This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Around 248 years after the Continental Army’s successful campaign in the Battle of Saratoga the turning point of the American Revolution the Bromfield Acton-Boxborough rowing team engaged in its own battle on April 26 and 27—the annual Saratoga Invitational Let’s get the obvious out of the way: It rained This is practically a given at the upstate New York venue There were some bright spots: Bromfield’s Ellie Daly and A-B’s Emily Yang earned silver medals in a double and the girls varsity 8 and the boys novice 4 nabbed bronzes and wild wind made for unpredictable racing conditions “Gotta love ‘Toga!” said girls varsity coach Holly Hatton More than 1,200 crews raced for 1,500 meters in 10 lanes across Fish Creek including high schools and private clubs from A (Albany Rowing Center steered the course five times over the two-day event She noted both the dramatic weather and the challenge of racing private clubs “We are up against a lot of teams that have a lot more resources than we do; it’s not a level playing field,” she said especially with other teams at our level—and we were still pretty competitive with the teams with more resources.” and coxswain Sofi Marder in the girls third varsity 4 as seen from a bridge in Saratoga Springs She described a chaotic start to one of the races The wind was blowing a crew from friendly rival Wayland Weston off the start a man holding a start flag scolded one of the rowers “What is wrong with you?” Marder said her hackles went up “They are kind of like our sister team almost,” she said “And their coxswain was a total icon ‘You do not talk to my ladies like that!’ So that was fun We really value being a good team to other teams Marder said she subbed in for one of the boys races called for them to “Release the Kraken,” which caused them to increase their stroke rate and her rowers had to call out to each other throughout the race Although they sometimes felt like “sad wet rats,” she said The BA-B program’s location creates unique circumstances for the team rowers in Massachusetts can’t get out there year-round All winter the BA-B athletes train in a former retail clothing store They bring weights and ergometers (rowing machines) and hang motivational posters and American and Olympic flags coaches arranged for the team to use the tanks at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester in which they row oars with huge holes in the blades on a kind of lazy river This year the indoor season lasted even longer than usual; the Massachusetts drought status for the state’s northeast region is still listed as “significant.” The pond seemed to take forever to fill up after the usual fall drawdown for the weeds The coaches contacted the Middlesex School and arranged for BA-B to row out of its Concord River facility a few days a week the coaches spent three days puttering around Bare Hill Pond marking rocks just below the surface with buoys “I can place guys in a boat of similar size and fitness,” said boys varsity coach Gary Piantedosi “but they really need miles and miles of continuous rowing to get used to each other and we just have not had those miles available to us.” He added and they came off the water more determined than disappointed They know they can go faster—and they will.” The team’s next outing is the Amber Zapatka Memorial Regatta on the Merrimack River in Lowell on May 10 and 11 Jill Maxwell is a B-AB parent and longtime sports contributor to the Harvard Press [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Numberofviews] (1040)/[EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Comments] (0) Sign in Join now, it's FREE! host of the CBC show Still Standing, has deemed it worth the drive to Acton for a taping of his show.  He will be joined by a small camera crew on May 23 as he gets to know local businesses talks to residents and takes in the sights and sounds of the town the Acton Business Improvement Area (BIA) is fast tracking its annual beautification projects to get the downtown camera ready “I really want the downtown to pop,” BIA coordinator Matt Galliford said "It's an excuse to push a little harder for certain things that we want to do." The premise of Still Standing is fairly simple: Each episode features a small town its strengths and challenges, but in the end is still standing The host learns everything he can about the municipality This can include exploring the town’s history he presents his findings to a local audience in a free stand-up routine. Acton District School will be the setting for this on May 23 at 7 p.m “Acton District School is so excited to host the show at our school,” said principal Kelli Pfeiffer “This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight our beautiful school and community We send a warm Acton Bearcat welcome to the staff and crew!” CBC Producer Adrian Callendar says the concept for the shoot is still in development and he wasn't able to say where filming will occur in town.  Acton's story will lead the episode. On the agenda is retelling Acton’s storied heyday as 'Leather Town,' a moniker bestowed upon it thanks to the Beardmore Tannery – once considered the largest producer in the British Empire The first segment of the episode is planned to be about that and the Olde Hide House “Our episodes start off with the story of how the town fell on hard times but that accounts for only a small part of the show,” Callendar also said “Still Standing is a celebration of small-town Canada and the many strengths of the cultures and people who live there.” “Viewers will get a little backstory about Acton before we dive into the other side of Acton's story about how the town is still on its feet and as strong as the leather it used to make,” Callendar noted Jonny Harris will gladly talk to any curious locals who want to chat the producers ask bystanders not to follow the crew around as this may impede their production schedule this shoot represents an exciting opportunity — one he hopes will result in a tourism boost for Acton.  “It's going to remind people that Acton is still here It's going to be nice to get the national exposure of the whole coast-to-coast broadcast,” Galliford said Amy Acton at the Washington County Democrats Spring Dinner at the Armory on Friday evening the former Director of the Ohio Department of Health and a prominent figure during the state’s COVID-19 response visited the Washington County Democrats Spring Dinner in Marietta this week as part of her statewide listening tour Her visit marks an early step in what is expected to be a campaign for governor as she explores a bid rooted in public service and unity emphasizing that her campaign is driven by a deep connection with Ohioans and a desire to address the state’s ongoing struggles “This has been a long journey coming for me,” Acton said I was approached by people from both parties because of how I connected with Ohioans We went through something incredibly hard together is positioning herself as a candidate focused on compassion a Democrat who is running for Ohio Attorney General “But I’ve been a lifelong public servant Our campaign theme is simple: we refuse to look the other way while people are struggling.” Acton praised the community’s warmth and energy vibrant place.” She noted that while she had visited the area in an official capacity before “I’m coming here now to really listen People are turning out in record numbers across Ohio to share their stories and their hopes for what our state could be.” While Ohio remains a Republican-leaning state Acton is optimistic about building a broad coalition people tell me they’re ready for something different The statehouse is filled with chaos and special interests and people are tired of it,” she said “They want leaders who use common sense for the common good.” a Democrat who is running to be a state representative including a difficult childhood and her path through medical school which she completed while working three jobs She said that overcoming adversity has shaped her worldview and given her the resilience to face tough challenges “COVID was just one moment you saw on camera,” she said “But I’ve spent my whole life fighting for people behind the scenes.” Acton is laying the groundwork for a campaign that focuses on listening first She says her goal is to build a vision of Ohio that works for everyone a “North Star” to guide the state forward “There’s a real hunger right now for leadership that unites us “People are ready for a better future a Democratic candidate for Ohio Attorney General who is running on a platform focused on tackling corruption A key issue in Forhan’s campaign is public education funding particularly his opposition to House Bill 96 which proposes significant cuts to public school funding while expanding private school voucher programs this bill is designed to destroy public education in Ohio,” he warned “They’re defunding