O h i oT r a v e l e r . c o m Community Web Site Awards

Only sites that benefit Ohio communities or people in some way are eligible. We prefer sites that are informative or fun rather than a plethora of links, animated graphics and pop-up advertisements. And the sites must exemplify themselves as being true community Web sites. Pages are judged on their creativity, ease of navigation, overall impression and value to the community it serves. It is also evaluated based on whether the site instantly impresses, conveys enthusiasm for its subject, downloads quickly, is reasonably up to date. In addition it must be interesting or informative and relative to the community it serves. 

You may submit your site or another's for consideration. Once a site has been nominated, it usually takes a week for our reviewers to judge it. Our reviewers include web design specialists, communications professionals, and other personnel in marketing and communication. Simply e-mail the info requested below and we will visit the nominated site. After visiting a site, we notify the winner by email. The ZoneFree Ohio Community Excellence Award emblem may be displayed on winning sites only. The award recipient may provide a brief description of their organization for inclusion in our Web Hall of Fame below.

To nominate a Web site, please e-mail the following information to news@ohiotraveler.com.  

• Name 
• E-mail Address 
• Full Web Site URL -- Begin with http://
• Brief description of the site being nominated:

(Return to Top)

The site highlights events, programs, and educational opportunities at the Wood County Historical Center & Museum. It provides a brief history of the Infirmary’s site and residents, plus many links and opportunities to network with other historic and community agencies.
 

The site is devoted to promoting Geauga Lake and features park information, details about its attractions, news, online forums, events, colorful photos, personal accounts, and brochures among other information having to do with Geauga Lake. 

Geauga Lake is a family amusement park offering thrilling rides, entertainment and many additional attractions. Originally named Geauga Lake, it has operated in recent years as Six Flags Worlds of Adventure until a recent acquisition by Cedar Fair which returned the parks name to its traditional and original – Geauga Lake.

To learn more about Geauga Lake, visit the fan-favorite and award-winning Web site at www.geaugalake.tk.

Located at 147 East Jefferson Street, Jefferson, Ohio, guided tours occur every Sunday from 1-4 p.m. during June, July, August and September. Group tours are available upon request. To learn more about the Jefferson Depot Village, visit their award-winning Web site at http://members.tripod.com/jeffersonhome/index.html.

Montgomery’s official Web site, www.montgomeryohio.org, highlights the city of Montgomery, which is a small community located northeast of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Website was created by IT Director, Matthew Vanderhorst to keep citizens informed about the city. It includes community information, a calendar of events, ordinances and zoning codes as well as links to area businesses, churches and schools. Residents can also put a request in for service such as road repair, etc. or they can purchase a pass to the community pool.

(Return to Winners List)
 

The Old Educator http://www.oldeducator.com
The Old Educator's Parenting Tips from Experience is an informative Web site full of wonderful information, helpful tips, checklists, and more for helping parents, teachers and students.  The Old Educator, Glenn Honeycutt, has more than 34 years experience in education and has had a parenting column in The Piqua Daily Call since 1997.  

The Web site, www.oldeducator.com, provides information about parenting tips from Honeycutt’s personal experience and from working with thousands of students and parents.  The Old Educator’s common sense approach and insight to the challenges of the parenting process and grooming self-reliant, responsible children has been well received. Glenn Honeycutt and his wife, Kim, decided the Web site was a good way to reach parents, teachers and anyone who works with children.  From parenting tips to advice to coloring pages to an extensive homework helper section, this web site is a great tool.  

To learn more about The Old Educator, visit the award-winning Web site at http://www.oldeducator.com.

(Return to Winners List)

Western Ohio Education Association http://www.woea.org
WOEA is one of nine District Associations that make up the Ohio Education Association. The territory of WOEA is comprised of the following counties:  Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Shelby. The organization advances the cause of education and teaching as a profession by providing workshops for the improvement of instruction, leadership training, political action, and membership promotion.  WOEA makes funds available to local associations for workshops and leadership development. In addition, WOEA provides an organizational link between local associations and the state and national associations.  And the organization provides timely information and member benefits through their newsletter, Western Union News, and www.woea.org.

Little Thunder Kids Golf Course& Learning Center http://www.littlethunder.com
This golf course and learning center is a non-profit 501.c.3 northeast Ohio 18-hole golf course designed and built for 6-12 year-olds. It covers 60 acres, including 62 sand-traps, four ponds and rolling greens providing a real challenge for kids and adults alike. The course is like any golf course except it is only half the distance. Yardage from tees to holes range from 46 yards (the shortest on the course) to 310 yards (the longest on the course). There is also a six-acre learning center where gold instructions are provided. Group classes are also available for corporate outings and fundraising events. Little Thunder is located in Madison, Ohio (approximately 28 miles east of Cleveland). For more information, call 440-298-3096.

