Wellness That Works in a Small Town

Hollins says Bedford has a unique advantage: it’s small enough to build trust and shift workplace culture quickly. She emphasizes that wellness doesn’t have to be expensive—it can be as simple as offering flexible schedules, acknowledging staff publicly, and creating open space for honest conversations.

Making Self-Care a Team Practice

One strategy Hollins recommends is encouraging staff to create “self-care plans”—a tool originally used in clinical settings. These short guides can include an employee’s preferred stress relief activities, early warning signs of burnout, and ways coworkers or supervisors can offer support. Implementing this across a team helps build psychological safety and a sense of belonging.

Understanding Communication Styles

She also suggests small teams benefit from using personality tools like DISC. These assessments help staff understand each other’s communication styles and reduce misunderstandings—especially in workplaces where employees wear multiple hats. According to Hollins, better understanding leads to better delegation and stronger collaboration.

Using the Benefits That Already Exist

In addition to improving communication, Hollins stresses the importance of using existing benefits such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). These confidential services are often underutilized due to privacy concerns or misinformation. She encourages employees to take advantage of them before asking for new accommodations, reminding readers that regular usage helps justify keeping them in small-budget organizations.

Small Businesses, Big Support

For family-run or tightly knit businesses, she recommends bringing in a neutral third party to help mediate issues or serve as a temporary HR resource. Hollins notes that many professionals in Bedford are willing to support local businesses because of shared community pride.

Personal Growth Fuels Professional Success

She also encourages Bedford-area professionals to pursue personal development skills—such as empathy, communication, and boundary-setting—as part of professional growth. These “soft skills” can be just as vital to workplace success as technical training.

A Three-Step Reset for Workplace Culture

For employers ready to make changes, Hollins suggests three steps to begin:

1. Talk with employees about what’s draining or helping them at work.
2. Define what wellness means in the context of your workplace.
3. Partner with support, such as a consultant or mentor, to guide culture change.

Hollins believes that in a city like Bedford, small businesses have a unique opportunity to build supportive environments where teams thrive—not just survive.

For those interested in improving workplace culture and investing in professional wellness, Hollins is a Bedford resident and the founder of Relevant Connections. To learn more, visit relevantconnections.org or follow @RelevantConnections on social media.

The post Wellness at Work: Bedford Consultant Offers Advice for Local Employers first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The fire, caused by a pressure washer, resulted in significant damage and a long recovery process. However, the owners remained determined to rebuild, bolstered by strong community support. The reopening drew eager customers, with cars lining up to take advantage of the restored service.

As a thank-you to the community, the business offered free car washes and air fresheners on opening day. The owners were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from residents, who expressed disappointment when the fire first occurred and excitement for the reopening.

With a fresh start, the car wash is ready to serve Bedford Heights once again, appreciating the loyalty and encouragement that helped them through a challenging year.

The post Bedford Heights Car Wash Reopens After Devastating Fire As Reported By Cleveland 19 News first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Held in a festive setting, the event featured a 50/50 raffle and other prize raffles that added excitement to the evening. Guests mingled and enjoyed the warm holiday ambiance while learning more about The Treehouse’s mission and the impact it has on the local community.

A highlight of the evening came when a parent shared a heartfelt story about her daughter’s transformative journey with The Treehouse. “My daughter wouldn’t be where she is today without The Treehouse,” she said, illustrating the profound difference the organization has made in the lives of its participants.

Funds raised from the Winter Wonderland Holiday Event will go toward supporting The Treehouse’s programs, which aim to provide a safe, nurturing environment where youth can grow, learn, and succeed.

For more information about The Treehouse and its mission to empower the next generation, visit their website at TheTreehouseBedford.org.

The Winter Wonderland Holiday Event was not only a celebration of the season but also a testament to the spirit of giving and community that keeps The Treehouse thriving. It was a lovely evening that underscored the importance of supporting youth-focused initiatives in Bedford.

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Seniors Helping Seniors® Chagrin Valley, led by U.S. Army veteran Heather Maver, is offering compassionate in-home care services to residents in Bedford and the surrounding areas. Located in Warrensville Heights, the organization provides seniors with assistance tailored to their needs, from running errands to help with personal care like showering and mobility. These services enable older adults to maintain independence and alleviate the caregiving burden on families.

Maver, who lives on Cleveland’s east side, aims to give back to her community by ensuring seniors can remain in their homes comfortably and safely. Veterans may soon benefit from discounted services as the organization works toward VA approval. To further connect with the community, they sponsor local events and advertise in area publications.