our schools to give tax cuts to their rich friends Forhan also shared how his personal background influences his political philosophy he officiated their wedding in 2015 following the U.S Supreme Court’s landmark Obergefell v Hodges decision legalizing same-sex marriage “My parents taught me the values of kindness “That’s exactly what I’ll bring to the Attorney General’s office.” Also campaigning in the region was Wenda Sheard A strong advocate for equitable school funding Sheard supports continuing the six-year funding plan designed to meet the Ohio Constitution’s requirement for a “thorough and efficient system of common schools.” She didn’t stop at education Sheard also addressed mental health and addiction services–issues she says are deeply personal and urgent for southeastern Ohio “There’s a wonderful ADAMH board here in Washington County doing crucial prevention and support work,” Sheard noted “Investing in mental health and addiction services ultimately saves us money Additional local candidates included Marietta City Council members Erin O’Neill and Harley Noland who would be running for reelection in November Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com | https://www.newsandsentinel.com | 519 Juliana St. Being the face of the 2020 COVID pandemic for millions of Ohioans might be a two-edged sword for a candidate for Ohio governor like Dr. Amy Acton Mike DeWine every day through the worst of the public health crisis giving Ohioans your advice and expertise as director of the Ohio Department of Health and you could be seen as a menace who used her emergency powers to virtually shut down the state with shelter-in-place orders and forcing Ohio’s school students into remote learning It bought her a seemingly endless round of public demonstrations, lawsuits and threats of violence against her and her family But the straw that broke the camel's back and led her to leave her job in June of 2020 was her refusal to sign off on a request from Republican state legislators that she and DeWine lift the ban on county fairs at a time when even hospitals were still facing restrictions the Youngstown native — who grew up in poverty and experienced homelessness at an early age — is the only Democrat who has so far raised her hand to run for Ohio governor in 2026 She declared her candidacy at a time when other potential Democratic candidates appear to be running for the exits after seeing Donald Trump win Ohio in three straight presidential elections “I truly believe that I formed a bond with people during COVID," Acton told WVXU in a recent interview They know that we can do better in this state and in this country.” the 59-year-old physician has been traveling the state holding events with Ohio voters who treat her as a serious voice in Ohio politics even though they have never seen her name on any ballot for any office has been advising Acton and her campaign team He sees a “lightning-strike opportunity” for Acton as a gubernatorial candidate “There’s really a connection there between her and voters,’’ Pepper said “You see it in the crowds showing up for her in the opening days of the campaign You ordinarily see that at the end of successful campaigns One issue that Acton spoke out on forcefully was the decision by the Trump administration to eliminate funding for the one federal agency that helps fund public libraries “Public schools and libraries saved my life as a child,’’ Acton said “We lived for a time in a basement with one light bulb and I could read books “These are issues that touch people’s lives every day,” Acton said “It’s about extreme wealth and power coming after things we hold dear — our libraries and our schools,” Acton said “People are tired of all the chaos in Washington They are tired of cutting government funding just to give tax breaks to the wealthiest among us.” Acton went back to her previous job at the Columbus Foundation where she helped found the Center for Human Kindness She lives in the Columbus suburb of Bexley with her six kids and husband Eric Acton makes a point of expressing gratitude to DeWine the Republican governor who gave her a chance to run the Ohio Department of Health — the governor she now hopes to follow into that office “I was honored to work alongside the governor,” Acton said On the Republican side, billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, formerly Elon Musk’s partner at DOGE, appears to be the frontrunner of the GOP gubernatorial nomination, with his endorsement from Trump and a growing list of Ohio Republican officeholders Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost also is in the race a lawyer and longtime GOP strategist in Ohio sees no chance for Acton in a deeply red state like Ohio “Amy Acton will be the favorite of the small slice of Ohioans who fondly remember double masking and kids kept out of schools but most Ohioans see the COVID era much differently,” Weaver said “She is likely to lose by a double-digit margin and the rest of the Democrat ticket will go down with her.” “My eyes are wide open; I know the challenges,” Acton said “But I have a constituency and bond with voters that doesn’t have anything to do with politics.” Pepper said he believes the moment may be right for a candidate like Acton who comes from outside the realm of politics “This could well be another John Glenn moment,’’ said Pepper speaking of the late senator who had universal fame and was highly respected as a Mercury astronaut long before his career in politics “I think that moment could be coming around again,’’ Pepper said “A moment when people are tired of politics as usual and are looking for someone different And Amy Acton has the skill set to be that person.” Acton’s campaign raised some eyebrows a few weeks ago when her campaign released its first quarter campaign fundraising It was the most ever raised by an Ohio Democratic candidate in a quarter breaking the old record of $472,000 raised by then-governor Ted Strickland in 2009 on the high cost of child care — the kind of issues that people care about “I will bring the same passion to this as I did to COVID “I say what Tim Walz said in his town hall meetings in Ohio this month,’’ Acton said “I’m not a politician,” says Dr. Amy Acton the former director of the Ohio Department of Health and a Democratic Party candidate for Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial race “I’ve always been a public servant and a problem solver My job is putting the truth on the table and gathering people from different systems to solve tough problems that affect all our well-being and prosperity I’m running for governor because I refuse to look the other way.” Many Ohioans remember Acton for the pivotal role she played during the COVID-19 pandemic. “11.7 million people felt like they were my patient and my responsibility to keep safe,” she says. Beyond that, Acton has worked with the Columbus Foundation as a physician specializing in public health and preventative medicine it was the honor of a lifetime seeing Ohioans … try to help one another get through.” Connect with the Columbus you don't know. Subscribe to Columbus Monthly's weekly Top Reads newsletter Her experiences make her sympathetic to the struggles Ohioans are still facing “I often say that people don’t live in ideologies and we are hardwired to connect … We must co-create the world we want to live in generation after generation But the thing I remember most are the people who didn’t look the other way.” a local philanthropist and a longtime colleague of Acton “This woman has seen so much over her lifetime and has responded to everything in a positive way I knew from the day I met her many years ago that she would be a leader in something.” those who meet Acton are struck by her serene manner and gentle mode of speech—but don’t let it fool you into thinking she’s meek or docile “My calm demeanor can belie the fighter that I am I’ve pumped a man’s heart with my hands,” she says with a laugh It’s something she recognizes not just in herself What I see in many women is a fierce determination toward social justice and keeping the people we love safe and thriving.” Because fear and uncertainty are very contagious … We talked so much about hate Amy Acton's Greatest Wish for 2025“To help create a movement of the Ohioans who believe in what is possible for our state and to inspire them with a public servant that puts the well-being of Ohioans above self-interest and empowers us to row together towards common purpose This story is from the Inspiring Women feature in the May 2025 issue of Columbus Monthly. Subscribe here "I am running for governor because I refuse to look the other way while Ohio continues to go backwards on so many measures." Acton criticized current state leadership for focusing on "hot-button culture war issues," which she said are not the primary concerns of Ohioans "They talk about things like childcare they helped me realize that it's