Strongsville http://www.strongsville.org
Official city site provides residents and visitors with departmental and Strongsville organizations' information as well as a current events calendar and recreation department program guide.

Lovejoy's Rescue Mountain http://pages.prodigy.net/ruthielovejoy/index/ruthiepage1.html
This site is about Lovejoy's Rescue Mountain, which is run by Ruthie and Ed Lovejoy.  They live in Montpelier, Ohio and are a wildlife rehabilitation center covering four counties.  They also provide permanent homes for unwanted or rescued "exotic pets".  They are non-profit and are actively involved with public education of caring for one of our most precious resources - wildlife. Their goal is two-fold. First, to provide the proper medical and nutritional care to injured and orphaned wildlife and pets no longer wanted. No less important is their second goal to educate the public on the needs of wildlife, and to share an appreciation for the environment we all share, man and animal.

(Return to Winners List)

Fayette Township Fire District #1 http://www.geocities.com/FTFDDist1
The Fayette Township Fire District #1 has served the most southern township in Ohio since 1953. Their website is designed to keep its citizens informed of progress and the services offered to them. At the site, you will find a run summary, membership directory, important phone numbers, links to other local sites, department news, and a lot more. The site is updated at least twice a month with current information.

Bay Portal Companies www.bayportalcompanies.net
Bay Portal Companies is a web-based portal, linking community with commerce to promote e-Synergy through its suite of Serducts (Products and Services) that offer Westshore area business owners and families the chance to connect with each other.  Bay Portal Companies put a local spin on a global concept. They are family-owned and operated, offering Cleveland's Westshore suburbs meaning and substance with offerings that promote health, wellness, learning, local businesses and time-saving services. Their  e-Mall has many features and benefits and the vertical-feeding website leverages its Westshore Webpages, the first e-Directory of its kind in Northern Ohio, listing websites and e-mail addresses.  To place an e-Classified ad or get your Westshore e-Store in
Bay Portal Companies Electronic Mall, contact Bruce Cobbeldick, at 440-808-8926.  Bay Portal Companies just bought Mywestshoremall.com and Northcoastmall.net, so look for expanded markets e-Marketing and e-Newspaper Publishing in 2002!

(Return to Winners List)

Gilmore Ponds http://www.gilmore.pond.org
Gilmore Ponds Interpretive Preserve provides over 200 acres of marsh, ponds, and other wetland wildlife habitat. This wildlife oasis lies entirely within the boundaries of the city of Hamilton, Ohio, just north of
Cincinnati. The mission of the Gilmore Ponds website is to serve as a place where the public can learn more about wetlands and Gilmore Ponds in particular. Visitors can read our current and past newsletters, keep up on
current Gilmore Ponds events, and read the results of various surveys and research projects. Additionally, we have lots of photos of the plants and animals that make Gilmore Ponds their home.

Ohio Citizen Action http://www.ohiocitizen.org
Ohio Citizen Action is the state's largest consumer and environmental
organization, with 100,000 dues-paying members.  A non-profit non-partisan
organization, Citizen Action has worked on issues from public health and
toxic hazards to utility and insurance rates since 1975.

OhioLine  http://ohioline.osu.edu
Ohioline is a valuable information resource that is both online and offline. You can browse Ohioline on the World Wide Web or obtain the Ohioline CD as an offline companion to the online Ohioline Web Site. Ohioline CD contains a majority of the online information, as well as some additional news documents. As a stand-alone system, Ohioline CD does not have the search capability of the server-based online system.

Principally produced by Ohio State University Extension, Ohioline is your Link to Information, News and Educational resources of not only Extension but of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, and the Agricultural Technical Institute. Research and Extension programs are also supported by the colleges of Human Ecology, Veterinary Medicine, and Biological Sciences.

Through Ohioline, you have access to the hundreds of factsheets, bulletins and other educational materials covering a wide array of subjects --- such as agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community development, 4-H and youth. Ohioline also has information about undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture and natural resources.

Ohioline provides you with a wealth of information. Ohioline provides a world-wide dimension in outreach. Have fun. Discover and be enlightened.

Marysville - Ohio http://www.marysville-ohio.com & http://www.marysville-ohio.org
eMarysville.com and .org (a.k.a. Marysville-Ohio.com & Marysville-Ohio.org) seeks
to provide a compendium of information for and about Marysville, Ohio and environments.
eMarysville will add a free link to its online directory for existing websites for any and
all organizations in or around Marysville. eMarysville also provides free-of-charge
design, maintenance and hosting of webpages for a number of service organizations
and not-for-profits in the area, notably the Union County YMCA, the Child Care Network,
the United Way of Union County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Union County and
the Union County Independent Soccer League.  These services are also available
to any group in the Marysville area.

