage.
    • The around-the-clock system can help screen patients for concerns about COVID-19 and other illnesses.
  • Summa Health is offering free virtual visits for COVID-19 screenings and e-visits for flu, sinus infections, hay fever and allergies. Those services are normally $29, but are being offered for free.
    • All other conditions, including more than 30 diagnoses, are $29 for an e-visit. Audio/video visits also are still available for $49. This service is available in all 50 states.
Testing
  • Currently no Akron-area hospital has the ability to do on-site testing or drive-up testing, but officials said they are working on it. Health officials have said with the lack of testing kits available, they are testing the most vulnerable or serious patients who exhibit symptoms. The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals are offering drive-thru testing in Cleveland, but a patient must have a doctor's order.
Symptoms
  • Key signs for COVID-19 are a fever above 100 degrees and a dry cough or difficulty breathing, which is something they've never had before and not typical allergy symptoms, said Nemer. He emphasized that patients who are having a very difficult time breathing should go immediately to the emergency room since it could be many other emergencies, in addition to COVID-19.
  • The Ohio Department of Health says "emergency warning signs" for COVID-19 in adults include difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or an inability to wake up or bluish lips or face.
Local Food Pantries and Support Services in Medina County
Brunswick Food Pantry, 1255 N. Carpenter Road, Brunswick. Every Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm and second Tuesday 1:00 to 3:00 pm For more information, call (330)220-8299. Must be Brunswick, Brunswick Hills Township, Valley City or Hinckley residents.
 
Buckeye Christian Assembly, 3159 Columbia Road, Medina. Second Saturday of each month there is a food pantry and hot meals from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm For more information, call (330)764-4099.
 
Helping Hands at Northside Christian Church, 7615 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Third Thursday 5:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information, call (330)336-4622.
 
Lafayette United Methodist Church, 6201 Lafayette Road, Lafayette Township. Fourth Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm or by appointment. For more information, call (330)725-6176.
Living Hope Church, 6288 Wooster Pike, Medina. Third Saturday from 9:30 to 11:00 am. For more information, (330) 725-7730.
 
Lodi Family Center, 301 Mill St., Lodi. Monday and Wednesday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and other times by appointment. Serving Lodi, Chatham, Spencer, Homerville, Westfield, Seville, Chippewa, Lafayette, Polk, Sullivan areas. For more information, call (330) 302-4182.
 
Our Lady Help of Christians, 9608 Norwalk Road, Litchfield. Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and Wednesday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Both by appointment only. A photo ID and proof of residence is required. For more information, call the church office at (330) 722-1180.
 
Salvation Army, 425 W. Liberty St., Medina. Meals are served every Wednesday and last week of the month on Monday, Wednesday and Friday the pantry is open from 4:00 to 6:00 pm the pantry is open. Doors open at 2:00 pm. Serving Medina, Litchfield, Chippewa Lake, Spencer and York areas only. A photo ID and proof of residence is required. For more information, call (330) 722-6488.
 
Medina Personal Care Pantry will hold a "stay in your care" pantry on April 4 from 8:00 to 9:30 am at Living Hope Church, 6288 Wooster Pike. Info or call 440-567-0769.  
 
Cups Café, 126 N. Court St; Medina, is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Saturday 11:00 am to 1:00 pm for adults to eat. Guests are asked to be mindful of teens and youth as Cups is primarily a place for them. Special dinners are held the second Monday each month from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, second Thursday of each month from 5:00 to 6:00 pm and three Tuesdays a month from 5:00 to 6:00 pm except the last full week of the month due to Munch week at the Salvation Army. For more information, call (330) 241-5990.
 
Feeding Medina County, 650 W. Smith Road, Suite C-8, Medina. Walk-ins Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Please call before coming at (330) 421-4816.
 
Medina County Veterans Service Office will have adjusted office hours. In order to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and the general public we have implemented the following practices and adjusted hours: Monday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm; Tuesday: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm (Closed 12:00 to 1:00 pm for Lunch) . Best times to call in for an appointment or TeleCall about your claim: Monday through Friday: 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Medina: 330-722-9368 | Toll Free: 844-722-3800 | Fax: 330-722-9378 All services will be rendered by appointment only at this time.
 
Medina County Jobs and Family Services (JFS) is providing assistance for those whose job(s) have been impacted by COVID 19. Visit http://jfs.ohio.gov
for new information and visit unemployment.ohio.gov to apply for benefits.  
 
