Chesterland News 2-15-23

C H E ST E R L A N D N EWS

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West G to Give Kirtland a Lift

By Brian Doering

West Geauga Schools had agreed to give Kirtland students a ride for the rest of the school year after a collaborative agreement was reached between the two districts Jan. 23.

West Geauga Schools Board of Education passed a resolution last Monday to adopt a shared transportation service agreement with the Kirtland Schools for the 2022-2023 school year.

“If you recall, at the beginning of the year, there was a question over one of our routes that was a private school route and Kirtland was gracious enough to offer us help when we needed help with that,” said Superintendent Richard Markwardt. “I knew that if there were ever a day where we would need to reciprocate, we would be

willing to do so and that day has come.”

West Geauga will provide all personnel, school buses, other student transportation vehicles and/or supplies toward transportation for all students, and may provide services for Kirtland on an as-needed basis, and with Kirtland picking up the cost, according to the resolution. The agreement will be in effect until June 30 of 2023.

“The memorandum of understanding allows both districts to have an opportunity that is mutually beneficial from a financial standpoint that also helps to overcome any bus driver shortages that may

arise,” said Kirtland Superintendent Chad VanArnhem in a follow-up interview.

The school district will charge Kirtland for transportation services based on the routes that are exclusively for Kirtland students, as well as students who reside in the territory but attend non-public schools. Kirtland will also pay for the percentage of Kirtland student ridership on shared routes and time needed for extra-curricular/athletic trips, and/or specific and unique transportation needs requiring contracted transportation services.

“We will now pay West Geauga $25 a day to transport Kirtland stu-

dents on a route they were already driving. Our district is down three school bus drivers and this shared service gives us the opportunity to use the drivers we have available to cover the rest of our routes,” VanArnhem said. “I am appreciative of the West Geauga Local School District helping to provide this opportunity to our district.”

At all times, Kirtland will retain the ability to use its own transportation resources or a third-party transportation vendor to meet its transportation needs.

“Their driver shortage is now exceeding ours in terms of the difficulty, so the route in question is one where now Kirtland students will be riding in our bus, versus our students riding on their bus,” said Markwardt. “They extended to us at the beginning of the year and I felt like as good neighbors, we should do the same for them.”

GCPL Finishes 2022 Strong, Excited for New Year

By liz mcmahon eDitor@karlovecmeDia com

Having served almost 675,000 patrons in 2022, Geauga County Public Library ended 2022 on a strong

note, said Director Kris Carroll. While the library system hasn’t reached its pre-COVID-19 numbers, there has been consistent growth every month since the COVID surge in January 2022, Carroll said

in a recent interview.

During GCPL Board of Trustees’ annual organizations meeting Jan. 17, Assistant Director Katy Farrell reported patrons also interacted with branch reference desks 150,000 times last year and circulation numbers led all other systems in the Clevnet regional library consortium — which comprises 47 library systems across 12 counties in Northeast Ohio.

“This accomplishment was made possible by the hard work and creativity of library staff, promoting items through engaging displays, programs, story times, Book Match, readers’ advisory and more,” Farrell said, adding computers and wifi access at GCPL branches were used almost 162,000 times, while 116,000 patrons saw 3,240 programs and over 2.6 million library items were in circulation through 2022.

The board also unanimously elected and swore-in board officers, including President Kathryn Pitrone, Vice President Paul Newman and Larry Pitorak, who will serve as the board secretary.

Carroll, Farrell and Fiscal Officer Lisa Havlin were also re-appointed to their positions.

“Being the board president is a big responsibility because you are ‘on call’ all the time,” Pitrone said. “I have always appreciated our libraries and am privileged to help make them be as good as possible.”

Looking ahead to 2023, Carroll said there are exciting things on the horizon.