time that we need a change in Ohio," she said Reflecting on her tenure as health director, Acton highlighted her role in reaching a settlement on opioids and addressing radiation leaks from a weapons plant in southern Ohio even with many of the legislators that we have today," she said Acton also shared how her childhood experiences in poverty and the foster care system shaped her beliefs and commitment to public service "I didn't realize it then that I was learning that your zip code can predict on average how long you will live and what kind of life you will have far more than your genetic code," she said During the pandemic Acton became a daily presence alongside Governor Mike DeWine with some Ohioans finding comfort in their leadership while others viewed them as polarizing figures We were able to reopen faster than other states because we took quick "I stepped down because quite frankly pressure began to come on the governor and me from the legislator Special interests wanting orders to be written for their special interests And pressure came for orders that were not scientific it would have hurt and possibly killed Ohioans," she said Acton expressed readiness to engage in politics again emphasizing her willingness to work with those prioritizing Ohioans' interests Because you've still got a lot of those forces in the statehouse right now there are many good people on both sides of the aisle who want to be public servants And what I can tell you is I will work tirelessly with anyone who put the interests of Ohioans first," she said and Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo have been mentioned but have not announced their intentions Follow ABC 6 On Your Side Anchor/Reporter Tom Bosco on Facebook and X CLEVELAND — She was arguably the best-known non-elected official in Ohio five years ago as the COVID-19 pandemic took over our lives Amy Acton is looking to use that name recognition to mount her first run for elected office Acton announced she would seek the Democratic nomination for the state's top job RELATED: Dr. Amy Acton, who helped lead Ohio’s early pandemic response, joins 2026 governor's race and problem-solver," Acton said on her campaign website "I'm running for Governor because I refuse to look away from Ohioans who are struggling and it’s time to give power back to the people and our communities." Acton quickly became the face of the state's efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 By joining Governor DeWine in his daily briefings and other shows of support for a woman who was literally Governor DeWine's last cabinet pick a year earlier "Never in my life did I expect a phone call or a job like this," she told News 5 in 2020 moving from place to place before the age of 12 Experiences she told me a month into the pandemic that didn't break her but rather shaped her into the person she would become "It's made me have a certain resiliency and a focus in crisis and an ability to tolerate," she said That ability to tolerate would soon be tested as she soon was on the receiving end of the frustrations expressed by a growing number of Ohioans over the state's handling of the pandemic There were protests outside of the statehouse she had had enough and left the post to go to work for the Columbus Foundation She stepped down a year later to consider a run for the Democratic nomination for U.S which she ultimately decided not to pursue News 5 Political Analyst Tom Sutton says given the lack of a Democratic bench in Ohio "This time around there's really no other identified Democrat whose announced or who people are talking about," Sutton said "If we looked at potential possibilities there might be people like Tim Ryan running again but for governor Sherrod Brown possibly deciding to run for governor Allyson Russo the minority leader in the house Other than that though there really aren't any other Democrats that people think about in terms of running." it'll be a tough race to run against whoever wins the Republican nomination and it would really depend on to what degree Ohioans think about how things were when she was the Health Director during the COVID crisis under DeWine in 2020," said Sutton we asked a sample if the name Amy Acton rang a bell "She helped us when we had the pandemic going on She was like the greatest thing we had in Ohio." Sutton says it's the Republican's race to lose regardless of who the nominee is A slot that is in flux as we wait on Governor DeWine's choice to fill Vice President-elect JD Vance's seat in the U.S "Depending on what happens with Jon Husted if he's selected and says yes to serve in the U.S that leaves Dave Yost a fairly open field in terms of his declaration possibly Congressman Warren Davidson or others who are thinking about running for the gubernatorial nomination for the Republicans Whoever wins that nomination will be the odds on favorite I think against whoever the Democrat is in '26 including Dr Ohio's health director during the COVID-19 pandemic Derrow is a retired business owner and former member of the New Albany-Plain Board of Education but as a practicing physician for 50 years I can assure you that his understanding of medical science and public health is greatly limited It sounds as if he went to the Sean Hannity school of medicine and what he claims that he and many Americans "knew" about COVID-19 is blatantly false is not affected by geographical or political boundaries and the COVID-19 virus did not know or care about your political affiliation too many Americans were making their health decisions based upon misinformation more than 100 million Americans had experienced a COVID infection the death rate from COVID-19 in our country was 341 deaths per 100,000 people the second-highest death rate in the world trailing only Peru − far worse than our peer countries in Europe This outcome occurred even though by December 2020 two effective vaccines had been developed and released for emergency usage Deaths from COVID-19 were not evenly distributed on a state-by-state or county-by-county basis It might surprise Derrow and others to know that such information is gathered by our county health departments and is readily available to anyone with a computer Opinion: Cincinnati can't afford to lose federal support. Too many lives depend on it An examination of this data was done by researchers from Yale University in the summer of 2023 with special attention to the states of Ohio and Florida Researchers found that after the introduction of the vaccines in the winter of 2020-2021 the death rate from COVID-19 was 43% higher among Republicans than Democrats the researchers found that the 300 most pro-Trump counties in the U.S had a death rate from COVID-19 that was 2.5 times higher than the 300 most anti-Trump counties This does not mean that Democrats are healthier than Republicans or that Democrats have some special resistance to the COVID virus it simply means that political affiliation was a major determinant of how many of the public health measures shown to protect people from COVID − vaccination masking and social distancing − were adopted by individuals and families Amy Acton intelligently and courageously urged Ohioans to adopt on her weekly television appearance during the pandemic despite a great deal of resistance from some quarters Acton’s side in full support of her recommendations Letters: Vivek Ramaswamy is another billionaire playing politics. Ohio doesn't need him. This all goes to show that medical advice from unreliable sources should not be trusted we learned that deliberate misinformation did kill people Fabrey lives in Springfield Township and is a graduate of Dartmouth College The Ohio State University College of Medicine and is a practicing family physician in Cincinnati for 50 years Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInAUGUSTA (WRDW/WAGT) - A cool front passes through Saturday night bringing dry and slightly cooler weather to Georgia-Carolina Sunday Overnight lows tonight will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s with winds from the north at 2 to 7 mph Expect a mostly sunny sky Sunday with highs a few degrees cooler in the lower 80s with wind from the northeast at 7 to 12 mph Another weak disturbance passes overhead Monday that could be enough to spark a few isolated showers Monday warmer day with sunrise temperatures in the upper 50s and afternoon highs in the middle 80s Rain chances gradually return beginning Wednesday as a ridge of high pressure over the area begins to move east allowing moisture to increase from the south Look for a 20 percent chance of an isolated afternoon showers Wednesday going up to 30 percent Thursday and 40 percent by Friday Temperatures will warm up as well with morning lows in the lower to middle 60s Wednesday Thursday and Friday with afternoon highs in the middle to upper 80s Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton helped lead the state through