We join Mercy Health Lorain to honor woman

BOUQUETS >> To Mercy Health Lorain for honoring longtime volunteer Marge Dziama with a 100th birthday party Feb. 28.

Dziama, who has served in multiple volunteer roles for the health system over the last 45 years, was recognized for her dedication to improving the lives of everyone around her.

Mercy Health Lorain President and CEO Ed Oley embraced Dziama, and she thanked the health system.

Dziama said, “Not too many people have the opportunity to kiss the CEO of the hospital. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me on this day.”

Mercy Health Lorain Foundation President Scott Pember surprised Dziama by renaming the Sacred Grounds coffee shop in the hospital to Margie’s Sacred Grounds. She also received a certificate of appreciation from Homer Virden on behalf of the Mercy Health Lorain Foundation board.

Dziama volunteered every Sunday while employed at U.S. Steel until her retirement in 1981, at which point she began volunteering full-time logging more than 40 hours per week

We also wish Dziama a very happy birthday.

BOUQUETS »

To the Ambassador Brothers of Lorain County for hosting its second annual Spoonful of Soul.

The community group aims to empower people and to change lives through direct action while presenting positive images of diverse men.

During Spoonful of Soul, group members welcomed women and children and praised those whose achievements are making a difference in Lorain County.

Ambassador Brother Christopher Smith said, “We’re doing this because we want to give back.”

Lorain County JVS Superintendent Glenn Faircloth, the first African American to hold that post, was the keynote speaker.

Faircloth described his own experience growing up, his time serving in the Army, and unexpected opportunities to go to college and fall in love with education.

He said African Americans spend their time in many ways, but they should consider making a trip to Africa to see for themselves the land of their heritage. He said it will change the life of anyone willing to make the trip.

At just one orphanage, Faircloth said, $2,500 would supply running water – and change the lives of children living there.

This was one of those mustattend events because of the wealth of knowledge disseminated.

We commend the Ambassador Brothers for presenting this positive and thought-provoking program.

BRICKBATS »

To Charlene M. Jones, the 33-year-old Elyria woman who already facing charges she robbed two Elyria women with disabilities earlier this year, landed in more trouble.

Elyria police Capt. Chris Costantino said Jones now is charged with three counts of burglary and five counts each of forgery and receiving stolen property after an 80-year-old Elyria woman came forward and told police Jones victimized her.

The victim told police Jones came to her Delaware Avenue home Feb. 14 claiming her daughter was sick and needed help.

The woman agreed to use her credit cards to go with Jones to purchase items for her.

Jones returned the next day at 1:30 a.m., and told the woman her father almost killed himself and she needed someone to talk to.

Costantino said the woman let Jones in and she stole two credit cards from the woman’s purse.

The woman noticed the theft had occurred when she was alerted to purchases, including one for $400, she knew she didn’t make.

Costantino said, “I hope this sends a strong message to Jones. Jones was preying on elderly people.”

Jones is innocent until proven guilty.

But anyone preying on the elderly must be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

BRICKBATS »

To the person, or persons, responsible for intentionally setting fires to several structures at 1025 N. Quarry Road in Amherst.

Authorities said the fires occurred about 6 a.m. Feb. 17.

Investigators with the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office believe someone set a barn on fire, which destroyed that structure, and also attempted to burn the main home, another smaller home on the property and a garage/barn.

Fortunately, no one was injured from this incident.

The Marshal’s office, the Amherst Fire Department and the Amherst Police Department are investigating.

This is a serious crime and that’s why the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee is offering a $5,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person, or persons, responsible.

We’re urging anyone with information on the arson to report it by calling the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau tip line at 800-589-2728.