“The staff is already working on the Summer Reading Program, which is a delight for all ages. Patrons have begun to ask about details of the library’s 60th anniversary celebration in August,” she said. “Finally, we are working with Chardon Schools to bring a makerspace (collaborative work space) to the Chardon community. It is a wonderful feeling to be moving into the post-pandemic world. Our rise in participation throughout the system shows that patrons can’t wait to enjoy dropping in for their books or to enjoy a program. Everything shows me that Geauga County loves its libraries.”

Carroll also highlighted a new library acquisition to be unveiled in February — the historical Plain Dealer collection made up of newspapers dating from 1845 to 1881.

Geauga

Mission to Preserve Natural Heritage pages

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WGHS Senior swimmer Ashley Chase is CVC champion in both the 100 and 200 freestyle.

Brian@karlovecmeDia com

“They extended to us at the beginning of the year and I felt like as good neighbors, we should do the same for them.”

– Richard Markwardt

Third Thursday Business Social

Feb. 16, 8:30 a.m.

Chester, Russell and Newbury area businesses may register for West Geauga Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday Business Social at Geauga West Library. Presenter is Ashley Roche, of West Geauga Schools. Sponsor is Alt Media. Coffee and doughnuts are provided.

Outreach Spaghetti Dinner

Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m.

Christ Presbyterian Church offers free drive-thru spaghetti and meatball dinners the third Thursday of each month. Salad and dessert are included. The church is located at 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

Young of Heart

Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m.

Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Parish Center, 12969 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township. Bring a brown bag lunch. Snacks and beverage are provided. Guest speaker is Chester Fire Chief William Shaw.

Young of Heart is open to Geauga County residents 55 or older. Dues for the year are $25. Come to a meeting to join or call Monica at 216-659-8117.

If the West Geauga Schools are closed because of weather, the meeting is cancelled.

Maple Leaf Hosts Day at Races

Feb. 19, 1 p.m.

Maple Leaf Community Residences will

Town Crier

host A Day at the Races in the banquet hall of Church of St. Mary, 401 North St., Chardon.

Tickets are $30 per person and include lunch, unlimited betting, sideboards, 50/50 raffle and more.

For more information, visit MLCR.org or call 440-279-4444. Proceeds will benefit the Raise the Roof Fund for the continuing needs of maintaining MLCR homes.

Presidents Day Commemoration

Feb. 20, noon

Geauga County’s third annual Presidents Day commemoration will be held at the Heritage House on Chardon Square. Join to hear selected historic readings from presidential speeches and official documents.

OPERS Retirees Meet

Feb. 22, 11 a.m.

The Geauga County Public Employee Retirees, Inc. (PERI) will meet in the banquet room at St. Mary Church, 401 North St. in Chardon. Cost is $15, payable at the door.

Guest speaker is Geauga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Paschke.

For information and to RSVP by Feb. 19, call 440-226-4491.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Feb. 22, 12-5 p.m.

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800733-2767 to make an appointment.

Free Community Dinner

Feb. 24, 5-6:30 p.m.

Mayfield United Methodist Church is hosting a chili dinner along with cake at the church located at 7747 Mayfield Road in Chester Township.

Gardening 101

Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to noon

Geauga County Master Gardner Volunteers is offering a free, four-part Gardening 101 series for those interested in vegetable and fruit gardening and looking for new ideas to improve their gardening experience. The classes will be held in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton.

The series opens with “Site Selection and Preparation.” Master gardener Kelly Morgan will discuss the basic considerations of site selection, soil testing and preparation, and common pitfalls to avoid when starting a garden.

Attend one class or all four sessions. Future sessions are “Seed Selection and Planting Plan” on March 25; “Working the Garden” on April 22 and “Harvesting and Preserving” on May 20.

Registration is not required but appreciated. Contact Wendy Ward at 440-834-4656 or email ward.714@osu.edu.

