Kirtland Chronicle 12-11-20

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Volume 7, No. 5

Friday, December 11, 2020

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CHRONICLE ONICLE ND KIR TLA

A Ring for the Thumb: 5 Time Champions

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CHRONICLE

Hornets Nest Page 8

Classifieds Page 11

2021 Publication Schedule

STEVE HARE/OHIOVARSITY.COM

The Kirtland Hornets football team ran over Ironton 38-0 to capture their third straight state championship, the last two in Div. V. The team now boosts a 41-straight game winning streak dating back to 2018. Along with the Div. 3 girls soccer champs, the team will be featured in a commemorative edition of the Kirtland Chronicle on Jan. 8.

Mayor Thanks Commissioners For Tax Holiday

By Magdalene Pesch

Schulz Vows Unity as Potter Regroups on Road Plans

By Magdalene Pesch

news@kirtlandchronicle.com

news@kirtlandchronicle.com

Kirtland Mayor Kevin Potter recently thanked Lake County Commissioners for a two-month tax holiday.

He was referring to an ordinance that authorized Finance Director Mary Kovalchik to enter a healthcare program for city employees.

“The (Lake) County Commissioners approached us a couple months ago and offered a two-month credit,” Potter said during the Nov. 16 Kirtland City Council meeting.

“The city will not have to pay the monthly premiums for January and February. The savings to the city for 2021 is in the neighborhood of the low $90,000 numbers, so I go on the record tonight in thanking the commissioners for bringing this forward, of being considerate of the current fiscal climate, and making this available to us in this regard in that it doesn’t change any of the healthcare policies for our city employees.”

Council unanimously approved the ordinance.

See Council • Page 5

At its Nov. 16 meeting, Kirtland City Council unanimously chose to suspend its rules to modify the night’s agenda and withdraw a proposed ordinance.

The ordinance related to the credit of certain taxes paid to other municipalities and Mayor Kevin Potter asked council to withdraw it.

“This ordinance was really born out of a need to fund a road program, born out of our aspiration and real determination that we would have the ‘2020-2021 and going beyond’ road rehabilitation program that would thoroughly satisfy our residents and give them the encouragement that right leadership was truly here at city hall,” said Potter. “I don’t think it’s not. I do believe that, in our intent to deliver on that promise, that we will fix our roads. I personally fell short. My determination to fund an excellent road program, developed by Mr. (Doug) Courtney and

January 8 July 2 February 5 August 8 March 5 September 3 April 2 October 1 May 7 November 5 June 4 December 10 The Kirtland Chronicle publishes once a month.

Karlovec Media Group reserves the right to change, cancel or add publication dates at any time.

“Residents, friends, members of council — they clearly stated that there is hardly an appetite for a tax increase of this nature that doesn’t fully go before our voters … It is also recognized that in the face of this economic uncertainty that we have in a pandemic, that we need to hit the ‘pause’ button.”

– Kevin Potter Mr. (Joe) Fornaro, my desire to fund that program — it got the best of me.”

Potter said he had hoped that over the six weeks of the ordinance’s three readings before the public, fruitful dialogue would ensue and thus reveal the efficacy, or lack thereof, of the proposed ordinance.

However, Potter conceded, “Residents, friends, members of council — they clearly stated that there is hardly an appetite for a tax increase of this nature that

doesn’t fully go before our voters … It is also recognized that in the face of this economic uncertainty that we have in a pandemic, that we need to hit the ‘pause’ button.

“Frankly, I wish I would have listened to the thoughtful advice of my friend, Councilman Jeff Ruple, on Thursday morning,” Potter said. “He called me and he did ask me to withdraw the proposal. But again, I said to Jeff, ‘I really wanted to have this discussion before not only city council, but figuring See Roads • Page 6

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Page 2

Whether taking advantage of virtual home training or enjoying two no-sweat sessions in studio, clients of Jeff Tomaszewski, Chief Life Transformer at MaxStrength Fitness, are staying strong.

Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, December 11, 2020

Want to Be Healthy, Fit, and Strong When You Need It The Most?

MaxStrength Fitness Is NOT Your Typical Gym When Jeff Tomaszewski, founder of MaxStrength Fitness was asked to reflect on the chaotic year behind us, and think about the one that lies before us, two words keep coming up: thankful and hopeful.

“While many businesses in the fitness and training industry have been hurt by the pandemic, we have held our own,” says Jeff. “Through appointment-only, one-on-one strength training, the sheer volume of people we serve is lower than most gyms. Our clients only come twice weekly for 20-minute sessions. And our facility was already a very sterile environment.”

Like all facilities that were shut down by the state on March 17 and reopened on May 26, MaxStrength had to follow new protocols. “We took this as an opportunity to raise the bar,” he says. “We installed MERVE13 air filters and HEPA air purifiers. Not only do we require masks, but our trainers and clients all wear masks even while training. Clients wait in the parking lot until we call them into our facility. Temperature and wellness checks are performed.”

As a result, soon after reopening, the clients came back. In an anxious new world where people feared going into stores or churches or restaurants, they feel safe putting their trust in MaxStrength. And it turns out, for good reason. “Over 1,400 training sessions, we have not had one incident of COVID exposure,” says Jeff. “I’m thankful for the clients we’ve helped stay in shape so their immune systems can function at their peak ability. Our survival has meant their survival.”

He says helping people find sanity in the midst of chaos and remain positive and hopeful through the uncertainty has been a humbling experience.

Choosing Virtual Training

Jeff and his creative team of trainers also responded to the pandemic by creating the MaxStrength Virtual Training program of one-on-one training in the comfort of your home.

“Rather than just mimicking what a trainer or another person is doing, our trainers expertly guide people through the exercises and interact with them through plans that are customized to their goals,” he says. “Through consistent virtual training, they can still stay in great shape and boost their

immune system. Our staff of professionals will be there with them every step of the way.”

Clients do not need any special equipment, and the program includes a variety of helpful things like weekly live sessions to discuss health, wellness and nutrition topics.

Virtual clients have been thrilled with the experience. “Not only was I able to get a great workout, I was able to interact with someone other than just my family,” says Rita. “This is important to everyone. I felt really energized after the session.”

Firing up Your Immune System

Those in the medical community are saying this is an important year to get your flu shot, as getting the flu can weaken your immune system and leave you vulnerable to catching other viruses. In the same token, Jeff points out that research has shown the significant link between exercise and a strengthened immune system.

“When your body is operating at peak efficiency, it’s in a better position to fight colds and viruses,” he says. “Staying in optimum health also wards off high blood pressure and cholesterol, lack of energy and decreased bone density.”

Taking the Business National in 2021

MaxStrength’s core concept of transforming lives via two 20-minute sessions per week is novel and profound. For the past several years, there has been interest for Jeff to take his successful business model to the national level through franchising. “We are in the final stages preparing to roll out during the first quarter of next year,” he says. “This is an exciting and hopeful time for us. We are blessed.”

MaxStrength Fitness is located at 4212 State Route 306 in Willoughby. Working with The Germ Free Company, the studio is continuously disinfected. They also limit the number of clients allowed in the facility and run wellness checks on staff to make sure they’re symptom-free. Call 440-226-8080 or visit MaxStrengthFitness.com for more information, to view more testimonials, or to request your FREE Initial Consultation and 2 Free 1-1 in-studio or virtual workouts.

Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, December 11, 2020

A Note from the Mayor As we close out 2020, I want to first conIn November, I proposed a road funding gratulate our Kirtland High School fall sports option designed to spur conversation as to teams for their tremendous achievements. how we pay for a long overdue Comprehensive Amazingly, the girls soccer and boys football Road Program. The proposal was met with teams both brought home state champion- great questions and by request from memship trophies. Led by coaches Ed Bradac and bers of Kirtland City Council and the comTiger LaVerde, these programs have become munity, I asked that the legislation be pulled state powerhouses and have really from consideration. Although that put Kirtland on the map. proposal was dismissed, the seriThe Dec. 1 snow storm brought ous and focused conversations renearly 20 inches of wet heavy snow garding funding continue. to parts of Kirtland and downed The question remains, how do 40 trees in a matter of hours. The we work together as a community storm proved to be one of the to fund a road program that seeks toughest snows in recent memory to truly build good and lasting and I want to thank the police, fire roads for our residents well into and service departments for their Mayor the future? With that in mind, I have hard work managing the treacherKevin Potter asked Council President Rich Lowery ous conditions. We had all hands-on to appoint a special committee of council to deck and within hours of the snow ending, work with residents, key stakeholders and our roads were cleared. A special thanks to Willoughby dispatch who handled over 100 the administration to build collective support calls for service that day, and performed with for a road program that we can all trust. utmost professionalism and skill.

Staying on the topic of infrastructure, It is no secret that our city roads need with the help of Councilwoman Kelly Wolfe extensive repair and that for too long our and Lake County Utilities, we will be preconstruction, maintenance and funding ap- paring and publishing a presentation for proaches have left much to be desired. In our Old Town residents relating to the fuJune, with input from a resident Road Paving ture EPA-mandated sewer project. Keeping Task Force, I asked our newly-appointed ser- in mind that not all our residents rely on vice director and city engineer to develop a technology to get their information, we will Comprehensive Road Program. The goal was also mail a fact sheet and frequently asked to produce a plan that would fix our most diquestions letter to the Old Town residents. lapidated roads and to generate a long-term The purpose of the presentation and mailer strategy to keep our good roads good. Using their professional knowledge, recently col- will be to help our residents prepare further lected road conditions data and by walking questions for a January 2021 public meeting.

In closing, I want to wish our residents many miles of our failing roadways, our team a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday seadeveloped a full plan to fix our roads over the son.

2020 has been a challenging year for so next 15 years. In addition to the acknowledgmany, and I sincerely hope that the New Year ment that future roadwork must include base brings promise and joy to all of you. and drainage corrections, further analysis Thank you, showed that many city roads were neglected and poorly maintained over many years. We now face significant costs to fix the problem.

Kevin Potter

Kiwanis Korner

By Jim Porter Let us help you plan some of your Christmas gifts. Kiwanis has individual football and soccer state championship signs for sale just like the ones we gave to players and coaches.

There are 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020 football and 2020 girls state championship signs available for $10 each. Contact John Bodmer at 440-256-1181. Hurry, supplies are limited.

October was an especially important month for the Kiwanis Club of Kirtland. We held a social distancing /virtual meeting to install our new 2020-2021 officers, board and foundation members. In addition, we inducted eight new members into the club.

Our new club officers and board members are: President Chris Hesson; President-Elect Julie Vickers; Vice President Mike Sams; Secretary John Bodmer; Treasurer Kevin Eilerman; Immediate Past President Russ Diemer.

Board members include: Rick Blum, Frank Lyon, Jason Patti, Marie Bartels, Tom

Dice, Jim Porter and David Saywell.

The Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation members are: President Mary Sams, Secretary Karl Hauber, Treasurer Jay Bagdasarian and board members Jeff Bailey, David Fulton, Bill Pastor, Fran Raishart, Ryan Rickart and Eric Ziegler.

We welcomed Amanda Angus, Lori Smul, Lee Enorsky, Ryan Symonds, Patrick Skeggs, Katy Nagaj, Kathy Talty and Bob Venorsky into membership. The Kirtland Kiwanis now stands at 64 members who are willing to contribute their time and talents to make the community a better place where families can live and raise their children.

Merry Christmas and the best of holiday wishes from all of your friends in the Kirtland Kiwanis Club.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. If you are interested in finding out more about Kiwanis, please call 440-256-1181.

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, December 11, 2020

Friday, December 11, 2020

Council from page 1

Potter acknowledged city employees in light of the recent meteorological fracas.

