It was hello, goodbye, and nice to see you again as the Vermilion Board of Education welcomed a new member, Vermilion City Council selected a former member as council president, and council also bid adieu to a long-time member. The board of education welcomed Ratiba Stillman, a school psychologist in the Norwalk City Schools to replace Eric Johnston, who resigned following his promotion as principal in the Sandusky City Schools. Across town, Vermilion City Council voted hello again to former councilman and council president John Gabriel to serve in his former role, and at the same meeting, said goodbye to Council President Monica Sweinhagen.
If Stillman’s name is familiar, it’s because her husband is Vermilion Athletic Director Andrew Stillman. She has been a member of the community for eight years, and the couple have two daughters, Ada and Lena, who are students in the district. Ratiba is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She attended Kent State University and earned a master’s in education as well. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, working out, doing DIY projects, and spending time with her family. Stillman was voted in unanimously by the board.
Gabriel was selected by council 6-1 (Councilwoman Pat Stein opposed) and has served on various committees and boards in the city. He has been married for 34 years to wife Carrie with two children and one grandchild. He is a Vermilion High School graduate and attended the Community College of the Air Force. Gabriel is an Air Force veteran 86-90, 94th Combat Age Team Airman of the Year for 1988 and 1989. He has been part of Romp's Water Port Management Team for the past 32 years. Gabriel is a former chairman of the Vermilion Planning Commission and Vermilion Cable Board, Vermilion City Council Legislative Committee Chair, Vermilion Marine Business Association Chair, served on the 2011 Charter Review Commission, chairman of the City of Vermilion Stormwater Advisory Board, was a Road Levy Committee member (passed), served as Ward One Council 08-09, Council President in 12-13, Ward One Council 18-19, is a member of the Vermilion Lions Club, and is a current Chairman of Grace Community Kitchen, and also of the Crystal Cove Condominium Association.
And council said goodbye to current Council President Monica Sweinhagen, who has served in that position for the past year and a half. Before that, she served as council-at-large. Current Council at Large Steve Herron said, “It has been a pleasure working with you…I want to make it clear how much your efforts have been appreciated.”
In her report during Monday’s meeting, Sweinhagen thanked everyone. “This has been a wonderful experience all these years working with you all, past councils, administrations, past administrations. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’m going to miss it immensely, although I’m really excited for my future. I want to thank everybody, thank the citizens for giving me the opportunity, of electing me all these years and letting me serve the community. It’s a wonderful community to serve.” She added she is not going far, as she is moving just outside town. “It’s just wonderful here. We are very blessed here in Vermilion and I’m blessed to be part of it all. Keep it going in that direction.”
Mayor Forthofer said he enjoyed working with Sweinhagen. He said in getting together about issues before the city, often they agreed, sometimes they didn’t, “Her orientation on what’s best for the residents has never been in question, and I think we worked well together. Thank you for the time you spent, it’s been a pleasure working with you, and best of luck.”
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