Sports Gear Give & Take Day

March 4

West Geauga Recreation Council, West Geauga Baseball Federation, Chesterland Lions Club and West Geauga Soccer Club are hosting a Sports Gear Give and Take Day at

Patterson’s Banquet Hall, 11414 Caves Road in Chester Township

From 9-10 a.m., donate clean, gently used items in plastic totes, baskets or handled bags - no garbage bags. Acceptable items include cleats, shin guards, goalie gloves, soccer balls, baseball bats, mitts, batting helmets, knee pads and athletic shoes.

Then, return to Patterson’s from 10 a.m. to noon and take any items needed for the youth sports seasons. The free community event operates on the honor system.

WG Kiwanis Pancake Breakfasts

Sundays in March, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kiwanis Club of West Geauga is hosting its 70th annual all-you-can-eat pancake, sausage and French toast breakfasts every Sunday in March in the cafeteria at West Geauga High School, 13401 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children 6-11. Children under 6 are free. Early bird special is from 8-9 a.m. Curbside pickup is available.

All proceeds stay in the community. The club welcomes groups and individuals that would like to volunteer for the community event. For more information, visit the Kiwanis website wgkiwanis.org or call Jeff Kershaw, pancake breakfast chairperson, at 440-812-3564.

GOP Lincoln Day Dinner

March 11, 5:30 p.m.

The Geauga County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day dinner will be held at The Tanglewood Club, 8745 Tanglewood Trail, Bainbridge Township. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

Keynote speaker will be newly elected Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou. Cost is $75 per person; VIP tickets are $125. Visit www.GeaugaGOP.com/events to RSVP by Feb. 28. No walk-ins will be admitted.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities and program ads, call 440-2539677 or email info@geaugagop.com.

Spring Tree Sale

April 21 and 22

Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is holding its spring tree sale. The sale offers a streamlined selection of both bareroot seedlings and 1-3 gallon container trees and shrubs. Rain barrels are also available.

For more information, tree descriptions and to place orders, visit geaugaswcd.com. Order deadline is April 6. Orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The tree sale pickup dates are April 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and April 22, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton. Questions? Call 440-834-1122.

Campus News

Lauren Kercher, of Chester Township, has made the dean’s list at The Ohio State University for the fall term.

Lindsey Downs, of Chester Township, was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at the University of Findlay.

Robert Jefferson, a criminal justice major from Chester Township, was named to the dean’s list at Youngstown State University for the fall semester.

Angelina Fornaro, of Chester Township, was awarded a bachelor of science in biological sciences at Youngstown State University’s fall commencement exercises.

Melissa Sterkel, of Chester Township, achieved dean’s list honors for the fall semester at Belmont University.

Jordyn Sutton, of Chester Township, earned a place on Furman University’s dean’s list for the fall semester.

Geauga Park District

For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Be On Amphibian Alert

Register to be placed on the park district’s list to witness the spring breeding behavior of wood frog, spring peeper and possible large salamanders as they move into The West Woods’ woodland pools on a warm, rainy night. Text “FROG” to 866-320-2926 to receive a text the day the park district is hosting the annual program.

The notification, which is anticipated between early March through early April, will include instructions to call in and register on a first to call, first-served basis for 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. programs with 60 spots each. A follow-up text will indicate when programs are filled.

Spring Turkey Hunt

Geauga Park District is offering a turkey hunting opportunity this spring on a park property.

For the option to participate, applicants must complete the form located on the park district’s website and email it to permits@ geaugaparkdistrict.org or drop in the mail.

Applications are due March 27 for the youth hunt taking place April 15 and 16 and are due April 3 for the regular hunt taking place April 29 through May 28.

Hunters will be selected by random drawing and notified via email of their acceptance and hunt location. Permits will also be sent electronically.

Details about submitting an application can be found on the form.