Medina County Childcare Centers with Pandemic Licenses
The Fox's Den Child Care, 157 Wadsworth Road, Wads worth, (330) 329-6637
 
Academy of Young Minds , 685 Briarthorn Crescent Drive, Wadsworth, (330) 334-9400
 
Academy of Young Minds , 311 Weatherstone Drive, Wadsworth, (330) 336-6000
 
Kids Country , 876 West St., Wadsworth, (330) 331-7729
 
Kids Town Child Development Center , 3698 Center Road, Brunswick, (330) 273-7250
 
Treehouse Learning Center , 3824 Center Road, Brunswick, (330) 222-3385
 
Learn N Grow, 432 Pearl Road , Brunswick Hills, (330) 558-0606
 
Kindercare Learning Center No. 870 , 190 Northland Drive, Medina, (330) 722-1681
 
Kindercare Learning Center No. 919 , 135 Smokeride Drive, Wadsworth, (330) 336-6619
 
Kindercare Learning Center No. 939 , 1211 Pearl Road, Brunswick, (330) 225-8225
 
Kindercare Learning Center No. 1849 , 3330 Medina Road, Medina, (330) 725-1738
 
Sharon's Little Leapers , 5145 Bonita Drive, Medina, (330) 472-0226
 
Bumblebee Village , 707 North Court St., Medina, (330) 591-0141
 
The Learning Garden Medina , 4855 Lexington Ridge, Medina, (330) 723-4361
 
Sweet Kiddles Flexible Childcare Center , 3825 Stonegate Drive, Medina, (330) 721-1400
 
Robin's Nest Child Development , 6801 School St., Valley City, (330) 483-9300
NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY
 
 
Wadsworth grad's art placed in cancer advocacy calendar
WADSWORTH - A lifelong artistic passion combined with harrowing experiences as a child has led 2018 Wadsworth High School graduate Alaina Coote to use her skills in the fight against cancer.
Coote, 20, recently learned that her artwork will be featured in the upcoming CURE Calendar, which is put out annually by New Jersey-based Cure Medina Group. Since 2002, CURE Magazine has grown into the largest consumer publication in the U.S. dedicated solely to cancer. with a subscriber base of roughly 285,000. Winning entries for the CURE Calendar came from widespread sectors of the country, stretching as far west as New Mexico as well as across most areas of the Midwest and East Coast.

Read the rest of Jonathan Delozier's story at


Pop-up pantry campaign grows out of Wadsworth


WADSWORTH - "You just have to take that first step when you have a good thought in your head," Jeremy Lowe of Wadsworth said Sunday. "That's the only way you're ever going to actually help someone and have the rewarding feeling that you did something to help."
Recently, Lowe and his 14-year-old son, Caeden, began creating "pop-up pantries" full of groceries, household items and sanitary supplies to be placed around Wadsworth. The pantries are available to help families affected by the novel coronovirus pandemic, which has resulted in nearly 3,400 Medina County residents filing for unemployment as Gov. Mike DeWine handed down a sweeping "stay-at-home" order.

Read the rest Jonathan Delozier's story a t
The Gazette.

Governor extends order for school closing until May 1


Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine extended the order closing the state's schools until May 1.
DeWine made the announcement during his daily coronavirus update, while commending schools, parents and students.
"This should not be a surprise to anyone," DeWine said. "This is a problem not of our own making, but a problem you have all stepped up to."
DeWine said it was a necessary step to flatten the curve to keep coronavirus from spreading. As of Monday afternoon, Ohio had 1,933 confirmed coronavirus cases, resulting in 475 hospitalizations, including 163 intensive care unit admissions. A total of 39 people in Ohio have died related to the virus. Of those, 78 cases are in Lorain County, with 20 hospitalizations and two deaths.

Read the rest story
 
Music in Medina County
 
Brunswick
 
   
 
                  
        Medina                                       Wadsworth
            Sully's                                                                   Sonnets 
            JoJo's                                                                   Galaxy 
   High Low Winery                                                     The Sub Station 
    Thirsty Cowboy                                                     Filia Cellars Winery 
     CinDees Place  
Employment Opportunities
 
Search all the local job sites HERE
 
 
Census Taker - U.S. Census Bureau. INFO.   
 
Electrical Inspector (Intermittent) - Medina County Building Department. INFO. 
 
Medical Assistant - Medina County Health Department. INFO.  
 
Resident Care Aide (Full -Time) - Medina County Home. INFO.
 
Master Plans Examiner  - Medina County Building Department. INFO.   
 
Bagger (Part-Time) - Buehlers, Medina. INFO. 
 
Correction Officer - Medina County Juvenile Detention Center. INFO.  
 
Delivery Driver - Office for Older Adults. INFO.  
 
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - Medina County Sanitary Engineers. INFO.   
 
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant - Veterans Service Office. INFO.  
 
Electrical Inspector (Intermittent) - Medina County Building Department. INFO.  
 
Resident Care Aide (Part - Time) - Medina County Home. INFO. 
 
 
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