Holland Library Announces “One World, Many Stories” Series
Children and families are invited to “One World, Many Stories” – a series of free programs at the Holland Branch Library that features hands-on learning activities introduce a variety of cultures and their traditions.
The first event, held October 15, included foods and table settings from around the world.
Each program opens with a story followed by activities presented by Springfield families, including trying on traditional clothing, learning words in different languages, listening to music, making simple crafts and other activities.
Programs are held on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Rd., and include:
• November 12 – Home Sweet Home: Learn about different kinds of homes, the places people live and more.
• January 14 – Put it On: Hands-on learning about the hats, shoes and clothing of many cultures.
• February 11 – I Am Me: Many activities will teach about individuality.
• March 10 – Celebrate: Enjoy the music, dance and traditions of various cultures.
• April 14 – Growing Together: Plant the seeds of friendship in this program about making new friends.
The programs are presented in conjunction with the Springfield Schools Parent Diversity Council. Programs are jointly funded by the Friends of the Library, Holland Branch Library and the Springfield Schools Parent Diversity Council.

Thefts Down In Springfield Township Last Month, Sheriff’s Department Says
BY KELLY J. KACZALA — MIRROR REPORTER
Thefts went down in September in Springfield Township, according to Lucas County Sheriff’s Sgt. Matt Luettke, who gave his regular monthly report to Springfield Township trustees at a trustee meeting on October 17.
“Stepping up patrols, I believe, in the commercial areas, the areas outside some of the businesses, really helped out quite a bit,” Luettke said. “The numbers are still high. Most of that is due to thefts in automobiles. This is not just a Springfield Township problem, this is a problem in all jurisdictions that I’m aware of at this point.
“For many reasons, most of them have to do with the ease, the mobility and anonymity of the parking lots. That’s generally why these are being hit.”
Luettke said the public should be more cautious and not leave valuables in their vehicles.
He noted a recent theft of jewelry from a vehicle parked in the Kohl’s parking lot.
“A woman was taking her jewelry to get appraised – a lot of it. And she left it in the Kohl’s parking lot, with her window rolled down. It’s gone,” he said.
Thefts from vehicles in hotel parking lots are continuing to occur, he added, especially in the early morning hours.
He said the sheriff’s office has staked out certain businesses.
“When they (criminals) see us patrolling the commercial areas, they move off into the neighborhoods again,” he said.
Warrant arrests are still up, Luettke said.
“We served several high risk warrants over the weekend and take fairly serious people who were not from Springfield but staying here. We were able to get tips from the community and serve those warrants, which was a win on our part. Our guys did a good job,” he said.
Trustee Bob Bethel congratulated the sheriff’s department on the arrests of two men for the double homicide that occurred on January 31.
Luettke said it was sometimes frustrating not to be able to comment on the investigation while it was under way.
“Sometimes, we get frustrated because it’s a 24-hour news cycle, and people want information because of the concern for their families,” he said. “But sometimes you just have to have a little faith in us. We will get the job done. We just might not be able to update you on the progress as it’s going.”
The men have been charged with killing Johnny Clarke, 21, and his girlfriend, Lisa Straub, 20, at Straub’s parents’ home on Longacre Lane, where both had lived.
Also at the meeting, the trustees:
• Heard from Fire Chief Barry Cousino about the various memorials fire department officials attended on the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Springfield High School’s Students in Action volunteered their services by washing fire department trucks and served lunch to the department’s on-duty personnel.
Assistant chief Richard Helminski attended an ecumenical prayer service at St. Joan of Arc Church. And Historic St. Patrick Church downtown invited all firefighters, families and friends to an annual firefighters’ Mass on September 11.
• Heard that the fire department responded to a total of 235 calls in September. Of the total, 201 were rescue calls, and 34 were fire calls. Thirty-one calls were in the village of Holland.
• Heard from Cousino that the fire department began dispatching for Spencer Township on October 5.
• Heard that the Lucas County EMS policy board has been meeting to address its budget and is expected to renew its five-year contract with the township for the life squad, according to Cousino.
• Heard from township administrator Leslie Kohli that the township still had 30 “dump” cards to sell to residents interested in dropping off their yard waste at Clean Wood Recycling on West Bancroft Street. The remaining cards will be sold for $10.00 instead of $40.00. They are valid until the facility closes this month.
• Renewed the township’s contract with Workplace Resources for the Employee Assistance Program for $1,544.40.
• Renewed the township’s third-party administrator contract with Frank Gates for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The contract price is $6,950.