Community Meetings

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions for the coming two-week period, unless otherwise noted. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Chester Township: Feb. 15, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; March 1, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: Feb. 15, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District; Feb. 16, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; March 2, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees . All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

West Geauga BOE: Feb. 27, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5

Chesterland, Ohio 44026

Phone 440-729-7667

FAX 440-729-8240

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Circulation

• The Chesterland News is distributed for free to homes and businesses in the communities of Chester Township and parts of Russell Township. It is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.

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WGMS Wrestling Team Excels at CVC Tournament

SuBmitteD

Twelve members of the middle school wrestling team traveled to Perry to take part in the CVC middle school tournament, which historically marks the end of their middle school wrestling season.

“We just showed up and did what we came here to do,” Danny Sizler said.

Coaches Daren Horvath, Larry Welker and Dan Sizler II were very proud of the way all of their wrestlers battled at the tournament. Not only did they wrestle with a winning one-match-at-a-time mindset, but

they were exemplary teammates encouraging each other mat-side, win or lose.

“The wrestlers have really come together as a team this season,” coach Horvath said. “I only wish we had more time with this group of kids.”

Placing first in their weight classes at the tournament were Danny Sizler at 122 pounds and Blake Welker at 172 pounds. Austin Wheatley finished second at 150 pounds, Nick Kreischer took fifth at 110 pounds, Dan Federico took fifth at 128 pounds, and Cole Welker was sixth at 134 pounds.

Obituaries

Roy E. Ditto

Roy E. Ditto, at 101 years old, passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2023, with his family beside him at Maplewood Assisted Living Home in Chardon.

Roy was born March 10, 1921, in Chester Township, to Dale W. Ditto and Mary S. (nee Whitman). Chesterland was Roy’s home his whole life. He worked as a carpenter for over 50 years and belonged to the union.

Roy married Phyllis Barstow on Jan. 2, 1946. He built the home they lived in for over 75 years where they raised their three children together.

Roy had a long and meaningful life; he would always lend a hand to anyone in need. He enjoyed caring for their home, working outside in the yard.

Roy loved taking Phyllis to the dance hall at Painesville Park, where they would meet good friends and dance the night away. Another favorite pass time was playing cards with a group of friends they went to school with and grew up together, and he outlived them all.

In 2008, Roy had bestowed upon him the title “Keeper of the Cane” in Chesterland. He is the third generation of our family to have this title over the last 85 years; there have only been 21 “keepers.” He was honored to have the cane for as long as he did.

The house he was born in is still standing on Mulberry Road. A reminder things were built to stand the test of time back then — and so did he. In his life time there has seen 18 presidents, four wars and a world that went from simple to complex.

He was a son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather; a man of few words, but when he did speak people listened.

Roy is predeceased by his father and mother, Dale W. Ditto and Mary (nee Whitman) Ditto; sisters, Gerrie Crotty, Donna (nee Wendt) Tursic, Dorothy (nee Wendt) Paglio; and son-in-law Tom Havlicek.

He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Phyllis; daughters, Peggy Havlicek, Nancy Aloi (Phillip); son, Dale Ditto; granddaughters, Stacie Malone (Jeff), Lindsey Nelson, Tiffanie Petty (Virgil), Kelly Alisesky (Dan), Karen Roderick (Josh), Anita Mehmood (Asher); grandsons, Tim Howson, Bob Havlicek (Karianne), Brad Aloi (Brittani); great-granddaughters, Lauren Malone, Allison Malone, Jordan Malone, Megan MacCartney, Grayson Howson, Maggie, Harper, Laurel, Emma, Ella, Dani, Morgan, Nayah; great-grandsons, Cody Howson, Liam Nelson, Austin MacCartney, Xavier, Kasen, Zion; and great-great-greatgrandson, Cole Schneider (Allison Malone).

Family and friends called at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Feb. 12, 2023, where services were held Feb. 13.

Interment in Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chesterland.

Memorial donations in Roy’s name may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve at www.hospicewr.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GattozziandSon. com for the Ditto family.

Douglas Robertson

Douglas Robertson, age 90, passed away peacefully Jan. 9, 2023, at his home.

