GOBA thanks village

To the editor:

On June 14, 15, and 21, the Village of Wellington welcomed with open arms the 2,500 participants of the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA). From the planning stages last fall through the last crumb consumed by the cyclists on-site, the generosity of Wellington's citizens, businesses and non-profit organizations was evident at every opportunity. Many of our riders commented to me that Wellington embodies the best of small-town America, and I agree.

Our 20th annual event enjoyed the hospitality of the Lorain County Fairgrounds as the primary venue for camping and the kick-off and ending point for our week-long bicycle tour. A highlight of our Wellington visit was the chance to hold our traditional bicycle parade with the added feature of an attempt to break the World Record for Largest Bicycle Parade. While we did not make the number needed, I was very impressed by the local volunteers who worked very hard on it, the support of all of the village services, the local audience who cheered us on, the "Spirit of 76ers," and especially by the 275 parade participants from Wellington and the surrounding areas.

I wish I could thank every one of them in person, but this letter will convey to them the gratitude and respect I hold for all of them. Among the many whom I would like to thank are: GOBA town coordinators Mike Eppley of Main Street Wellington, Patti Young and Karen Farago; parade coordinator Ginger Mateer; Juantia Wright, Craig Norton and Mark Diedrick, Lorain County Fairgrounds; mayor Barabra O'Keefe, village administrator Steve Pyles, police chief Steve Rollins, Bill Brown, fire chief Bob Walker, all of the Village of Wellington; Main Street Wellington, Inc.; Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur; Lorain County commissioner Betty Blair; Mike Sunderman of Senator Sherrod Brown's office; Barb Bickel and Lynne Lisner; Lorain County Visitors Bureau; Wellington Fire District; Wellington Police Department and Police Auxiliary; Wellington Chamber of Commerce; Lillian Cloudt; Brian Andrews, Findley State Park; Lorain County Metro Park District; Silver Wheels Bicycle Club; Helen Dronsfield; Becky Bode; Mary Lou Rapp; Sara Eastman, Gerald Fishbaugh; Ronald Runion; Morris Furcron; Bill Schramm and the Eagles #2051; Keystone High School football players; Lorain County Transit Authority; Wellington Seniors; First Congregational United Church; Wellington Band Boosters; First United Methodist Church; Wellington Fullbackers Club; Sheriff Edward Gawlik and Sgt. Mark Varady, Lorain County Sheriff's Office; Marsha Leonard, SLCAD; judge Tom Januzzi; Pastor Brian Burke; Wellington United Church of Christ; Mark Chappo and Lakeshore Railway; CSX Railway Systems; Rochester Fire Department; Brighton UMC; Brighton Congregational Church; Greenwich-South Central Athletic Boosters; Bonnie Brae Elk Farm; Spirit of '76 Museum; Herrick Memorial Library; Lorain County Community College's Wellington Center; and so many more. And a special thank you to Kathleen Willbond and Jill Mahon of the Wellington Enterprise for their great coverage and photos both prior to and during GOBA.

Wellington is a beautiful, hospitable town. Your citizens made that welcome a reality, and 2,501 of us are grateful.

Julie Van Winkle

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure

Fire revealed friends all around

To the editor:

You never know how many friends you have until you need them. The recent fire at our home was called in by several alert neighbors and passers-by. The fire department responded quickly and worked diligently to save the house and its contents, as well as our pets. We are grateful for their professionalism and kindness. The police department assisted as needed. We also appreciated the efforts of the EMTs in attempting to revive our family dog and cat. The remaining pets were all found unharmed, with the help of neighbors and firefighters. We are especially thankful that no one was injured.

Wellington's emergency services personnel are exceptional. They were not only well-trained and efficient, but also personally concerned for our well-being. We want to thank all those involved for their efforts on our behalf, as well as the many people who have offered assistance, condolences, and compassion. It's great to live in a close-knit small town where people know and care about you.

Dave Schoonover

Robin Schoonover

Wellington