Good morning ladies and gentleman.
Today begins the start of a new direction for me. While I wait for employment to sweep me away to new monetary heights and 40 hour work weeks, I have decided to write a email "newsletter" covering current events and events here at our home. Consider yourselves VERY privileged to have this opportunity to partake in such things as this "newsletter". Please feel free to comment on the "Jonathan Clause" (the name of the "newsletter". The "Jonathan Clause" will try to reach the soul and mind, while also taking a whack at your funny bone.
I woke up today at 8:43 am to a very unrecognizable noise. I thought our house was being sabotaged by men wielding chainsaws (at least that's what it sounded like), so I quickly reached for my glasses and sat up in bed (for those of you who have never been in my room, which is 99% of you, my bed is situated next to windows that overlook our neighbor's wooded back yard). I carefully peered out of my window and saw one of our lawn maintenance engineers putting fertilizer around our tree and flowerbeds. Okay, so my first thoughts were a little off, but it was quite weird. The LME's (lawn maintenance engineers) continued their work all over our yard, and I followed most of their moves. The fertilizer was spread by using a thirty to forty foot hose and a fertilizer-spreading machine mounted on a truck. Don't ask me what kind of truck; it was one of those fertilizer-spreading trucks! What I found most fascinating about this whole ordeal was that the fertilizer was steaming when it was applied to the tree and flowerbeds. It steamed so much that it fogged up our dining room windows that are right next to a flowerbed. So what?! Well, the next time you take a ride through America's farmland and the "sweet" aroma of animal dung tickles your nostrils, remember that smell may reach your rose garden or fir trees in your backyard by way of the LMEs and their dung heated truck.
In today's metro section of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, there was a front-page story that caught my attention. The story entitled, "A Conflict of Interests: Track's fans just want to race; neighbors prefer peace and quiet" (written by Maggi Martin) details the dispute between James Marino and Perry Township trustees and Mr. Marino's neighbors. Let me set up the scenario for you. I've never been to Perry Township, at least I don't think I have, but one thing I know is that Perry Township does have what most rural townships have around where I live have: land. In fact, Mr. Marino has 25 acres of land, where he breeds racehorses. Five of those 25 acres have been made into a dirt track for ATVs and dirt bikes. Justin Hanusosky and some others use the track regularly for practice. The practice must be paying off because Hanusosky has raced in national competitions with his ATV in Tennessee and Georgia.
The residents and trustees have beef with Mr. Marino and the riders because they state it's, "an illegal use of residential property". The issues of noise and dust are a continuing problem for the zoning board and neighbors. Mr. Marino has put in place a tree line and berms to reduce the noise level and a water wagon to reduce the dust, but these efforts don't look to be enough to solve the problem. So where do we go from here?
The trustees are seeking an injunction to close down the track and filed a complaint in Lake County Common Pleas Court (Lake County is north of Geauga County where we live. It's Gee aw ga.) The trustees say that the track violates zoning laws, which state that, "don't permit recreational use of land in a residential area". The only other time I've heard some kind of argument like this was on ABC's 20/20 program. A family out in New Jersey (85% sure) built a baseball diamond (with fence, backstop, and I believe an indoor facility as well) on their property to the dismay of their neighbors and the zoning board. That's pretty much it on the facts, but here comes the speculation and questions!
Since I've been home from school there have been two different occasions reported in the local news of children being hurt or killed in ATV accidents. Would the Perry Township trustees rather have these children on the roads or in unsafe conditions where they could possibly get hurt? Does Mr. Marino have the racers sign a release if one of them is injured while on his track? Can't the neighbors and Mr. Marino compromise over this issue? At this point I'm willing to side with Mr. Marino and the racers. It seems as though he has built a legitimate way for these racers to practice. If he got some kind of release waiver form and insurance for the racers and his track what's the problem? It's his land isn't it? There is always some kind of noise pollution in the air, and steps to curb excessive noise pollution (outrageously loud car stereos, semi-truck engine brakes) have in some cities been put into place. If these racers aren't practicing at 3 in the morning or at 11 at night, then why not let them race? If they can't practice on Mr. Marino's property where will the trustees allow them to? Maybe I'm missing the point. Do you think I am? I'd like to hear your feedback on such issues.
Well as many of you know I still don't have a job yet. There are some small possibilities that are beginning to open but I don't know if they'll come through. I'm excited about finding a job and starting a new career and launching out on my own. What kills me is the waiting process, hearing back from people, waiting by the phone...stuff like that. Church was really good yesterday. It really helped to put the whole job situation in perspective. One of our pastors spoke on Psalm 27 last evening. It's been one of my favorite Psalms since I began my job search. I encourage you to read it and if you don't have a bible here it is.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besieges me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper.
Do no reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.
Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foe, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
This psalm has provided me with much comfort over the past few weeks. Well that's all for the first edition of the "Jonathan Clause". I hope that the Lord blesses you all. Talk to you later.
Jonathan
P.S. Thoughts on Kobe? Liberia? California's recall race? Job opportunities in sports? Feel free to comment!!
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