Born May 3, 1932, in Cleveland, he was a Burton resident for several years before moving to Russell Township 57 years ago.

Doug was a U.S. Army veteran and served in Korea as a Classified Directions Decoder.

He was a graduate of West Tech High School, and received degrees from Hiram College and Kent State University. When at Hiram College, Doug played football, basketball and his best sport, track. He was later awarded a lifelong leadership award from Hiram College in 2001.

Doug went on to become a teacher and principal with West Geauga Schools for 33 years, retiring in 1989. Before becoming principal, he was assistant varsity basketball coach and assistant football coach at the high school, winning the conference basketball title during his last coaching season. He enjoyed his years at West Geauga, especially his years at Chester school and was very sad when it closed.

During the summer, Doug coached his daughter’s softball teams and helped them with their 4-H horse projects. He volunteered at Hiram House Camp and served on the board for many years. He was also helpful in taking in many rescued animals that included horses, dogs, cats, ducks and one little Pygmy Goat.

Doug was a proud member of Community Church of Chesterland and the American Legion. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and family, and planting and harvesting a large vegetable garden.

Doug is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara (nee Irwin); daughters, Denise (Norm Deets) Robertson, Kimberly (Brenda Moore) Robertson and Bobbi Jo (Jeff) Roshitsh; grandchildren, Kyle Roshitsh, Kaley Roshitsh, Norman Deets; and pets, Winston the dog, Oliver the cat, the barn kittens and horses Splash and CC.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Hazel (nee Misch) Robertson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. May 27, 2023, at Hiram House Camp, 33775 Hiram Trail, Moreland Hills.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GattozziandSon. com for the Robertson family.

Notices should be sent in writing by the funeral directors and memorial societies to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 440245166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $100 per obituary or death notice, including a photograph.

Members of the West Geauga Middle School wresting team excelled at the CVC middle school tournament at Perry.

West Geauga Schools

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WGMS Book Drive

The West Geauga Middle School Student Council sponsored a gently used-book drive, in which all homerooms competed to be the top-collecting class. The event brought in 1,038 books to share with Women United of the United Way of Geauga County. Thank you to the Student Council for organizing a great event.

Words Make a Difference

The phrase of the month at WGMS is “Change Your Words, Change Your World.” Students learned how the words they choose can impact and influence others, either for the positive or negative, and the importance of choosing words wisely. An interactive lesson demonstrated how positive words can help change the world.

WG District Power of the Pen

West Geauga was among 35 middle schools that attended the district Power of the Pen competition held at University School. Representing the district were Isla Yellen, Capri Burch, Caroline Yeager, Gabby Ohlsen, Lena Wright, Janna Winningham and Aurora Pavick. The students spent the day writing stories in three timed sessions responding to creative prompts.

While West Geauga eagerly awaits the full results to learn who will move forward to the regional tournament in March, already qualifying was seventh-grader Aurora Pavick, who placed ninth overall at the competition.

WGHS STEM Fair

The West Geauga Science Department hosted a STEM Fair that included various competitions for students to showcase their science, technology, engineering and math talents.

Individual project winners are: Grant

Congdon, first place; Bryn Morgan, second place; and Will Northup, third place.

Junk Box Wars winners are: Bryn Morgan, Grant Congdon and Aidan Dondero, first place; Zack Zebrowski, Parker Ohlsen and Colin Janson, second place; Aiste Berzinskas,

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Samantha Arrigo and Nicole Ferrando, third place; and Aidyn Koshar, Josh Nemunaitis and John Patton, design.

Math competition winners are: Megan McGinnis, first place; Reilly Lewis, second place; and Aidan Dondero, third place.

Students in Mrs. Frazier’s homeroom were rewarded with a special doughnut treat for being the top collectors in the West Geauga Middle School Student Council gently used-book drive.