the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic she's running as a Democrat to replace term-limited Gov "I’m running for governor because I don’t want to look the other way when Ohioans are struggling," Acton told the statehouse bureau on Tuesday our state has been going in the wrong direction and I think we all know it's time for a change." Acton, 58, of Bexley, became a household name in Ohio during daily COVID-19 news updates when she stood beside Republican DeWine in her white lab coat She quickly became known for her encouraging phrases − “Not all heroes wear capes” − and simple public health explanations – layering safety precautions like Swiss cheese More: As Ohio health director, Dr. Amy Acton went from unknown to icon — beloved by many, targeted by some and left DeWine's administration several weeks later "People are tired of being pitted against one another," Acton said of division in politics a lot of culture wars and they're frustrated They're frustrated that we're not addressing the real struggles we face in day-to-day life." Acton considered a run for U.S. Senate in 2021 to replace retiring Sen Tim Ryan to challenge political newcomer JD Vance instead Vance defeated Ryan before joining President-elect Donald Trump's winning ticket in 2024 Democrats and independents in Ohio are looking for a change one she hopes to provide as a first-time candidate They often ask for leadership where people are willing to face the hard problems and bring people around the table," Acton said "Problems don't really care if you're a Democrat or a Republican." Republicans are also lining up to replace DeWine, who backs Lt. Gov. Jon Husted for the job. Husted is also the frontrunner to replace Vance in the Ohio Senate but he hasn't decided which position to pursue Other GOP contenders for governor could include Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Ohio Treasurer Rob Sprague and Trump appointee Vivek Ramaswamy who grew up in the Cincinnati area and lives outside of Columbus Acton didn't weigh in on specific GOP gubernatorial hopefuls "I'm quite certain that the other side will put forward strong candidates but what I hope we all do is begin to have the hard conversations about the problems that matter to Ohioans." Before Acton served as Ohio's first female health director Acton worked as a community research and grants management officer for the Columbus Foundation and a public health professor at Ohio State University Stay informed: Sign up for our weekly Scoop newsletter on Ohio politics Acton said those experiences gave her empathy for struggling Ohioans "While I had the ability to have a better life I'm not sure that we're continuing to make that for all Ohioans." Acton attended Youngstown State University before earning a medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine and a master's in public health from Ohio State University After leaving the DeWine administration, Acton worked at the Columbus Foundation for several months and briefly led a nonprofit working to connect Franklin County's trail network with five stream corridors called RAPID 5 They have six children in their blended family others Democrats run?Acton's entrance into the governor's race signals that Brown won't run for that job hosting fundraisers for him and Democrats running for the Ohio Statehouse "I hope to earn the support of many of my friends and colleagues including the senator," Acton said Tuesday Brown told the statehouse bureau that he's not ruling out anything for his political future His immediate plan is to "make the Democratic Party the party of workers again." the top Democrat in the Ohio House of Representatives The Democrat from Upper Arlington has served in the Ohio Legislature fighting against GOP policies and redistricting maps Ryan, who now works with natural gas and cryptocurrency groups, is keeping his options open, according to Signal Cleveland. Reporter Haley BeMiller contributed to this article Jessie Balmert covers state government and politics for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio FILE - Ohio Department of Health Director Dr Amy Acton gives an update on the state's preparedness and education efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Cleveland The most prominent Democrat so far in the 2026 race for Ohio governor will address the 2025 Washington County Democratic Party Spring Dinner in April the former head of the Ohio Department of Health at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic Candidates for local elections will also speak Acton announced her plans to run for governor in January the field so far includes Republican Attorney General Dave Yost former state Martin Luther King Commission member Heather Hill and biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Tickets for the dinner are $50 and on sale now by calling Willa O’Neill at 740-516-4913 or Lisa Bammerlin at 740-629-7697 A special VIP meet-and-greet with Acton will be held prior to the meeting Tickets for that reception and the dinner are $100 per person and those wishing to attend are asked to contact 740-516-4913 People are asked to RSVP for the dinner soon but no later than April 21 | https://www.mariettatimes.com | 740-373-2121 ACTON — There's a taste of New Orleans, Manhattan and Chicago at a new restaurant on Arlington Street called Silver Girl. It’s even owned by the same women behind Eva and Murray’s Farm to Home just around the corner at 525 Massachusetts Ave Dawn Aguiar and Tamara Deluzio exemplify how a 30-year friendship has blossomed into a successful business partnership that started just after the COVID-19 Each began her career in the food industry later in life reevaluated what I wanted to do with my life,” said Aguiar “I’ve always wanted to open a cheese shop and a food business opened Eva and Murray’s Farm to Home in 2021 It specializes in American farmstead cheeses organic wines and gifts produced by women-owned businesses “We really care deeply about the environment and the slow food movement and have curated a really world-class selection of American cheeses,” Aguiar said “We live our values through the merchandise.” The women always wanted to open a restaurant so when they learned from their landlord about a vacancy nearby It took about nine months to build out the space for Aguiar and Deluzio’s “baby,” Silver Girl, which got its name from lyrics in Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Those were the lyrics Aguiar and Deluzio were listening to when the name of the restaurant came to them even though we choose to cover it up with hair dye,” Aguiar said inspired by restaurants they visited in New Orleans “It’s warm and cozy and inviting,” Aguiar said “People have said they almost feel like they’re entering someone’s home Our bar is counter-height so it really feels like you’re sitting at a friend’s kitchen counter Live jazz music by Betty’s Bounce adds to the New Orleans vibe at Silver Girl Aguiar, who grew up in Louisiana, serves as executive chef. She created a menu comprising what she describes as "elevated comfort food with a little bit of a Southern twist." which is a lovely chicken and mushroom stew with a buttermilk biscuit topping,” said Aguiar Silver Girl’s menu also offers vegan and gluten-free options such as polenta sugo finto (crispy miso polenta cake which is why Silver Girl’s menu includes some Sicilian-influenced dishes Silver Girl also has a selection of 12 signature cocktails ranging from light airy and refreshing to spirit-forward and intense The Grail Maiden is an example of a lighter cocktail Bathsheba’s Flame is made with blended rums who rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as the state’s health director said Tuesday she is seeking to become the state’s next governor said: “I’m running for governor because I refuse to look the other way while politicians and special interests keep moving us backward in the state The state’s going in the wrong direction and I feel very strongly that it’s time for a change Today is the beginning of a journey over the next two years with Ohioans.” Acton emphasized a number of times during an interview Tuesday that she is not a politician and is a public servant who was born and raised on Youngstown’s North Side was appointed director of the Ohio Department of Health by Gov She became well known throughout Ohio during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic becoming DeWine’s chief health adviser “It was an honor of a lifetime to serve with the governor my whole career has been about being a public servant and a doctor working on some of the hardest problems our communities face and that people face,” Acton said “One of the things that came out of COVID and my time during that crisis was I really bonded with the people of Ohio in a way that is very You don’t go through something like we did and not just care deeply when you want to save the lives of 11.7 million people Traveling