NOPEC grant to be used for public events

Perry Village government leaders have decided how to distribute funding from a NOPEC grant aimed at helping community organizations conduct events that are free and open to the public.

The village is eligible to receive a NOPEC Community Events Sponsorship Grant, totaling $1,000, in 2021.

At the regular Village Council meeting earlier this month, Mayor James Gessic asked legislators for ideas on allocating the grant funds.

Councilman Phil Cassella suggested donating portions to benefit three community events.

First, Cassella proposed

contributing $250 each toward the fishing derby held on the day of the Perry Fall Festival and the community Halloween party which takes place at the Manchester West building. He recommended that the remaining $500 be donated to help pay for a fireworks display at this year’s Fall Festival.

The remaining council members indicated their support of Cassella’s idea for splitting the money three ways. They also expressed hope that the novel coronavirus pandemic will be brought under control by fall, so the festival and Halloween party both can take place.

Later during the same meeting, Cassella said that a steering committee is moving ahead with plans to hold the 2021 Fall Festival on Sept. 11. In 2020, health and safety risks posed by COVID-19 prompted the Perry Area Joint Recreation District board to cancel the annual event.

Held at Lee Lydic Park on Call Road in Perry Village, the festival features free admission, but raises money through various activities during the daylong celebration. Proceeds benefit the recreation district’s youth and senior programs.

Perry Area Joint Recreation District serves Perry and North Perry villages, Perry Township and Perry Schools.

Meanwhile, the Perry Community Safe Halloween Party typically takes place on Halloween night at the Manchester West building in the village. The event provides treat bags of candy for kids, serves doughnuts juice and water, and features entertainers such as magicians and balloon artists.

The Halloween party is sponsored by Perry Joint Fire District, with support from Perry and North Perry villages and Perry Township. Although COVID-19 forced cancellation of the indoor party in 2020, the fire district and village government each distributed candy to trick-or-treaters during outdoor events which adhered to social-distancing standards and Ohio Health Department guidelines.

For Perry Village to receive the $1,000 grant for 2021, the mayor must submit a disbursement request form by June 30.

The grants are offered by NOPEC, or Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, to its member communities.

NOPEC is a provider of energy aggregation programs for communities throughout Ohio. The organization uses the principle of buying in bulk to get lower rates on electricity and natural gas for its group of members than those members could obtain individually.

Perry Village has been a NOPEC electric and gas community since 2009.