West Geuaga Middle School students Isla Yellen, Capri Burch, Caroline Yeager, Gabby Ohlsen, Lena Wright, Janna Winningham and Aurora Pavick recently participated in the district Power of the Pen competition held at University School.

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Girls basketball senior Alexa Hocevar recently became only the second player in West Geauga program history to surpass 1,000 career points. The milestone came in a Wolverine win over Orange.

Geauga Park District Propels Mission to Preserve Natural Heritage

By roSe nemunaitiS eDitor@karlovecmeDia com

Since 1961, the residents of Geauga County have entrusted Geauga Park District to manage what has grown to 27 open parks.

“This growth is a result of our residents’ unwavering support for parks, recreational activities and amenities, and the protection and conservation of ecologically significant lands,” GPD Executive Director John Oros said. “The 10,000 acres that make up these areas are important resources. They require purposeful management and stewardship.”

Leading said stewardship in buildings and infrastructure is GPD Deputy Director Matt McCue and in natural resource management is GPD Park Biologist Paul Pira.

“Our planning and natural resource management department has a tremendous responsibility to develop and update master plans and management plans that serve all our parks and preserves,” McCue said. “These plans are the basis for everything from how we manage meadow and varying habitats for invasive species, to how we identify and prioritize stream and habitat restoration projects, to how we prioritize existing infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, as well as capital improvement.”

Veterans Legacy Woods

The park district is working on 2,913 linear feet of stream restoration at the new park in Newbury and Burton townships, with about 1,700 linear feet being used to create a new cold-water stream habitat that could support Ohio native brook trout and priority areas identified for reforestation.

A new hiking trail network is planned for completion as part of an original master plan, with upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the park’s former clubhouse.

Troy Wetlands

In 2023, access to the GPD property — which was not accessible to the public since its acquisition about 20 years ago — will be established off of state Route 700 in Troy Township with a parking area, boardwalk, trail and observation platform, as well as a hardwood forest and marshland for future birding, fishing and nature viewing.

Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park

Last year, amenities were improved at Chester Township park, opened in 1993, with improved trails, bridges and a scenic overlook on Summit Trail, and a new playground, improved trails, seating areas and landscaping around Wisteria Hill Shelter.

Orchard Hills Park

Reforestation continues at the former golf course in Chester Township to protect headwater streams flowing to Caves Creek.

“This project will reduce over 46,072 gallons of stormwater runoff each year,” according to Chagrin River Watershed Part-

ners, which assisted the GPD in applying for $72,000 in grant funding that supported the planting of 2,473 native trees and shrubs over a 10-acre area.

“Many native plants, particularly long-living trees like oaks and maples, help fight climate change by successfully storing the greenhouse gas carbon monoxide,” CRWP said.

Big Creek Park

Improvements at Chardon’s park, which is mostly forested by rich beech-maple woods, include a new Deep Woods lodge, playground at Maple Grove and a small camping cabin.

The West Woods

A new steel roof was replaced on The West Woods Nature Center at the park in Russell and Newbury townships, a popular attraction with a large wildlife feeding and viewing area and interpretive displays.

“Professionals in this line of work are so very passionate about what we do,” Pira said. “I’ve found over the years that it is more of a calling in life than simply a job. While it is true that we are public servants, we are also servants of the natural world. Because of this, we take our work very seriously as so much depends on it. We are essentially charged with passing on to future generations Ohio’s wonderful natural heritage. You bet we take this seriously. I love all our native plants and animals and want to share that with others and also make sure that my children and grandchildren are able to enjoy these special places, plants and wildlife.”

The GPD is trying to manage intact natu-

See Parks • Page 7

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GPD Park Biologist Paul Pira, left, and Geauga Park employee Linda Gilbert conduct bird research at Orchards Hills Park in Chester Township.

Arts & Entertainment

Fairmount Speaker Series

Feb. 19, 3-4 p.m.