around the state for the past couple of years speaking about her experiences they share with me their struggles and their ideas for how they wish things could be better,” Acton said She added: “Unlike a lot of the leaders in the Statehouse right now I really believe the answer moving the state forward isn’t giving the politicians and special interests more power It’s about giving people in communities freedom again I’m talking about the way that people neighborhoods and communities come together to face the hard things but also build the Ohio that we want to live in I’m running for governor because I’m not looking the other way We all know it’s time for a change.” A Democrat hasn’t won a statewide executive branch office since 2008 with Republicans dominating the state Acton campaigned for three Democratic Ohio Supreme Court candidates and Donald Trump won Ohio for the third consecutive presidential election is planning to run for governor in 2026 with Treasurer Robert Sprague strongly considering it Jon Husted is deciding between getting appointed to the Senate to succeed J.D Asked how she could overcome the state’s Republican dominance “People of all parties come up to me and share the things they’re struggling with we know problems themselves aren’t Democrat or Republican Good ideas aren’t Democrat or Republican People say they’re tired of people putting culture warfare and partisanship” first “People want to hear from leaders who put their problems ahead of politics and that’s why I’m running for governor They want to hear from people who are problem solvers people are asking for the kind of leadership they saw me do day-to-day.” people saw her work with a Republican governor and “put partisanship aside and get us through one of our toughest times.” “People are tired of the vitriol and the hate,” she said “They want to see people talk about the things we hold dear talk about common values and talk about ways to move us forward.” Acton said she’s not a political pundit but “I do know Ohioans and I do know they’re ready for a change.” Acton grew up on Youngstown’s North Side I know what it’s like to be homeless I know what it’s like to feel invisible I remember the people who would see some of the things I was going through and it was hard to see I remember the people who didn’t.” But Acton graduated from Liberty High School in 1984 attended Youngstown State University and received her medical degree in 1990 from Northeast Ohio Medical University Acton said her time in the Mahoning Valley shaped her who have grit and stamina and are independent thinkers,” she said “I’m really proud of where I come from.” Today's breaking news and more in your inbox Copyright © 2025 Ogden News Publishing of Ohio | https://www.heraldstaronline.com | 401 Herald Square Tick populations are on the rise in Halton. The black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, has becoming an increasing problem in the last few years, according to a 2024 report from Halton Region Public Health.  The black-legged tick is also the only known tick to carry Lyme disease in Ontario making their increase in population troublesome to many.  Acton pet groomer Pawsitively Furbulous Pup Palace recently took to Facebook to warn dog owners about the “alarming rate” of ticks they've been finding.  “You didn't used to see ticks all that often ticks are becoming more prevalent during the whole year Last year we got about 10 ticks for the whole season This year we've seen 12 already," said Pup Palace owner Jaime Sheppard As temperatures warm up and tick populations grow throughout the spring Halton Region suggests avoiding areas where they thrive -- namely wooded areas and places with long grass.  Sheppard notes that many of the owners of the dogs she has found ticks on don’t live in the countryside it is important to also ensure that backyards are maintained to discourage ticks taking up residence This includes regularly mowing lawns to keep grass short and removing leaf litter and weeds around fences.  who works at Amazing Pet Grooming in Milton said that while the amount of ticks they’ve found on dogs isn’t as concerning to them “the groomers noticed that they've been getting them earlier this year and quite a few of them.”  Barbosa said that many of the ticks were found on dogs’ faces She said longer coats are much more likely to have undetected ticks on them and only become noticeable when using the blow dryer.  There are many ways to remove a tick from a dog or person once it's found The Region recommends using tweezers as close to the skin as possible Sheppard said that once the tick is removed it should be put in a plastic bag so that it may be tested for Lyme disease Only live ticks can be properly tested for the disease For dog owners worried about their furry friends contracting Lyme disease Sheppard suggests consulting their vets for tick and flea preventatives Unfortunately for humans worried about contracting the disease there isn’t a vaccine or medication to prevent it.  Which is why it is important for people to cover up when going into forested areas staying on trails during hikes and spraying clothes and exposed skin with repellents that contain DEET or icaridin to help deter ticks.  if a tick is removed within 24 hours then the chances of getting Lyme disease is extremely low which is why it is important to check for ticks after being outside.  Some of the common symptoms of Lyme disease in people are a circular red rash joint swelling and loss of appetite.  For more information on ticks, visit the Halton Region website or the Public Health Agency of Canada.  The Owensboro Times William graduated from Owensboro High School in 1960 and pursued further education earning his bachelor’s degree in business from Brescia University in 1976 He dedicated 25 years of his career to Alcoa Aluminum before retiring he became an ordained deacon in 1972 at Bellevue Baptist Church serving faithfully in this role for many years He was a charter member of both Pleasant Memorial Baptist Church and Southeast Baptist Church where he was actively involved in church activities and cherished the fellowship with his fellow congregants William’s faith guided him through life and he was known for his joyful spirit and warm heart He loved to sing and shared his musical talents within the church choir performing solos and entertaining residents at nursing homes in previous years His passion for music brought joy not only to himself but to countless others who had the pleasure of listening to him he enjoyed spending time out to eat with his cherished companion Linda and liked tinkering with old watches a hobby that showcased his appreciation for craftsmanship William’s greatest joy in life stemmed from his deep love for his children and the immense happiness he experienced from his grandson William is preceded in death by his parents Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 58 years Linda Acton; children Alan Acton (Karla) and Matthew Acton; grandson The funeral service for William will be 12 pm Wednesday Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 PM until 7 PM and Wednesday from 10 AM until time of service at the funeral home expressions of sympathy may take the form of The Gideons International Processing Center Memories and condolences may be offered online www.glenncares.com Privacy Policy Site by Tanner+West Service: A memorial service Saturday September 7 2024 at 11:30 AM at Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry Twp of Zelienople passed away peacefully at his home on August 15 A son of Harry Lyle and Bernice Jean Acton IL where he lived for 4 years until his father’s tragic death at age 40 His mother then moved their family to Pittsburgh where Art spent his formative years He was a graduate of North Hills High School the College of Wooster and the University of Michigan where he obtained his doctoral degree Art then began his academic career with his first teaching job at Marietta College in 1967 and several years later began a gradual transition into college administration with positions as Registrar and Assistant Dean at Marietta He continued his career at Waynesburg University Ohio Northern University and Clarion (now PennWest) University His lifelong love of learning and commitment to academic success for his students made him a strong supporter of higher education He will be remembered for his love of travel reading (particularly historical and naval novels) big band and guitar music and loud bagpipes He was to the end a faithful Pirate and Steeler fan was always willing to share his time and many talents and supported many political and social justice causes Art was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was preceded in death by his parents He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann and his beloved children Audrey (Damaro) Lewis Anne (Luke) Wilmoth and Catherine Acton and his noisy but adorable