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Citizen/community police academies accepting applications: Short Takes on Avon, Avon Lake and North Ridgeville

Lorain County, Ohio

Residents can get a behind the scenes look at the police department and the roles of police officers by attending a citizen/community police academy (CPA). The Avon and Avon Lake police departments recently announced upcoming CPAs in their respective communities for residents to apply to attend.

Avon police

Avon Citizen Police Academy participants will have ride‐alongs with an Avon police officer.

In Avon the CPA is a 10-week program that covers functions, equipment and specialized assignments of officers of the Avon Police Department, as well as other aspects of the criminal justice system. In addition to regular topics, participants are afforded an opportunity to perform hands-on activities and ride‐alongs with an Avon police officer.

The sessions are one evening per week (Tuesdays) and on two Saturdays from Sept. 5 through Nov. 7. Classes will be approximately three hours in length (from 6 to 9 p.m.) at the Avon Police Station, 36145 Detroit Road.

“The academy had been a large component of our community engagement philosophy and, after taking a break due to Covid and some departmental transitions, we are looking forward to starting it again,” said Avon police lieutenant Keith Haag in an email. “Historically, the Citizens Police Academy was not only a place where community members could learn about the functions and activities of the department, but also somewhere that officers and community members could interact outside of traditional police/citizen encounters. This provided an opportunity for the community to better understand our agency and members, as many of our sworn and civilian employees participated in the sessions, and for our members to better understand the community they serve.”

According to Haag, there are several benefits for residents attending the CPA.

“The majority of citizens generally don’t have interactions with the police,” he said. “When they do, it is often at a time when they are in need of assistance, possibly due to being the victim of a crime or being involved in a crash, or when they are the subject of an enforcement action. Beyond this, most information that citizens have about the police comes from what is seen on the media or TV/movies or what they have heard from others who have had contact with the police. The CPA offers community members a venue to have face-to-face interactions with members of the police department in an educational environment. It provides them with information on the how’s and why’s of the functions of the department and it provides them an opportunity to have questions about the police answered by those that are actually serving them. The academy also offers police employees insight into the pulse of the community from direct engagement with community members outside of typical law enforcement activities.”

Once students graduate, the goal is to have a continued partnership. Interested graduates will be given the opportunity to continue as volunteers with the department and the city. Graduates of the academy will also have an opportunity to join the City of Avon Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association.

The academy has been well received by the community and the police department. Police officers have continued relationships with many of the past members. Past members have volunteered at subsequent academies and events that the department has participated in and hosted, have completed volunteer activities with other city departments and one academy graduate has even become a member of the department in the capacity of a community service officer.

Participants must be at least 18-years-old and must be an Avon resident or work in the city. Applicants must successfully pass a criminal background check. Applications may be picked up at the police station, 36145 Detroit Road, or those interested can apply online at cityofavon.com/795/Programs[1]. The deadline to submit an application is Aug. 15. Candidates will be notified of acceptance to the program no later than Aug. 22. For more information, contact Lt. Haag at 440-934-7939 or email [email protected][2]. Space is limited so don’t delay applying.

Avon police

The Avon Citizen Police Academy begins Sept. 5.

Avon Lake is also currently accepting applications for its upcoming Community Police Academy. The program will be held for 10 consecutive Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 9 p.m. starting on Sept. 6 at the Avon Lake Police Department (ALPD), 32855 Walker Road. Each session will cover separate areas of the department’s operations including firearms, communications, patrol, and evidence collection. Instruction will consist of lectures, demonstrations and student participation.

According to information posted by the police department, the main goal of the Community Police Academy is to provide information to the public that will increase the rapport between the citizens and the officers of the Avon Lake Police Department. The hope also is that the graduates of the academy will utilize the knowledge gained through the program to assist the police department in its goals of providing a safe community for the citizens of Avon Lake.

The academy is open to anyone ages 21 and over. Participants will be required to complete an application form and are subject to a background investigation. All participants are expected to attend all sessions of the program.

