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Take Rt 82 east past Yogi Bear Park and turn left on Frost Rd and right on Winchell Rd.

Just follow the signs. Tell’m olive sent you.

I’m thinking of seceding my farm from Aurora and rejoining Bainbridge Township. Not because Aurora has done anything to make me mad, Iím just tired of sitting out here on the northern edge of the city, forgotten, except when it comes time to pay taxes or when local politicians are looking for road space to drop in campaign signs.

Sticks and branches get left out by the road are waiting for a pickup that never comes; we call and call but for some reason city services seem to think we’re part of Bainbridge. Thankfully the police and fire haven’t taken on the same impression. Even the trash guys pass us by without even a glance. There have been occasions where we’ve gone three weeks without them so much as slowing down to inspect the cans along side the drive.

Back when we moved up here I called American Electric Power, the electricity supplier for Aurora, to make arrangements for the transfer from previous tenant to us ñ they couldnít find our address. I asked might there be another supplier for Aurora? Oh no, I was firmly rebuked, AEP is the only supplier for the city. After the third call with no results, the customer service rep. suggested I try CEI. I did, they said I was a customer but I wasn’t in Aurora, I was in Bainbridge.

There was even the time I had an application for a new structure before the city planning commission. When I stopped in to check on the status of my application I was told no action had been taken because I wasn’t in Aurora. Imagine my surprise. After all, the family farm has only been in its present location, and associated with Aurora, since 1813. I asked if I could stop paying my taxes to the city the request was not received very well.

Just as an aside, it took us nine-and-a-half years to convince the Aurora Advocate that we were, indeed, in Aurora and therefore eligible for free delivery. The Bainbridge Banter shows up weekly without a request.

But let’s get back to this thought of secession. The real push came a few weeks back when Skip Bohrer with Heritage Development and Concept Communities, the developer who just recently won a zoning change to put 96 cluster-type units at the corner of Treat Road and North Chillicothe (that’s 306 for those who donít know) was interviewed for an article in the Aurora Advocate. The Skipper was elaborating on all the positives for rezoning the corner to allow the condo kings to erect another white bread (with crust cut off) edifice. Skip said the corner was, “A bit of an eyesore.” I can’t even begin to recount how many times I’ve advocated tearing up trees and undergrowth to be replaced with manicured green lawns, plastic siding and concrete. Why the dazzling beauty of it all will be simply breathtaking.

But what really got to the wife and me was Skip’s assertion that his corner was the first place travelers from the north saw as they drove into the city. It was their first impression and it was an ugly one. Never mind that half-mile stretch from the Geauga County/Portage County border between Crackle Road and Treat; never mind the 42 acre green space defining the hypotenuse of my property (and while I think of it, never mind the constant flow of spectators stopping in to gaze upon my wife’s beautiful gardens). According to the developer, the first impression visitors and commuters have of Aurora is roughly the length of nine football fields past the border. Thanks to the Heritage Development and Concept Communities beautification program there won’t be that ugly corner anymore.

Hey Skip, here’s a community concept; more green space and less tacky cluster housing.

Now, thanks to the voters of Aurora, in the future, the first impression will be condominiums. Of course, maybe I shouldn’t mind all that much, being ignored can sometimes have its advantages, like not having nosey neighbors or city officials poking into our business. Still, when I’m passed over as the first place commuters and visitors see driving into Aurora for an overcrowded, cookie-cutter, mini McMansion, 90-unit condominium that hurts.

The sad part; this city seems hell-bent on giving up green space for shabbily-built housing with no more appeal than a pig in lipstick. At the present rate of development in the city my farm may be one of the last bastions of green space left. I have been accused of being a tree-hugger but hey, go figure, I might soon be the last one with trees left to hug.

So I’m thinking of secession. If Aurora doesn’t want to acknowledge me maybe Bainbridge will. If the township balks at the idea I could start my own state. I’ll call it Jackson (after the old family name); get my own flag, my own government, the whole nine yards or 42 acres in this case. But, in all honesty, I like being a part of Aurora so here’s my plan: I’m close enough to the waterfalls that I’m thinking of opening up my own popcorn stand. After all, the city already took my original idea of a clocktower.

From their Press Release– AURORA, Ohio, 2007 – Get ready for plenty of fun this summer on the shores of Geauga Lake. With more than 40 rides and attractions, including eight roller coasters and a massive 17-acre waterpark, Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom has announced details about a wide variety of park improvements for the upcoming season.

Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom will introduce two brand-new shows this summer – the “Magic and Comedy of Tim Hill” and “LEGO Racers.” Located in the Palace Theatre, guests will be treated to the comedic antics and unbelievable magic of Tim Hill. Call him a funny magician or an amazing comedian, either way the audience will leave the show laughing and wondering, “How did he do that?”

In the Harbor Theatre, “LEGO Racers” is a family-friendly movie that will put guests in the middle of the action. Wearing 3-D glasses, moviegoers will feel the excitement as the adventure unfolds around them. Animated race-car-driver Max Axel will race his opponent through a series of challenging terrains. Each time Max and his crew face a difficult situation, teamwork, creativity and imagination save the day.

In addition to the added entertainment, the park will completely renovate a restaurant and will offer two new dining options.

Located in the 1950s section of the park, The Jukebox Café will receive a full make-over from top to bottom. New black-and-white checkered flooring, red parlor-style chairs and booths and new wall coverings and memorabilia will highlight the changes at this family restaurant. The Jukebox Café will feature classic American cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, salads and a build-your-own burger station. As an added treat, kids will be able to enjoy eating meals made just for them and served inside a miniature 1950s-style car.

Aunt Em’s Sandwich Shop, located in Western Village, will feature a wide variety of sandwiches, from subs and Philly cheese steaks to gyros and chicken wraps. Hungry park-goers will be able to pick their own sandwich toppings and combo their selection with a side of french fries and a great dessert.

And, for the first time, the park will offer fried chicken dinners. These family favorite meals will be served at the new Lunch Basket, formerly the Hot Dogger.

For water-lovers, more VIP cabanas will be added to the $30 million Wildwater Kingdom waterpark that opened in 2005. Located adjacent to Tidal Wave Bay, a 390,000-gallon wave pool, the VIP cabanas will include lounge chairs, a table and chairs for dining and full food and beverage service.

“We are very excited about the upcoming season,” stated Bill Spehn, vice president and general manager of Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom. “These new additions and upgrades will not only improve the overall guest experience at Geauga Lake, they also show our commitment to making Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom the perfect summertime family destination.”

The “it” game of 2007 will also be at Geauga Lake this summer! The All-American Cornhole Toss will be similar to horseshoes except wooden boxes called cornhole platforms and corn bags are used instead of horseshoes and stakes. Players will win prizes by tossing the most corn bags in the hole or on the platform. The All-American Cornhole Toss will be located in Coyote Creek, across from the 3-Point Challenge game.

Other changes for this summer include new paint jobs on two classic Geauga Lake thrillers, Head Spin and Texas Twister. Three rides, X-Flight, Steel Venom and the Bel Aire Express will be removed from the park. Renamed Firehawk, X-Flight has recently been introduced at Kings Island amusement park near Cincinnati, while Steel Venom will be relocated to another Cedar Fair Entertainment Company park at a later date.

The park will also introduce a smoke-free environment that includes designated smoking areas. The new designated smoking areas will have seating and shade and will be located throughout the park. Smoking will not be allowed outside of those areas or in the waterpark.

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Next we beat Steubenville. Here’s info about them www.rollredroll.com they only have a a 28 game winning streak, are the defending state champions, and have a 52-2 record over the past four years. They should be overconfident and ready to lose.

From the High School Morning Announcements.The Aurora Greenmen advanced to the final four in the state and will play in the state semifinals after their 24-23 victory over Lake Catholic. Down 23-12 at halftime, the Greenmen rallied for the victory. Their record now stands at a school record 12-1 on the season. Wes Miller rushed for over 100 yards and 2 TD’s and also threw for one TD. Sophomore Steven Yung also rushed for over 100 yards and had a TD rushing and pass receiving. The defense, who shut out the Cougars in the second half, were led by Kris Hill, Mike Snyder, Steve Fiore, and Joe Cech. The Greenmen will play Saturday night at 7 PM at Canton Fawcett Stadium against the Big Red of Steubenville. Steubenville has a 28 game winning streak and are the defending state champions, and have a 52-2 record over the past four years. However, none of that matters because……We Believe!!

The are currently raising funds to rennovate the building and they need your financial support.
So contribute today! and contact them to see how you can help.