Volunteer fair shows spirit of community

BOUQUETS >> To all involved with the second annual Lake County Volunteer Fair. Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library and RSVP of Lake County partnered again to bring those interested in giving back to the community face-to-face with those seeking volunteers.

This year’s event was held Oct. 8 at Willowick Public Library.

Judy Nagle of the Lake County Visitors Bureau was one of those on hand sharing information about her organization. She said that she had eight people sign up for additional information on volunteer service in just the first hour.

And she was not alone. Representatives from a range of agencies from Habitat for Humanity to Ohio Living to United Way of Lake County to Lake Health and many more were making such connections.

RSVP Director Cristen Kane said folks attending this event were genuinely looking for volunteer opportunities and looking to give back to Lake County.

We’re not surprised. That’s the spirit in Northeast Ohio.

BOUQUETS>> To those responsible for putting together the Think Manufacturing Career Expo.

About 600 students from 15 Lake County high schools converged on Mentor High’s gym and Paradigm center for the sixth annual such event.

The expo aims to connect area manufacturing businesses seeking qualified employees with high school students who are exploring future career opportunities. Nearly 40 manufacturers set up booths throughout the gym and talked about their personnel needs, as well as products and services, with interested students.

“This is our large workforce development initiative that helps educate students about careers in manufacturing and for (high school) seniors to consider available jobs here in Lake County,” said Karen Tercek, president and CEO of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, a co-sponsor of the event.

The chamber joined with the Eastern Lake County and Mentor Area chambers of commerce, along with the Alliance for Working Together Foundation, to present the expo.

The AWT Foundation works to promote the development of rewarding careers in manufacturing for the long-term success and growth of the local manufacturing community.

At the same time, the nearby Paradigm center hosted three expo workshops: job interviewing skills; presentations by young manufacturers and why they got into their particular industry; and how some of the participating manufacturers make their products.

Today’s manufacturing industries offer a range of hightech careers. A four-year college degree is not the only path to success, and we applaud those involved with the expo for showing students that there are other options.

BRICKBATS >> To the crooks who used an IRS scheme to steal thousands of dollars from a Westlake woman.

On Oct. 3, the woman told Westlake police she received a voicemail on her phone indicating she owed money to the IRS and charges would be brought against her if she did not return the call and work out the problem.

She returned the call, and for over two hours, spoke with several different people.

The thieves told the victim she owed $5,000, and an arrest warrant would be issued if she did not pay.

The perpetrators even went so far as to scare the victim by asking who would take care of her children if she was in jail for this tax debt.

Unfortunately, the victim was frightened into purchasing several gift cards and reading the access codes to pay for her fictitious tax burdens.

By the time the victim checked the story, the gift cards had been depleted of all money.

It’s a stretch, but hopefully, law enforcement can find a way to catch these swindlers before they strike again. And, please, be wary of such scams.