(Return to Winners List)

LorainOhio.Net http://www.lorainohio.net
This Web site is dedicated to the City of Lorain, Ohio containing information on parks, restaurants, boat ramps, bait shops, and other places. In addition, it includes links, free email, a discussion board, free classified ads, maps, weather and more. Web design services are also available.

(Return to Winners List)

Bay Village http://www.bay-village-ohio.com
This is the handiest local reference guide you're going to find and "the most in-depth Internet guide to Bay Village, Ohio available." Here's where you'll find all of the local businesses, schools, churches, news sources, libraries, and public utilities. Its business directory includes all of the local businesses in Bay Village, Ohio, their
addresses, phone numbers, and web sites when available. It is an excellent resource when you're planning a shopping trip, looking for news, trying to find a local church in Bay Village, checking the weather, or just wanting to see what's available locally online.

(Return to Winners List)

Marion Online http://www.mariononline.com
Marion Online is one of the few community sites to offer local news and sports updated daily for the community of Marion, Ohio.  More than that, it's a direct link to city and county government, businesses, schools, area organizations, and even individuals with web sites.  It offers Free Daily Classifieds, Letters to the Editor and job section providing needed services to our area residents.

Bob Evans Farms Inc. http://www.bobevans.com
Bob Evans Farms is based in Columbus, Ohio and is an excellent corporate citizen in Ohio and beyond. It owns and operates full-service, family restaurants in 22 states.  Bob Evans Restaurants are primarily located in the East North Central, mid-Atlantic and Southern United States, while Owens Restaurants operate in Texas.  The company is also a leading producer of pork sausage and other convenience food items under the Bob Evans and Owens brand names.

(Return to Winners List) 
 
Summit Education Initiative  http://www.seisummit.org
The Summit Education Initiative (SEI) is a community-based nonprofit working through community partnership to improve the educational experience and learning outcomes for ALL children in Summit County, Ohio. They focus their efforts around three primary areas--Community Engagement and the Education Transformation Network; Academic Standards and Professional Development; and Data and Research.  At SEI they know that ALL children can learn at high levels.  They welcome you to learn more and become involved!"

(Return to Winners List)

  
Canton-Akron Scottish Heritage Association  http://community.cleveland.com/cc/casha
An organization dedicated mainly to those who are interested in Scotland, her heritage, history, and culture.  Anyone can join.  They are a very active group and participate in community activities. For example. the International Festival and the Football Hall of Fame kick-off parade in Canton.  They planned to participate in the Portage Lakes July 4th Boat Parade, but their entry had to be scratched at the last minute due to an unfortunate accident to their boat. CASHA also has speakers who go out to speak at community functions such as Genealogical groups and Ellet High School, Oasis.  Members and guests, some Scottish and some not,  have frequent social activities.  There is a family picnic scheduled in August and a tour of Stan Hywet is on the
agenda Fall agenda.  Previously, they participated in the Ohio Scottish Games at Oberlin and the Brigadoon Celtic Festival at Burton.  They encourage members to support all the activities going on in the Scottish community
here in Ohio and in nearby states.  Dancers participate in contests everywhere.  Soon, they plan to start a Scottish Country Dance group. In January, CASHA will sponsor a dinner dance in honor of the late Robert Burns.  This is a
Scottish tradition, but they do it like no other group around.  It is a costumed re-enactment of the first Burns Dinner, held in 1797.  It is being held in January of 2002 at the Glenwood Country Club in Canton.

CATALYST: For Cleveland Schools at http://www.catalyst-cleveland.org 
is a bi-monthly newsmagazine modeled after CATALYST: Voices of Chicago Reform, published monthly since 1990. We have been created to document, analyze, and support school-improvement efforts in the Cleveland Municipal School District. We want to raise the level of discussion on what is good education. We will look at policies and programs with a critical eye, but strive for balanced, fair and constructive coverage. In-depth reporting will draw on research and illuminate models of success locally and nationally. The publication's goal
is to give decision-makers, at the school, city and state levels, information they need to transform the city schools. At the same time, CATALYST is not an advocate for any particular point of view; rather, it seeks to reflect all the voices and issues of Cleveland's school reform efforts.
WHERE WE CAME FROM: Cleveland's CATALYST has grown out of collaboration between the Community Renewal Society, the 116 year old urban service organization which publishes Chicago's Catalyst, and three foundations; The George Gund Foundation, The Cleveland Foundation and the Joyce Foundation. The
Community Renewal Society also publishes The Chicago Reporter, and award winning investigative newsletter that focuses on issues of race and poverty. All three publications are editorially independent of CRS.
WHERE WE GO: CATALYST reaches over 6,600 parent activists, teachers, administrators, municipal and state policy makers, community activists, and others who request it. It is available on the World Wide Web at
www.catalyst-cleveland.org. A monthly fax letter also accompanies CATALYST, keeping community leaders up to date on school related events, deadlines and new resources.
WHO WE ARE:      Before launching CATALYST, Editor Charlise Lyles covered religion for the Dayton Daily News. She has served as a columnist, reporter, and ombudsman for the Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk. She attended Cleveland's Dike Elementary and Kennard Junior High schools before graduating from the Hawkens Upper School in Gates Mills. CATALYST Publisher Linda Lenz wrote about education for the Chicago Sun-Times and before that was an editorial writer at the Chicago Daily News