Opportunities for Compassionate Caregivers

Seniors Helping Seniors is actively recruiting caregivers who are patient, kind-hearted, and eager to make a difference. Ideal candidates include retired teachers, nurses, or individuals with home health aide experience. Starting pay is $14 per hour, with increases based on experience and availability.

The organization currently employs 17 caregivers and has ambitious goals to hire 80–100 by next year. This is an excellent opportunity for older adults seeking part-time, meaningful work. Caregivers benefit from flexible hours and the fulfillment of giving back to others.

To inquire about services or apply as a caregiver, visit Seniors Helping Seniors at their office, call them at (216) 998-2273, or check their website.

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Throughout her career, Ms. Hollins has held various roles in behavioral health, substance abuse counseling, and mental health services with organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic and OhioGuidestone. She has been honored with numerous awards, including Cleveland State University’s Social Worker Student of the Year Award. Ms. Hollins holds a Bachelor of Arts in social work from Oakwood University and a Master of Social Work from Cleveland State University.

As she looks to the future, she plans to expand her company by developing a grant management department and creating online training curricula. Ms. Hollins credits her success to building strong connections and engaging with people on a personal level.

The post Chardé Hollins, CEO of Bedford-Based Relevant Connections LLC, Recognized in Marquis Who’s Who for Impactful Leadership in Social Work and Grant Management as Provided by 24-7 Press Release first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

When Dr. Rust first noticed that the clinic was up for sale, she knew it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up, despite the extensive renovations required. “It’s usually hush hush when vet clinics are for sale,” she shared.

The property and business were sold together, which meant Dr. Rust inherited not only the building but also the records of the Dr. J’s clients. Although Dr. Rust has made efforts to reach out to the clinic’s existing clientele, she encourages anyone who hasn’t heard from the clinic to feel free to call and get acquainted with the new practice.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Rust has been warmly received by the nearby business community and is eager to serve the people and pets of Bedford. While she is not a Bedford resident herself, she is committed to providing the best care possible to the community’s pets and is already enjoying her time here. “I’m really excited to be working with animals again and to be part of Bedford,” she said with a smile.

The clinic currently operates on a limited schedule—Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm—until another veterinarian joins the team next month. But even with the limited hours, all are welcome.

Tinkers Creek Veterinary Clinic offers full-service care for dogs and cats, with a particular focus on providing clients with ample one-on-one time to ensure they never feel rushed and all their questions are thoroughly answered. Dr. Rust is also highly skilled in surgery and dentistry, and she practices “fear-free” medicine, ensuring that pets are always in the best hands.

The clinic might be in the same easy-to-find location, but it now has a brand new feel. Dr. Rust has also established good relationships with surrounding clinics, making her a trusted member of the local veterinary community.

As Dr. Rust settles into her new role in Bedford, she looks forward to continuing to grow the clinic and becoming an integral part of the community. Tinkers Creek Veterinary Clinic is more than just a place for pet care; it’s a welcoming space where pet owners can feel confident that their beloved animals are receiving the best possible care.

Tinkers Creek Veterinary Clinic
60 Broadway Avenue, Bedford, OH 44146
(440) 368-1355

The post Tinkers Creek Veterinary Clinic: A New Beginning with Dr. Lydia Rust first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The launch day on August 6 marked a significant milestone for Ohioans following the approval of adult-use marijuana through a referendum the previous November. Despite adverse weather conditions, strong customer turnout was noted across the state. Industry operators observed continuous foot traffic, with dispensaries experiencing long lines throughout the day.

In the first five days, 138,466 transactions were recorded across Ohio’s 98 licensed dual-use dispensaries. The enthusiasm for adult-use marijuana was evident, with substantial increases in foot traffic and sales compared to the previous medical-only operations.

Cannabis prices were initially higher in the adult-use market, with a “day unit” of flower (2.8 grams) retailing for $26.59, about 20% more than in the medical market. After taxes, the cost exceeded $31. Although prices were higher than in neighboring states like Michigan, where market saturation has driven down costs, Ohio’s prices are expected to decrease over the next year as the market stabilizes.

The post Ohio’s New Adult-Use Marijuana Market Sees Strong Sales in First Week as Reported by Crain’s Cleveland Business first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

COLUMBUS — With deceptive pricing continuing at Dollar General stores, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recently asked a Butler County Common Pleas judge to immediately force the Tennessee-based retailer to stop advertising one price on its store shelves and charging another price – typically higher – at its registers.

In his request for a temporary restraining order against the discount retailer, Yost cited ongoing violations of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act. He also requested a hearing regarding a preliminary injunction that would require Dollar General to abide by Ohio consumer laws as this case progresses.

“There’s a mountain of evidence showing that Dollar General simply doesn’t care to fix the issue – and that’s despite numerous consumer complaints, failed auditor inspections and our lawsuit,” Yost said. “The bait-and-switch price games stop now.”

