Seneca Dems to honor Kelbley at annual dinner

Seneca County Democratic Party plans to gather at 6 p.m. Wednesday for its annual dinner at The Chandelier Community Event Center. Chairwoman Gina Grandillo said the dinner will be highlighted by special recognition of retiring Judge Michael P. Kelbley of the Seneca County Common Pleas Court. "Judge Kelbley has served honorably for the last 34 years," she said in a news release. A native of New Riegel, Kelbley received his bachelor of arts degree from John Carroll University, magna cum laude, and his juris doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. In addition, she said the party will have a keynote address from State Rep. Jeff Crossman, Democratic candidate for Ohio attorney general. Representing Parma, Brooklyn Heights, Cuyahoga Heights and part of southwest Cleveland, she said Crossman began his first term serving the Ohio House in January 2019. "His story is one of true grit," she said. "One of three kids raised by a single mom, growing up next to now-shuttered factories, working full time while attending law school at night and now, bringing his five years of experience as a Parma city councilman to the Statehouse." Also, Ohio District Five Congressional candidate Craig Swartz will address the group. The evening will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. with the program beginning at 7:30 p.m. Reservations can be made online at https://bit.ly/3ShN3Ab, or by contacting the party at info@senecacountydemocrats.org.