Applications can be picked up at ALPD dispatch window, 32855 Walker Road, or by emailing a request to [email protected][3].

AVON

Sunflower field update: Preparation work continues on the Prayers from Maria sunflower field on Jaycox Road just north of Middleton Drive. The new field will not be ready for this year, but the temporary location near Mercy Health Stadium (home of the Lake Erie Crushers baseball team) on Recreation Lane will be planted within the next week. Planting has already taken place at the Cedar Point location.

“We appreciate having the opportunity to plant at Crushers to continue to spread awareness,” said Megan McNamara, co-founder of the Prayers from Maria Foundation in an email.

Roads open: The preliminary roundabout work is completed at Mills and Stoney Ridge roads and the roads are now open. The construction of a peanut-shaped roundabout will take place later this year.

Republican club meeting: The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club is hosting Ohio senators Nathan Manning and Matt Dolan at 5 p.m. July 15 at the Knights of Columbus Ragan Hall, 1783 Moore Road. Refreshments will be available. Members are free to attend and guests are $5.

Kids cook: Young cooks and bakers (ages 8 and up) will learn how to read and follow a recipe, as well as sample some tasty treats during a cooking class from 1 to 2 p.m. July 19 at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive. Pre-registration is required, go to LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs[4].

ACT Mini Boot Camp: High school students can prepare for the ACT by attending a free program from noon to 4 p.m. July 20 and July 27 at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive. The sessions are taught by College Now instructors and include a practice test, answer review, basic testing strategies and ACT test prep materials.

The mini boot camp is also offered at the North Ridgeville Branch, 35700 Bainbridge Road, from noon to 4 p.m. July 14 and July 21.

Students must attend both sessions at the same location. Pre-registration is required, go to  LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs[5].

Senior smart drivers: AARP is offering a Smart Driver program for seniors from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Avon Senior Center, 36784 Detroit Road. When seniors take the Smart  Driver, they could be eligible for a multi-year discount on auto insurance. The course teaches driving techniques to keep you safe on the road. Drivers will also learn important facts regarding the effects of medications on driving, maintaining proper distance behind another car, proper use of new technology found in new cars, techniques for handling roundabouts and other turns, and age-related physical challenges. There will be a break for lunch during the course (please bring your own lunch). Cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.  Deadline to register to Aug. 18. Contact the senior center at 440- 934-2417.

AVON LAKE

Anniversary celebration: Congratulations to Parker’s Grille & Tavern, 32858 Walker Road. The restaurant is celebrating 10 years in business with a party at 1 p.m. July 9 featuring a pig roast, entertainment and drink specials. The cost is $35 per person, plus tax and gratuity. To make a reservation, call 440-933-9400.

Friday flicks: The city’s parks and recreation department’s Friday Flicks series begins this week (July 7) at Weiss Field. The first movie is “Happy Feet”. Save the dates for Aug. 4 featuring “The Muppets” movie; and Sept. 1 feature the movie “Over the Hedge” is the movie. Shows begin at dusk.

Rescheduled market: The recent air quality alerts forced the cancellation of the CLE Market at Veterans’ Memorial Par[6]k, 32770 Lake Road. The event will now take place from 4 to 8 p.m. July 13. The family and pet friendly event also features live music.

Party in the park: Join the fun at the city’s next Party in the Park from 6 to 8 p.m. July 16 at  Miller Road Park, 33760 Lake Road, featuring music from The Scenic Route. The event is free. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, chairs, or blankets. Dogs are welcome on leashes. Restrooms will be open. Food trucks onsite include Samurai Dynasty; and Peace, Love and Little Donuts

Fishing event successful: Thank you to everyone who participated in the 10th annual Hooks for Hunger charity fishing tournament. The event raised more than $20,000 for Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Service[7]s (CRS). Taking first place for the second year in a row was Joe Gibson[8], Jake Gibson and Bryan Fisher. Their bag of five fish came in at 27 lbs. 8 oz. Congratulations to all the winners.