grandchildren Ella He is also survived by many nieces and their families The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to Marietta College Acton scholarship fund or to the American Cancer Assn We send our heartfelt sympathy to the family Art was a great man and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him May God wrap his loving arms around you all and provide comfort during this difficult time MaryAnn and family our deepest condolences for your loss ,Mark,Rosemary,Sharon and Jim LEAVE A REVIEW Dr. Amy Acton, former Ohio Department of Health Director and the first woman physician appointed to Ohio’s top public health position, announced last week that she's running for governor Acton will run as a Democrat in Ohio's 2026 gubernatorial race, hoping to fill the vacant governor's seat to replace current Gov. Mike DeWine, who is serving his final term and will officially leave office on Jan she's back and wants to fill the governor's seat was born in Youngstown and attended Youngstown State University Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine where she earned a master's in public health Since stepping away from her role as health director under DeWine, she worked at the Columbus Foundation and led nonprofit efforts for RAPID 5 parks and trails group as former president and CEO They have six children in their blended family and all live in Bexley According to Acton, she wants to enter the governor's race because "I don’t want to look the other way when Ohioans are struggling," Acton told the statehouse bureau earlier this week our state has been going in the wrong direction and I think we all know it's time for a change." This isn't the first time Acton considered entering the political space. Acton had long weighed her options for public service since 2021. She considered a U.S. Senate bid in the 2022 election before ultimately declining not to run. Acton also mentioned running for governor in August of last year State law states that candidates must file a declaration of candidacy "not later than 4 p.m of the 90th day before the day of the primary election." Potential candidates for governor must declare 90 days before the primary. In 2026, the statewide primaries take place on May 6, per Ballotpedia meaning gubernatorial candidates have until Feb Who was Ohio's last Democratic governor?It's been 18 years since Ohio last had a Democratic governor when Ted Strickland first took office in 2007 Election Day for governor and lieutenant governor will be held on Nov The governor of Ohio must be at least 18 years of age, according to the Board of Elections website The candidate must live in Ohio and must be a registered elector CDCR officials are searching for an inmate who walked away from Acton Conservation Camp in Los Angeles County on Tuesday was received from Kern County to serve 16 years was missing from the camp during a head count Staff immediately initiated an emergency count Meza was apprehended without incident in Bakersfield at around 10:20 a.m RELATED: Inmate from Kern County walks away from CDCR camp in Los Angeles County He will be rehoused at a prison and his case will be referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for possible escape charges Meza was received from Kern County on March 11 to serve 16 years for assault with a firearm with an enhancement for use of a firearm and possessing a firearm as a felon CHICAGO – Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is considering a bid for governor in 2026 Jon Husted and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost are already openly campaigning for governor to replace Gov But the Democratic contenders are less clear Acton served as DeWine's health director during the COVID-19 pandemic earning her praise from many Ohioans and scorn from others She is attending the Democratic National Convention this week She has done fundraising events with Minnesota Sen Sherrod Brown and has another with "Veep" actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus coming up At the convention on Tuesday, Acton said she's mulling a political bid of her own, Cleveland.com first reported governor is something that I've learned a lot about," Acton told the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau "I always am just really focused on how I can best be of service I used to joke that I'm the Ted Lasso of politics." Acton seriously considered a U.S. Senate bid in the 2022 race but ultimately decided against it. "I'm certain she has a role in public service in her future," Brown said at the time. Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters isn't talking about 2026 gubernatorial picks yet "Amy's been an incredible leader," Walters said "She has this persona that so many people around Ohio embraced and took comfort in during a really hard time." Cathryn Ann Acton (nee Downing); beloved wife of the late Paul Clifford Acton Weaver and husband Dan and the late Paul C III.; loving grandmother of Jonathan Acton Courtney Samsky and Anneliesse Brady; great-grandmother of Myna and Emily Acton Caiden and Olivia Samsky and Ryker Dobbins; dear sister of Gene Downing Diane Downing and the late Gloria Coffey and Maureen Pearson Family and friends will honor and celebrate Cathryn’s life with a visitation at St Ignatius Catholic Church (Hickory) on Tuesday April 1 2025 from 10:30 am-11:30 am at which time a funeral mass will be celebrated Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansfuneralchapel.com Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Why: For Southern-inflected food and drink in a vogueish lair that blends lounge vibes with antique dining room whimsy The backstory: As a kid growing up in West Acton If you told me that someday they’d serve Creole cassoulet and espresso martinis on Arlington Street I would have laughed you all the way to Citizens’ Library Aguiar says that the stream of young families who flock from urban areas to Acton for the schools made the venture seem like a safe bet “A lot of people told us: ‘To go to a date night spot What if you could walk to your local cocktail bar?’” Aguiar says “We have people thrilled to have a place like they could have gone to in the city.” gold-framed prints of bygone World’s Fairs moon-and-star signage evoking a tarot deck It’s a lyric from Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” though it’s smooth sailing so far The restaurant has been so busy at dinner that the team recently expanded to lunch Of note: Silver Girl is only open Thursday through Sunday What to eat: “This is food from my heritage: My mom is from Louisiana who’s worked at 80 Thoreau and Craigie on Main curated menu does lilt Southern: At dinner including Creole cassoulet with duck leg confit ($32) and seafood gumbo ($32) plus a handful of appetizers like popovers with onion jam and Aleppo pepper butter ($6) and Caesar salad Lunch entrees ($13 and up) are more casual: a po’ boy with cornmeal-crusted shrimp on crusty French bread with house-brined pickles; a heaping hot Nashville chicken sandwich on a potato roll that’s almost candied it’s so divinely sweet; an andouille sausage sandwich bedaubed with grainy mustard delivering colorful drinks over crushed ice Walker seems to know many of the customers including one gentleman who wants to debate the finer points of poultry spice while settling his tab There’s an unpolished but endearing feel to the place like you walked into someone’s house for a dinner party about 20 minutes before start time What to drink: “A huge part of what we do is cocktails,” Aguiar says. Fortunately, Walker used to work at Bully Boy Distillers Sample several types of Amari; sip a gin-based lemon bar cocktail with lemon meringue foam ($16); or revel in a vast selection of light-and-bright mocktails like The Echo ($13) The takeaway: A free-spirited nook that would be right at home in the South End or Central Square Silver Girl, 251 Arlington St., Acton, 978-274-2904, www.silvergirl.us Kara Baskin can be reached at kara.baskin@globe.com. Follow her @kcbaskin. Home Delivery Gift Subscriptions Log In Manage My Account Customer Service Delivery Issues Feedback News Tips Help & FAQs Staff List Advertise Newsletters View the ePaper Order Back Issues News in Education Search the Archives Privacy Policy Terms of Service Terms of Purchase Work at Boston Globe Media Internship Program Co-op Program Do Not Sell My Personal Information Details: cache-fra-eddf8230069-FRA 1746495556 340524091 Dr. Amy Acton, a familiar face to many during the COVID-19 pandemic, has filed paperwork to run for governor of Ohio as a Democrat in 2026, The Associated Press reports She is the first Democrat to launch such a campaign and since then has done nonprofit work as well as work in Democratic politics Acton was at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this summer, where she said she's learned a lot about being governor and is considering a run for the office in 2026 