Fairmount Center for the Arts continues its “Pull Back the Curtain” speaker series with “In Conversation: Kari Gunter-Seymour.” Join her for a virtual conversation about Appalachia and being Ohio’s Poet Laureate. The program is free, but participants need to register in order to receive the link to join the Zoom event.

For questions or to register, call 440338-3171 or visit www.fairmountcenter.org.

Call For Entries

The 31st annual Juried Art Show sponsored by Rabbit Run Community Arts Association and the Madison Public Library opens

Parks

from page 6

ral areas that are fully functional native ecosystems so they are free of something Pira calls “biological pollution,” or non-native plants and animals.

This proves a challenging job because humans have so greatly altered their landscape and changed the natural environment, Pira said.

“It is an ever-changing balancing act between human use and native wildlife needs,” Pira said.

To meet these goals, an annual invasive plant management plan and ecological restoration projects aimed to help heal damaged parklands are needed, as are biological surveys, inventories and, sometimes, very species-specific management, Pira said.

“For example, we have just recently been awarded a very large grant (over $1 million) from the Ohio (Environmental Protective

Library

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Patrons will be able to search and see full pages with ads, articles and headlines as they originally appeared, she said.

Carroll also gave an update on the Anderson Allyn Room cataloging project at the Chardon library branch.

The Bibliographies section has been completed and 240 family histories have been added to the family history collection, she said, adding the local history section is next for re-

Agency) to restore and create cold-water streams in … for a very special Ohio endangered fish — Ohio brook trout,” Pira said.

The fish are exclusive to Geauga County, nowhere else in Ohio.

“That is a huge responsibility that we take very seriously,” Pira said. “We are entrusted with this Ohio jewel. GPD is very fortunate to have such amazing natural areas. I talk a lot with other natural resource professionals all over the state and they are all envious of what we have here. That is a good feeling.

“My overall philosophy is that we are undeniably interdependent on our natural world,” he continued. “As the natural world goes so too the fate of we humans. We should all be careful stewards of the natural world. We are one piece of a larger puzzle that is all interconnected. Use science as our guide to sound management and know what we have before we make responsible resource decisions. If we give nature half a chance, quite often, nature will surprise you with its resilience.”

view. Volunteers are adding obituaries to the GCPL Hayes Collection database, as well.

GCPL has also recently applied for a Cleveland Foundation grant to fund one or more summer interns, Carroll said, adding they are also inviting a request for pre-qualifying materials from professional architects and design firms and landscape design services for future potential renovation and/or design/construction projects.

The deadline for submission is March 31, 2023.

Further information about GCPL activities and programs, visit geaugalibrary.net.

Real Estate Transfers

April 5, and applications for admission are being accepted through March 13.

The art show runs April 5 to May 3 at the Madison Public Library and is open to all visual artists in Northeast Ohio. Any high school or adult artist may submit up to three works in any two-dimensional medium. Small three-dimensional works may be submitted as well.

Applications for entry are available at RRCAA office, 49 Park St., Madison Village, Madison Public Library or by visiting rabbitrun.org. There is a non-refundable entry fee of $25 for adults and $7 for students.

The Art Show Awards reception is April 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Madison Public Library.

Schools

Farm Bureau Scholarships

The Geauga County Farm Bureau is offering scholarship opportunities to students pursuing post-high school education. The scholarship amount is determined by the number of acceptable qualifying applications.

Applicants or parents/legal guardians must be current Geauga County Farm Bureau members at the time of application and scholarship payout. They must be a parttime or full-time enrollee of an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or technical school. First-year applicants must prove enrollment or admission status. Prior recipients may reapply.

Recipients of a scholarship or a representative must attend the Farm Bureau annual meeting held in September.

The fillable form is available online on the farm bureau’s website www.geaugafb.

org or by emailing geauga@ofbf.org. No handwritten forms will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by March 31. For more information, call 440-426-2195.