(Return to Winners List) 

The City Mission http://www.thecitymission.org 
The City Mission's Web site gives visitors information on the many aspects of the services, programs and ministries of Cleveland's City Mission, as well as offers them the opportunity to make a secure contribution online. There is extensive information on the Mission's programs to feed and shelter men, women and children; provide free clothing, food and more to neighbors living in poverty; life-changing recovery programs; extensive youth programs for inner-city youngsters; prison ministry; and 267 acre summer camp/retreat center. The site also offers multimedia, giving visitors the chance to view the Mission's informational video and weekly radio program online. 

(Return to Winners List)

The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless http://www.neoch.org/ 
The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless is an advocacy organization with a mission of organizing and empowering homeless and at risk men, women and children, to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness through public education, advocacy, and the creation of nurturing environments.   

(Return to Winners List)

Mothers & More - Northeast Ohio - Chapter 163  http://www.hyper.org/mothers 
Mothers & More is a non-profit organization aimed at women who believe that raising children is the highest priority job there is. And, a job that can be most exhausting, frustrating, demanding and satisfying! The best way to juggle motherhood, work and sanity is with the support of other sequencing mothers. Northeast Ohio Chapter 163 has more than 40 members from Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties, and growing! 

(Return to Winners List)

Cleveland Neighborhoods on the Web http://www.nhlink.net/ClevelandNeighborhoods/  
features information, news, shopping, business, social services, entertainment & recreation, churches, schools and development for Hough, Tremont, Detroit-Shoreway, Ohio City and Cudell-West Boulevard. Each neighborhood web site tries to represent all aspects of the community--including different ethnic and cultural groups, grassroots organizations, political leaders, businesses and employers, entertainment and social services. 

(Return to Winners List)

North Olmsted's official city site http://www.ci.north-olmsted.oh.us/ 
is a unique 24 hour, 7 day a week City Hall. Everything you've always wanted to know about your local government is now right at your fingertips, including: City/department functions, community calendar and special events, town hall newsletter, business directory, helpful hints directory for new residents, legislation minutes and much more. 

(Return to Winners List)

Cleveland's Irish Cultural Festival http://www.clevelandirish.org/index.html 
Web site provides details for the 19th annual event celebrating and sharing Irish heritage, culture and traditions. The site features views of the festival, entertainment, workshops, exhibits, directions and much more. 

(Return to Winners List)

Angelnet Neo's http://www.angelnet-neo.com
mission is to network with corporations, individuals, agencies and nonprofit organizations to assist, share and give to the needy and underprivileged and to lend a hand up rather than a handout. Also, to travel wherever needed to accomplish those goals and to collaborate with organizations that work to achieve their goals by funding and operating an array of activities dealing with the arts, education and health. Angelnet Neo will embrace diverse subject matter to protect and expand human rights, human dignity and education at all levels.

(Return to Winners List)

The Organization of Chinese Americans of Greater Cleveland (OCAGC) http://www.ocagc.org/about.htm
serves the continually growing Chinese American community of Northeast Ohio and works with other organizations and communities to promote ethnic awareness and cultural diversity.

(Return to Winners List)

Nettie's Place http://w3.gwis.com/~ack/ 
is a local community family Web site with hundreds of pages to surf on a wide variety of subjects. It features many holiday sections, recipes, Cleveland trivia and links to government Web sites of interest. This site truly has something for everyone in the family. 

(Return to Winners List)

City of Hudson http://ci.hudson.oh.us 
official Web site presents soft, crisp picturesque images throughout giving the feel that the actually city itself provides. The resources on the site provide one-stop shopping for Hudson citizens. It includes public works details and community and economic development information and progress. A key feature is the ease in which you can locate contact information for city council and city departments. Other resources include a calendar of events, education information regarding public schools and reports of the downtown area development. 

(Return to Winners List)

FOPA 28: http://www.geocities.com/fopa28/
Members are pledged to foster public respect for the police officers, promote better understanding by the public of the rights, duties, and problems of the police officers, and they should strive in every way within their power to better the conditions under which the police officer serves the public.

(Return to Winners List)
(Return to Top)