NORTH RIDGEVILLE

Master plan community event: The city is hosting a community event from 6 to 8 p.m. July 20, outside city hall, 7037 Avon Belden Road, featuring free pizza and ice cream, kids’ activities, music, prizes and other activities. The event is to raise awareness for the Ridgeville Ready campaign which is creating a master plan for the city. A proposed Town Center area is in the planning stages and more details will be presented during the community event. Guests can also learn about other community initiatives from the city’s parks and recreation department, senior center, school district, library, and the North Ridgeville Veterans Memorial and North Ridgeville Heart and Sole projects.

On June 27 the Master Plan Steering Committee met virtually to get an update on the Town Center work and the group also previewed the economic and market research that will ultimately help shape the Town Center development. The proposed Town Center would be a mixed-use development in the area of Ohio 83 and Bainbridge Road. New buildings would be constructed around the library (which will remain). Buildings would be a mix of residential housing, commercial offices, retail and restaurants, as well as a two-story town hall and community center.

For more information on the community event and the Town Center project, go to  RidgevilleReady.com[9].

Nature walk: Join fellow seniors for a nature walk from 9 to 11 a.m. July 7 at the Sandy Ridge Reservation, 6195 Otten Road. Participants will go out to the middle and back which is about 1.5 miles. The trail surface is compact limestone and level.

Coffee chat: Join Mayor Kevin Corcoran for his monthly Coffee & Conversation from 6 to 7 p.m. July 18 in council chambers at city hall, 7307 Avon Belden Road.

Golden Kernel Award nominations: Do you know a deserving person who has contributed to the betterment of the community? Nominate them for the Corn Festival’s Golden Kernel Award.

Submit a nomination sharing specific examples of the person’s positive impact, and highlight their involvement in community organizations. For more information or to nominate someone, go to nrcornfest.org/goldern-kernel[10].

Country hoedown: Families are invited to come out and enjoy a good old‑fashioned hoedown with cooking demos, music and dancing from 12:30 to 4 p.m. July 22 at the North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road. Pony rides will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Singer Judy Crawford will perform a musical tribute to Patsy Cline from 3 to 4 p.m.

Shout-out: Thank you to the North Ridgeville City Schools[11]’ Ranger High-Tech Academy for the new rain barrel at Lorain Public Library System’s main branch, 351 West Sixth Street, Lorain. After a year-long water systems and water conservation unit, the school received a grant for two rain barrels. There currently isn’t a use for one at the North Ridgeville Branch, so now the garden in downtown Lorain can benefit from the rain barrel.

LORAIN COUNTY

Miniature golf outing fundraiser: Making a comeback is the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Lorain County Miniature Golf Outing. The fundraiser will take place Aug. 3 at Sportsville, 37500 Center Ridge Rd. North Ridgeville, and includes 18 holes of miniature golf, carnival-style games, a batting cage, 50/50 raffle, and prizes. Check-in for the outing kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with play beginning at 6 p.m. The participant fee is $25 for a single player, and $100 for a foursome. Registration fees include food, beer and wine. The event is for adults ages 21 and over. To register, go to nami-lc.org[12], or call NAMI Lorain County at 440-240-8477.

If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email to [email protected]. Follow me on Twitter @jshortavon.[13][14]

References

  1. ^ cityofavon.com/795/Programs (www.cityofavon.com)
  2. ^ [email protected] (www.cleveland.com)
  3. ^ [email protected] (www.cleveland.com)
  4. ^ LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs (LorainPublicLibrary.org)
  5. ^ LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs (LorainPublicLibrary.org)
  6. ^ Veterans’ Memorial Par (www.facebook.com)
  7. ^ Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Service (www.facebook.com)
  8. ^ Joe Gibson (www.facebook.com)
  9. ^ RidgevilleReady.com (ridgevilleready.com)
  10. ^ nrcornfest.org/goldern-kernel (nrcornfest.org)
  11. ^ North Ridgeville City Schools (www.facebook.com)
  12. ^ nami-lc.org (nami-lc.org)
  13. ^ [email protected] (www.cleveland.com)
  14. ^ @jshortavon (twitter.com)

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