Multiple county auditors, as part of their regular duties, have inspected Dollar General stores and found that many of the product prices displayed did not match the prices charged. Even after Yost sued the company on Nov. 1, 2022,  auditor reports show, some of the same stores continued to fail inspections, meaning they are still charging more than the prices advertised.

Notably, Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano required certain Dollar General stores to apply stickers to their registers warning consumers that they may be charged incorrectly.

In the months since the lawsuit was filed, the Attorney General’s Office has received 116 complaints regarding Dollar General’s shelf-pricing issues.

Ohioans who suspect unfair business practices should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

Read a copy of the motion: (Part 1 of 2), (Part 2 of 2).

The post Complaints continue against Dollar General for bait-and-switch pricing in Ohio first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

These scammers call out of the blue and suggest – under the guise of wanting to help remedy the situation – that a large purchase has been charged to your credit card.

“Legitimate companies don’t do business this way, so just hang up,” Yost said. “These impostors want to get you on the line and cause panic so you cough up personal information. My hope is that you will answer by ending the call.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), various Amazon impersonation scams – many involving claims that a consumer has ordered an expensive product or service – are filling phone lines throughout the country.

The “representative” then persuades the consumer to give him or her remote access to the consumer’s device so the “representative” can issue a “refund.” Instead, the scammer gains access to the consumer’s personal identifying information.

In a variation of the scam, the fraudster persuades the consumer to buy gift cards as a way of “stopping” the unauthorized purchase.

On Amazon’s website, company guidelines make clear that Amazon would never call a customer to seek personal information or discuss a refund that the customer isn’t already expecting.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office offers these tips to help consumers deal with business impostor scams:

• Hang up if you receive a cold call from someone claiming that you have purchased an item from Amazon or another popular online retailer. Do not call back the number on your caller ID or the phone number mentioned in the message. Instead, if you are concerned about the supposed purchase, contact the retailer using its legitimate phone number or email address. Customer service contact information can typically be found on the company’s website.
• Carefully examine the details of your online account purchases and credit card bills for any unauthorized charges. If you see an unauthorized charge, report it immediately to your credit card company.
• Never allow a stranger to remotely access your smartphone, tablet or computer. If the caller claims to need remote access to process a refund, it’s a scam.
• Be highly suspicious of requests from a stranger to buy gift cards as payment for any product or service as part of a “refund” process or to allegedly help stop fraud from a third party. Know that once you disclose a gift card’s PIN to someone, that person will be able to access the money on the card.  
• To report a scam, contact the legitimate retailer through the contact information on its website and the Ohio Attorney General’s Help Center.
• If you’ve fallen victim to a business impostor scam by disclosing personal identifying information, download the Ohio Attorney General’s ID Theft Basics publication and visit www.identitytheft.gov for help on how to proceed.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

The post Attorney General warns Ohioans about robocalling impostors during holidays first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The settlement agreement resolves 10 pending regulatory proceedings related to 2017-2020 annual earnings tests, a 4-year review of FirstEnergy’s electric security plan, and 2014-2018 energy efficiency audits.

The unopposed settlement agreement is supported by PUCO staff, Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, Ohio Energy Group, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Industrial Energy Users-Ohio, Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy, Nucor Steel Marion, The Kroger Co., Interstate Gas Supply, Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, and Ohio Hospital Association.

Specifically, the agreement calls for the utilities to refund $96 million (which includes interest) related to the utilities’ 2017-2019 annual earnings tests. Residential customers would receive a one-time bill credit of approximately $27. Nonresidential customers would be provided approximately $2.60 per megawatt hour credit over a six-month period.

The remaining $210 million would be refunded as bill credit as follows:

• $80 million during 2022
• $60 million during 2023
• $45 million during 2024
• $25 million during 2025

The agreement maintains the terms and conditions of its previously approved electric security plan, including FirstEnergy’s commitment to file a base distribution rate case by May 31, 2024.

A copy of the settlement agreement is available on the PUCO website by clicking on the link to Docketing Information System and searching for case 20-1476-EL-UNC.

Case background

Ohio law requires the PUCO to review electric distribution utilities’ annual earnings, called a “significantly excessive earnings test”. The PUCO examines utilities’ annual return on equity compared to similarly situated utilities across the country.

The PUCO must conduct a 4-year review of a utility’s electric security plan to ensure its terms and conditions remain favorable when compared to a market rate option. FirstEnergy’s electric security plan began on March 16, 2016 and will remain in place until May 31, 2024.

The PUCO performs annual audits to ensure charges passed onto customers through its “demand side management and energy efficiency rider” were accurately calculated.

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