RELATED: Former Ohio health director and COVID advisor Amy Acton considering a run for governor ascension to the governor's mansion won't be easy who are rumored as likely to run for the Republican nomination for governor ACTON — The Fire Department recently announced that it has received additional funding to enhance its safety equipment and educational programs The funds will be used to purchase turnout gear for firefighters Extrication jackets for EMS crews will also be purchased the department will acquire new equipment to enhance safety and control during emergency responses a handheld thermal imager and an electric vehicle emergency plug The department also received $5,700 in grants through the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) program and $2,400 through the Senior SAFE program 'Work twice as hard': Challenges remain, but conditions have improved for women firefighters SAFE provides grants to local fire departments to teach fire and life safety to children in schools The program has been credited with significantly reducing child fire deaths in Massachusetts since its inception in 1996 Senior SAFE aims to reduce fire-related deaths among older people by providing fire and life safety education to older demographics "We are fortunate to be able to enhance our service to the community through these grants," said Fire Chief Anita Arnum The funding will also allow the department to collaborate with teachers to provide a developmentally appropriate education for students integrating fire and life safety lessons with subjects like math language arts and health or physical education but those windows only usually last a week or so Hop on this deal before it bounces back to full price See at Amazon Marshall has been a big name in the sound industry for over 60 years They put their name on the map having first launched with the JTM45 guitar amplifier It produced a much heavier reverberated sound than anything else available Marshall is still committed with crafting great products with its signature sound and this portable Bluetooth speaker is no different Matching the iconic look of Marshall amps from yester-year the Marshall Acton III offers a rich room-filling sound with an even wider soundstage than its predecessor Bringing the classic look of the Marshall amp to the modern era by reforming it as a Bluetooth speaker (it also has an AUX input because AUX never should and never will die) You can now get that Marshall signature sound in a small form factor which can work will all your modern devices like your phone or tablet This Bluetooth stereo speaker measures in at 10.24″ by 5.91″ by 6.69″ and weighs only 6.3 pounds Pair your phone to the Marshall Acton III and gain precise control of your sound via the dials on top but you can also manipulate the level of bass and treble to create the exact immersive sound you are looking for This Marshall speaker is designed with sustainability in mind The components used to construct the Marshall Acton III Bluetooth speaker is comprised of 70% recycled plastic The Marshall Acton III is available in two colors. Choose between the classic black or the vintage-looking cream. Both are part of the ongoing Amazon deal so you can save a solid $50 on this stylistically classic Bluetooth speaker is either iconic designs ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " present at Greater Stark County Urban League awardsCanton RepositoryCANTON − Dr former director of the Ohio Department of Health and candidate for governor will join the Health Pillar Award presentation at this year’s Greater Stark County Urban League annual Black & White Pillar Awards The Black & White Pillar Awards celebrate people and organizations that exemplify leadership and commitment to advancing equity in education Other candidates are welcome at the major fundraiser Acton will serve as guest presenter for the event “Her leadership in public health and unwavering commitment to community well-being align perfectly with our mission We look forward to honoring this year’s Health Pillar Award recipient with her support.”  Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information about the event, visit starkurbanleague.org/home/events or contact Clishawn Wiggins at 330-754-1576 or cwiggins@starkurbanleague.org (WRDW/WAGT) - A FIRST ALERT remains in effect for overnight Sunday and Monday for the risk of flash flood and a few strong to severe thunderstorms Weather Alerts The Weather Prediction Center has placed the Augusta area in its marginal risk (5%) of excessive rainfall while the Storm Prediction has also included the CSRA in its Marginal category (Level 1 of 5) for severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind from late tonight through the day Monday Up to 1 to 2″ of rain is likely between midnight Sunday night and Monday evening making localized flooding possible in flood-prone areas The main window of strong storms looks to be for mid-morning Monday An isolated tornado is also possible throughout Monday morning much cooler air moves in for the majority of next week Morning lows in the upper 30s are possible Wednesday and Thursday morning next week it does not look like there will be any frost concerns for your spring garden but you will want to monitor the forecast for changes It was the fourth non-injury shooting in Berkeley in just two days Someone shot into a home on Acton Street in West Berkeley on Friday night startling residents but causing no injuries It was the fourth non-injury shooting in Berkeley in just two days Police said four rounds went into the home's front window Berkeley police responded to the area immediately to search for the shooter who was described as a small-framed female wearing a hoodie according to radio traffic reviewed by The Scanner Someone fired a gun into a house on Acton Street in West Berkeley on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. Ariel Nava Photo Police also investigated two incidents of gunfire near Adeline and Fairview streets in South Berkeley on Thursday On Friday morning, an Oakland couple was driving west on Tunnel Road when a man in a silver sedan reached out of his car and shot at their vehicle several times As of Monday, Berkeley has had 27 shootings in 2024 leaving three dead and seven wounded. There had been 34 shootings at this time last year, wounding seven. On a recent Saturday evening, Nicole Cooper and her 8-year-old son Owen were playing at the Discovery Museum in Acton, which features hands-on exhibits that encourage exploration about math, science and nature. “It’s super fun,” Owen said as he squeezed a variety of musical instruments on the music wall to create different pitches. Nicole and Owen came to participate in the museum’s Especially for Me program, which welcomes families and kids with disabilities to the museum for free. Other events, which happen once or twice each month, include autism-friendly evenings, evenings for Deaf and blind visitors, and numerous inclusive afternoons open to everyone. “He [Owen] has a visual impairment, which makes it difficult to come when it’s very crowded,” Cooper said. During these “inclusive nights,” the museum is closed to the public, and the museum provides pizza for all the families. “This is an opportunity for folks to come in and explore the museum when there’s a little less people around and there’s a lot less judgment. It’s a judgment-free zone,” said Susan Heilman, director of community partnerships. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GBH News (@gbhnews) Suzanne Price came with her 4-year-old daughter Gwendolyn Gwendolyn was exploring the math-themed area of the museum which features exhibits to learn about probability and one with ice cream cones and scoops to learn about counting and number combinations Price said Gwendolyn can get overstimulated easily and it can be hard to keep track of her in busy spaces so these special events are helpful for her family “I think also just the feeling of knowing that all the other families that are here tonight have a child in a similar situation,” Price said “So it just puts both my husband and I at ease in terms of what she’s doing Meghan Woodward’s daughter Savannah was busy opening the oven It was their first time coming to the museum She gets to explore around and be able to express her personality,” Woodward said The Discovery Museum’s program started 25 years ago and has expanded over the years the museum added events for adults over 18 with autism and intellectual disabilities after staff heard that many adults who live in group homes are isolated and missing out on cultural experiences “They said there’s not a lot of places for them,” Heilman said The museum’s campus was renovated in 2018 to be fully accessible which features a treehouse nestled 15 feet up in a birch tree that is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs The museum offers a sensory map in eight languages and