SAFE AT HOME — Members of the Wintersville Woman’s Club met Thursday afternoon and heard a presentation from Susie O’Brien, liaison for Safe At Home in Columbus, which helps domestic violence victims receive a new, safe address. Taking part in the meeting were, from left, Cathy Coburn, O’Brien and President Cheryl Taylor. -- Julie Stenger

WINTERSVILLE — During Thursday afternoon’s meeting of the Wintersville Woman’s Club, members recognized Fire Prevention Week, and welcomed Wintersville Assistant Fire Chief Mark Bevilacqua.

President Cheryl Taylor presented Bevilacqua with a tray of cookies for the department as a gesture toward their dedication and service to the village and beyond.

“We appreciate all they do for the outreach of our area,” Taylor stated. The club made a donation toward the village’s newest fire engine, which the department had parked outside for the women to inspect after the meeting.

Following a buffet luncheon, those in attendance were introduced to guest speaker Susie O’Brien, liaison for Safe at Home out of Columbus.

Safe at Home is Ohio’s address confidentiality program that creates a legal substitute address for those who need help as a survivor or as someone who lives in the same household as a survivor of domestic violence, menacing by stalking, human trafficking, rape or sexual battery.

The state program authorizes the BMV to create a safe ID, forwards participant mail, provides a safe option for voting and conceals real estate records.

Safe at Home is a program based out of the office of Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. O’Brien explained she has traveled to 14 counties throughout Ohio to speak to people about the program, as well as chambers of commerce and businesses.

The way the program works is that the individual does not need to make their new address known, except to the program. She noted if one were to get pulled over for speeding, they can tell the officer they are with the program and provide the address of the Safe at Home office, which will then forward the ticket the same day to the individual’s home.

O’Brien told the club 33 states have a similar program, which started in Ohio in 2016. Anyone interested must first complete an application at an agency that specializes in helping survivors. A list of application assistants can be found online at SafeAtHomeOhio.gov or call (614) 995-2255.

The applicant assistant will help with your safety planning and determine whether this program is a good fit, with qualifying applicants completing a program application. The applicant will be contacted about any issues. Once the application is complete and certified, participants will receive a welcome packet and Safe At Home ID card in the mail. The card must be provided to government officials to hide a true address.

Following O’Brien’s presentation, roll call was taken by Recording Secretary Mary Beth Allen, who posed the question, “Do you know anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence?”

Each name called responded with a yes or no reply, to which more people responded yes than no.

Taylor somberly said it was surprising to hear how many people know of someone who has been a victim of domestic violence, adding the number is just way too many. O’Brien was surprised to hear how many as well.

Club members discussed announcements from committee chairmen, including the civic department committee.

It was announced there were 120 tattered or torn American flags collected during the summer months, along with 28 flags in September and 35 in October.

These flags were brought to either the village’s post office or library where two “beautiful handmade boxes” are set out for the community to bring their flags no longer used.

The flags are then given to local Boy Scouts, who hold a proper ceremony to have them destroyed, Taylor commented. Last year, 300 flags were collected.

Taylor stated the club’s project for November will be donating clothes for preschool-age children.

Treasurer Karen Hill announced the club is working toward doing a project with Indian Creek fourth-graders using buckeyes. It is the group’s hope to go into the local school and work with children to make a necklace using a buckeye and beads in order for them to be aware that buckeyes are the trees of Ohio.

Pat Ketzell, membership chairman, noted new members will be installed at the club’s November meeting. She stated anyone needing a name badge should let her know. Next month, a memorial service will be held, and those knowing someone who has died should provide the information in order to give them the proper recognition during the service.

Marjean Sizemore, parliamentarian adviser, tearfully thanked the membership for purchasing a brick for her at the Mohican Memorial Shrine in Ashland County.

Sizemore stated the brick is beautiful and was on display during the Gold Star Mother’s pilgrimage Sept. 28. The brick will be added to the walkway located by the southeast district bench.

The brick was given in honor of Sizemore’s service as state president of the club from 2020-22.

The club will continue collecting plastic bags for Indian Creek High School in its mission to have a second bench installed, along with collecting additional items for local organizations, such as empty medication bottles for the Jefferson County Humane Society.

Women stayed after the meeting to not only view the fire truck at the Wintersville Fire Department, but to fill bags of donated items that will be given to the ALIVE shelter.