JUNE 2011 UPDATE FROM LICKING COUNTY COMMISSIONER TIM BUBB

Information on positive things happening in Licking County…


In recent weeks the Licking County Aging Program acquired the former Miller’s Essenplatz restaurant on Main Street in east Newark, which is just east of their present Zerger Hall facility.

Plans are being finalized and a capital funds drive will be underway in the community to remodel the 34-thousand foot building, and convert it into a multi-purpose facility for senior citizens.

Recently a tour of the facility was given and it was announced that Dave Shull will Chair the $1.25-million capital funds drive for this renovation and acquisition project. They hope to have their fundraising drive complete by August.


Speaking of the Licking County Aging Program (LCAP), it is one of a number of senior service providing agencies across the County supported by a Countywide Senior Services Levy for operations. A few facts regarding LCAP…

Their nutrition program provides hot nutritious meals weekdays at the lunch hour. Home delivery is available, and there are five meal sites in Newark…Candlewick Commons, Sharon Glyn, Terrace Gardens, Washington Square and Zerger Hall. Also, there are five meal sites in the County…Chimes Terrace in Johnstown, LEADS Center in Pataskala, Mitchell Retirement Center in Heath, Oak Hill Manor in Utica, and Jacksontown United Methodist Church.

Other Senior Services include…Transportation, Home Services, Activities, Lobby Hobby Shop, Medicare Assistance and Smilemakers. LCAP has been providing care for older adults since 1972, and they recently took over operations of the Reese Adult Day Center on South Third Street in Newark.

Call 345-0821 or 1-800-452-0097 if you are a senior adult or know of someone who might benefit from their services. LCAP does not charge for its services, but donations are accepted to help defray costs.


Environmental Notes…

The Licking County Commissioners and the Water and Wastewater Department recently received a Public Service Award!

The Ohio Water Environment Association is a nonprofit association that provides technical education and training for Ohio water quality professionals who clean water and return it safely to the environment. OWEA's nearly 2000 members are dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of our most precious natural resource.... Water!

The OWEA presents various annual awards to utilities that demonstrate outstanding performance toward protecting the environment.

The Licking County Board of Commissioners and the Licking County Water and Wastewater Department were the recipient of the “South East Section 2011 Public Service Award”, presented in May. The award was received due to the work performed on the Jacksontown Sewer Project, the Pilot Oil/ SR37 Sewer Line Project, and their continued commitment toward protecting the integrity of the Licking River downstream of the Buckeye Lake Wastewater Treatment Facility.


Environmental Reminder - the Regional CFLP Solid Waste District sponsored Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Day is held in Licking County only every other year due to the expense of the event, and this is our off year. However, HHW events will be held in neighboring Fairfield and Perry Counties this year. The dates are August 20th in Lancaster and September 17th in new Lexington. If you would like details call the CFLP Solid Waste District Office at 740-349-6308.


Orange Barrel Reminder – When traveling check first at the Buckeye Traffic website …www.buckeyetraffic.org - which provides up-to-date information on road conditions, traffic construction and other activity affecting roadways.

Community Notes…

Congratulations to the Granville Chamber of Commerce on their new office/headquarters in the heart of the Village’s business district 125 East Broadway. Executive Director Maggie Barno, and her many supporters and volunteers have done an excellent job creating an attractive new “front door’ for the Granville community.

The Pataskala Public Library recent returned to their building (101 South Vine Street) after being in temporary quarters for several months during a complete renovation project. Their recent rededication event was outstanding, and the staff and contractors did an excellent job updating the facility.

Last week I had the pleasure of addressing the Association of Retired Licking County Teachers. Joining me and also speaking about the County’s excellent Animal Control Program were Animal Control Director John Silva and Mary Angela Reed, one of our outstanding volunteers. Our main purpose was to thank the members of the group for adopting the Animal Shelter as one of their charities in the community, and we appreciate their support and donations.

Tomorrow evening (Tuesday June 14th) the Johnstown community is holding a reception to officially welcome Jim Lenner as their new Village Administrator. Jim began his career in this area working for the County Planning Department as a land planner for five years, and did excellent work. We wish him the best and look forward to working with him on behalf of the Johnstown community.

Tomorrow (Tuesday June 14th) is the annual observance of Flag Day. There are several commemorations in the County including programs in Newark and Pataskala. Please remember to display your American Flag on Tuesday!

This Friday evening (June 17th) is the first of two ‘Party on the Roof’ events planned for this summer. The location is the upper level of the County Parking Garage on South Second Street in downtown Newark. Arnett Howard and his Creole Funk Band will perform. The event is staged by the Newark City Parks Department, and last year was an enjoyable success. Tickets are available through Chuck Jackson and the Newark City Parks Department.


Finally, it is garden time so let me conclude this update with a green note…

This Saturday (June 18th) at 10:00am Dick Baltisberger, Tomato Specialist and Master Gardener, will have a workshop on Tomatoes in the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, 771 East Main Street in Newark, behind the Agricultural Center.

Dick will discuss the value of using tomato cages and how a couple varieties of cages were built and used in the demonstration garden. He will also discuss the use or non use of fungicides in order to control the common tomato diseases of septora and early blight.


He will describe the difference between indeterminate and determinate plants, and how the proper selection of the variety type can avoid having a large plant overtake your home garden.


So if you are REALLY serious about your tomatoes – this Saturday morning workshop is FREE and no registration is required.


Thanks for taking time to read this June 2011 Commissioner Update.

Feel free to forward this e-mail in any direction you would like, and let me know the e-mail address of anyone who would like to be included on my Update Newsletter list.

I can also be e-mailed at tbubb@lcounty.com, and my desk phone number at the Commissioner’s Office is 740-670-5118.


Best Regards…Commissioner Tim Bubb