features a “take a break” space with a weighted blanket and fidget spinners It offers events like a dance class with a Deafblind instructor and staff have been encouraged to learn ASL CEO Marie Beam says that the museum has been “ahead of the curve” on welcoming visitors with disabilities The museum won a National Medal for Museum and Library Service from Institute of Museum and Library Service in 2024 in part because of its commitment to accessibility One of the most popular exhibits is the water gallery throwing toys into buckets and using tools to create shapes in water streams Some families that come to the museum are regulars It’s very fun,” said Jameson as he assembled green and metallic paper together in the da Vinci Workshop where supplies are provided so kids can experiment with making creations His mom Meghan Belcher said that they come to the Discovery Museum at least once a month the Roy family was sitting at a picnic table Their 7-year-old twins Angus and Rhys were hunched over an assortment of wires and chord building circuits Deb Roy said they’ve been coming to the inclusive events for four years “This [Discovery Museum] really does kind of feel like an extended family to us because we know the faces; they know us,” Roy said it feels like it’s an extension of our own home.” Your essential daily newsletter delivering trusted news and can't miss programs from Boston and beyond Thomas Suddes is a former legislative reporter with The Plain Dealer in Cleveland and writes from Ohio University. tsuddes@gmail.com The likely 2026 party slates for Ohio’s statewide elected offices are starting to fill out Voters retired Brown in November, replacing him with Westlake Republican Bernie Moreno. But, Brown writing in the celebrated liberal magazine The New Republic, whose founders included the renowned journalist Walter Lippmann from The New Republic article’s sub-headline: “Reconnecting the Democratic Party to the working class is an electoral and a moral imperative and it will be my mission for the rest of my life.” That doesn’t sound like sipping iced tea in the rocking chair of a retirement home’s sun porch It sounds instead like a statewide 2026 campaign for a return to the Senate (by unseating appointed Republican Sen Jon Husted of Upper Arlington) or running for governor of Ohio next year against whomever the GOP slates for that job Could dems pick between Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown?If a Brown governorship were to emerge that would create a potentially vexing dilemma for the Ohio Democratic organization loyal to long-term officeholder Brown though it may be:  An Ohio Democrat is already running energetically for the party’s 2026 gubernatorial nomination: Bexley Democrat Dr who — during the COVID pandemic — bravely and energetically served as director of Ohio’s state Health Department in (Republican) Gov Brown’s in-party fans might attempt to slide fellow Democrat Acton – a highly qualified female candidate – out of her quest for the governorship Republicans who’ve announced they’re seeking for the GOP’s 2026 gubernatorial nomination are Ohio Attorney General David Yost of Columbus; Upper Arlington tech zillionaire Vivek Ramaswamy; and Heather Brazell-Hill other Ohio Democrats who’ve announced they’re seeking statewide executive office nominations in 2026 are a second physician who’s running for Democrats’ nomination for secretary of state; and former state Rep now of Greater Cleveland’s Brooklyn Heights a Yale Law School graduate who’s running for Democrats’ 2026 nomination for Ohio attorney general this had been a classic definition of Ohio politics a definition formulated in 1960 by Thomas Flinn later a member of Cleveland State’s faculty: “Ohio is now and has long been a competitive two-party state in which the Republicans enjoy the advantage From the close of the Civil War to the election of 1896 the Republicans carried the state in every presidential contest (seven) but the outcome of these elections in Ohio was invariably close.” due to the GOP’s statewide successes and Ohio Democrats’ weaknesses Ohio cast its presidential electoral votes in 2016 2020 for 2024 for Donald Trump and his running mates — last year Take a glance: Ohio Republicans control every statewide elected executive office They’ve run the Ohio Senate since January 1985 – for 40 years almost certainly an Ohio record – and controlled Ohio’s House for all except two years since January 1995 (that is 28 years – contrast that with Democrat Vern Riffe’s 20-year Ohio House speakership Republicans hold both of Ohio’s federal Senate seats with Westlake’s Moreno and Upper Arlington’s Jon Husted a year of the locusts for Ohio Republicans Democrats now hold only one statewide elected office – the Ohio Supreme Court seat held by Justice Jennifer Brunner And then there’s what was once Ohio Democratic bedrock: Mahoning County (Youngstown) for decades an overwhelming bastion of Democratic power All that leaves Ohio Democrats out in the cold unless they field an appealing and potentially victorious 2026 statewide ticket— without alienating the party’s key constituencies which happen to include those Democratic women backing Amy Acton for governor Evoke Acton Academy Northshore has moved into a newly renovated space in Cedar Park Dacia is a features reporter for northern markets in the Austin metro She joined Community Impact in June 2024 shortly after graduating from The University of Texas with a degree in journalism Dacia previously interned for Austin PBS and Voces Oral History Center practicing yoga and trying new restaurants in the city the first woman to serve as director of the Ohio Department of Health who led the state’s pandemic efforts in 2020 will run for Ohio’s highest executive office Acton officially filed for the 2026 governor’s race Tuesday afternoon, her team announced in a news release, with an official website that went online shortly after “I refuse to look away from Ohioans who are struggling while self-serving politicians and special interests take our state in the wrong direction,” Acton said in the news release “It’s time to give power back to the people and our communities chose Acton in February 2019 to head the department of health the final role he hadn’t filled in his cabinet which she has said came after concerns about Republican-backed health orders and threats she and her family got over those pandemic-era policies Acton has worked for numerous nonprofits and has been visible in Democratic politics Democrats in Ohio have faced bruising statewide elections in recent cycles putting Acton at an immediate disadvantage—though no other Democrats have solidified possible primary bids yet She attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last summer where she first said she’d learned a lot about being governor and was considering a run for the office in 2026 DeWine and Acton held regular briefings together during the early days of the pandemic announcing lockdowns and promoting safety measures The press conferences were initially received warmly but later brought out protestors Lawmakers across the aisle still heavily criticize her and have sought to limit the authority of public health orders issued by the governor and others Attorney General Dave Yost and former presidential candidate and Trump appointee Vivek Ramaswamy are among the primary possibilities for the GOP and incoming Vice President JD Vance’s seat could cull that field slightly Amy Acton became a household name in Ohio during the COVID pandemic Now the doctor celebrated with the phrase “Not all heroes wear capes” wants to serve the state as governor The former Ohio Department of Health director, a Democrat, announced her campaign in January. "I’m running for governor because I don’t want to look the other way when Ohioans are struggling," the Bexley resident told reporters Do you think Acton has a chance to replace term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine Does it matter who her Republican opponent is More: Who is Amy Acton? Ohio governor candidate to replace DeWine is former state health director Tressel has not announced a bid for governor Take our nonscientific survey and share your thoughts with us 1933 in Daviess County to the late Clovis and Eva Morton Barnes Catherine was a member of Pleasant Point Baptist Church where she enjoyed volunteer work and retired from National Linen Service and watching game shows especially Family Feud Catherine was preceded in death by seven brothers and two sisters Vivian Griffith of Owensboro and Deborah Riley of Utica; eight grandchildren Tanya Acton of Owensboro; 31 great grandchildren 32 great great grandchildren; and a special friend Wimmy Greer of Owensboro; and numerous nieces and nephews A Celebration of Life for Catherine will be held by the family Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Point Baptist Church Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com