College Information Sessions

The Lake/Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation is holding free virtual information sessions on Google Meets for high school students and their parents.

On Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m., “Junior Jumpstart” will address how to get a head start on the college/trade school search, the application process and what juniors need to do to be prepared for senior year.

During the “Making Sense of College Financial Aid Letters” session at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 27, an expert will walk participants through comparing college costs and understanding the award letters. Register online at www.leaf-ohio.org or call 440-525-7095.

SUBMITTED

The Geauga Park District staff held prescribed fire managment for meadows at Orchard Hills Park in Chester Township.

AUTOS & PARTS

For Sale: 1998 Harley Softail Custom, low miles, built motor, not running, needs assembly, all parts included. $3,200. 440-313-1178.

FOR RENT

Room for Let, $600, Russell. Call for details 440-3385201.

Chardon: Ranch Home, 3/bd, 1/bath, 2-1/2 car garage, newly renovated, walk to Square, $1400/m + Security and Background Check. 440-478-2408.

EVENTS

An Al-Anon meeting is held at 10:15am Wednesdays at St. Martin’s Church, 6295 River Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH.

FOR SALE

ATI Cavalry 20 gauge over under shotgun, like new condition, $450. 440-321-8152

Ford 9N, not running $1,000. 1974 Sportster Basketcase

$1,500. Team bio-harness, lightly used $1,500. All OBO. Text 440-591-9554.

NEW Panasonic cordless phone, still in box, 2 additional handsets, can expand. White w/blue trim. 440-2239471. Also Wanted: Level/Transit.

Couch w/matching love seat. Old table. Bench. Cedar chest. Cabinet. Wall plate rack. Window mirror. 440-6329675.

Industrial Sewing Machine: with table, Kwonglam model KL-303, excellent condition, heavy duty machine, can handle canvas, jeans, leather; $1,200. 440-834-8943.

Kayak: Tungo140/14ft, like new $500. Windsor road-bike $500. Horse-drawn sleigh $500. Western saddle $500. Honda push-mower $300. (8)Fishing poles $200/for all. 440-987-0079.

Tires: (2) LT225/65R17, (2) LT245/75R16, good tread, like new; $60/each. 440-545-5731.

FREE storm windows with metal frames: (8) 56.5” x48.5”. (4) 59” x48”. FREE ping-pong table 54” x120”. 440-4882851.

Antique clocks, many. Oak crank wall-phone $369. Humpback chest $79. Wooden rocking horse $79. Kids spring rocking horse $49. 440-338-3563.

HELP WANTED

Veterinary Assistant Position available at West Geauga Veterinary Hospital. 440-729-9584. Full or part-time experience helpful, but not required.

PETS & ANIMALS

For Sale: 9-week old mini-poodle males. Tucker: black w/brown spots. Bandit: white w/brown mask. Samson: all white. Shots UTD, house training stated. $900/each. 440-635-6607.

Lilly: 9-10yo lap cat, spayed, vaxxed, feleuk/FIV negative. She loves to cuddle! But she doesn’t like other cats. Rebecca 440-321-2485.

REAL ESTATE

We buy Houses and Land. Any condition or situation. Fast, friendly, local. Westwind Property Solutions. Text/call Wayne today at 330-269-9595.

SERVICES

Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining. 20+ years experience. Professional and insured. Call Dan 440-342-4552.

Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440813-4272. No answer, leave message.

Sewing Repairs, Alterations & Custom Manufacturing: Snaps, Velcro, Zippers. Cloth, vinyl, nylon, leather up to ¾” thick. Leather sheaths, holsters, belts, pouches. Retail/ Wholesale. 440.632.1505.

WANTED TO BUY

Buying all Stanley Bailey planes and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.

Will pay cash for sports cards & collectibles. Entire collections or individual cards. Organized or unorganized. Call or text Rich at 440-552-0691.

4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119.

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440313-8331.

Classifieds 440-729-7667