“I want to thank the (Kirtland) police and fire departments and the service department for their hard work yesterday during and after the damaging winds. The wind sustained for quite some time and I know there were some pretty hazardous conditions out there,” Potter said. “(Fire) Chief (Anthony) Hutton was giving me regular updates and we were in contact about making sure that FirstEnergy was alerted to all of the downed lines. I think we had 19 or so calls in just one hour related to the storm damage and downed power lines and trees branches across roads.

“They work to make sure our roads were passable, that traffic was diverted away from, and/or pedestrians diverted from any of those dangerous conditions,” he continued.

“I can’t say enough about the hard work our people put in to keep this community safe.

Weekend, rain, shine, snow, wind, so, it’s greatly appreciated.”

Hutton said his department responded to 24 calls regarding trees or wires down in Kirtland and Kirtland Hills.

“The service department, (Service Director) Joe Fornaro was out (in the field), the police department was out (in the field) and everybody worked great together, as we usually do.

Got a good team here in Kirtland,” Hutton said.

He hailed the new city mechanic, Steve Voigt, as an asset during the recent storm, as well.

“In Steve’s first week, the fire department definitely put him to work and he was definitely very helpful at doing some work for us and keeping our trucks all on the road. Joe and Steve, thank you,” the fire chief said.

Kirtland Chronicle

He added the fire and police departments were happy to escort the high school girls soccer team back into town after its state championship win.

Potter also cheered the student athletes.

“I congratulate all of our fall sports teams, and then, special congratulations go out to the high school girls soccer team in their state championship on Friday,” he said.

“Obviously an incredible feat and season.”

Potter also wished the Kirtland Hornets football team well at their state championship, which they won against Ironton 38-0.

Kirtland resident Susie Shafer thanked Fornaro for his double duty as sports booster.

“I want to extend a great appreciation to Service Director Joe Fornaro for being so wonderful this fall soccer season. He was great,” said Shafer. “He helped us get signage up. He helped us with goals, field conditions and making sure hand sanitizer was available. We were very appreciative of all his help and he was always available on the fly. We are very grateful for him and his team and just wanted to put the ‘’shout out’ there to say ‘thank you.’”

In other business, the police and fire departments have gained new faces.

Cory Eisenberg was hired full time at the Kirtland Fire Department Nov. 23. He replaces retired firefighter Doug Malvicino.

On Nov. 25, Potter administered the Oath of Office to police officer Aleashia M. Tapia.

She replaces officer Jose Carrillo, who has joined Painesville Police Department.

Normally clean-shaven Police Chief Lance Nosse was sporting a mustache and beard.

“We’re (the KPD) going to actually raise quite a bit of money with No-Shave November. I’m very proud of the department for, as small as we are, to generate the funding that we have,” he said, adding funds raised for hair growth go to various charity projects that benefit local residents.

Page 5

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Friday, December 11, 2020

Roads

from page 1

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we’d have a lot of residents out over the next six weeks, to kind of hash this out and see if this was or wasn’t the right proposal. But, Jeff was correct.”

Potter and council member Matthew Schulz had also discussed the matter.

“I had a great conversation with councilman Schulz last night, and he and I both agree, that this is actually a tremendous opportunity for all of us to unite as a community,” said Potter. “Mr. Schulz and I committed to each other that we’ll work together to find the right road-funding plan and approach and in doing so, we can engage the community in that open and thoughtful way.”

Schulz said he spoke with the mayor for about an hour about several things and they “cleared the air.”

“It’s going to take unity, like you mentioned, and I’m offering that this evening,” he said.

Schulz said council’s efforts to fix the roads will be bolstered by a supportive citizenry.

“I believe in this community and I believe that they’ll come and rally with us and have a full understanding of what we need, what they want and what is attainable,” said Schulz.

“As we work our way through our budget for 2021 and understand the full ramifications of COVID and its ramifications on the community, I’m sure in the next several months we’ll have an opportunity to work together with council to come up with several different funding mechanisms that are equitable. We’ll get a chance to educate everybody and, Lord willing, our pocketbooks will be back, our health will be back and our jobs will be more stable.

“We’ll be able to really show this plan and communicate to the community how vitally important it is to care for our infrastructure. It’s ours, it’s for our use, and we need to pay for it,” he concluded.

Council member Richard Lowery said he, too, spoke with Potter and thanked him for listening to him, council and the community.

“I was prepared to share some emails and texts and just points of view of residents who reached out to me and I’m glad this decision was made,” added council member Kelly Wolfe.

A better way to raise the funds is for the city to “partner with businesses,” said area entrepreneur and Kirtland resident Tom Christopher.

“I would share just some stories that we’ve

personally experienced,” Christopher said.

“We have 55 weddings booked at our new facility (the Barn at Tall Oaks). We have 130 in the sales pipeline. We’ve had hundreds and hundreds of guests coming into our city who have been shocked by what they’ve been seeing, saying, ‘This is a fantastic place. Is there more here than we see? Are there other businesses we can use for our rehearsal dinners?’ and ‘What other vendors can we use?’ and et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.”

Christopher sees Kirtland as a wellspring of untapped potential.

“We get 600 to 900 thousand visitors a year,” he said. “They come in with full wallets; they leave with full wallets. The Red Roof Inn next to (state Route) 306 is the largest volume Red Roof Inn in the United States. I would just plant the seed with council and with the mayor. There is a better way.”

Area entrepreneur and former council member Kevin Eilerman agreed with Christopher.

“I think the opportunity is that we can work together as business and city to find a way to find additional funding for things that do not impact current residents of Kirtland,” Eilerman said. “I think there has been an effort to do that for the last number of years, and I think that if we continue to do that, we can find a way to additional funding. Is it 100% of the funding? Maybe not. We don’t know that yet. But I do believe those conversations do need to be had.”

Friday, December 11, 2020

Kirtland Chronicle

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, December 11, 2020

Hornets Nest

By Steve Hare OhioVarsity.com Kirtland’s winter sports teams will be hard-pressed to match the success of their fall counterparts.

The Hornets won state championships in football and girls’ soccer while also claiming a Division III district championship in volleyball for the first time in school history. Kirtland’s cross country team also sent runners to the regional meet and a golfer advanced to the district tournament.

Adding to the challenge for the winter sports athletes is the fact COVID-19 has postponed the start of their seasons.

A late start is nothing new for Kirtland’s boys’ basketball team as the Hornets have grown accustomed to tipping off their season several weeks after their opponents as the football team has played in nine of the last 10 state championship games.

This year, the Hornets aren’t alone as many of the area’s teams have been paused due to the pandemic.

Not that the Hornets needed the help— they finished 17-7 last season and return three starters from that squad—but they’ll take it as they settle in and prepare to tip-off the season.

“I feel very good about the team we have returning this year,” said third-year head coach Shawn McGregor. “Our seniors do a great job of leading by example and help to create a competitive atmosphere every day.

We have the potential to be very good if we continue to work hard and accomplish our defensive goals.”

Kirtland’s lineup includes seven seniors and a host of others with varsity experience.

Even more important, the Hornets benefit from the culture of success the school and community have developed over the past decade.

STEVE HARE/OHIOVARSITY.COM

The Kirtland girls soccer team won its first title in program history with a 3-2 overtime victory over Cincinnati Country Day in the Div. III final. It was the Hornets (19-1-3) third consecutive season of reaching the final four, losing in the 2018 title game and in the 2019 semi-finals. The game-winning goal was the third of the game by junior forward Erika Zschuppe.

While there will be several new faces in the lineup and many others playing new positions, McGregor is confident in this swarm of Hornets.

“We are a very competitive group that loves to play hard,” he said. “We should be able to force teams into some uncomfortable situations with our defense and hopefully translate that into some easy scoring opportunities. We will have some guys stepping into some new roles for us this year on the offensive end, so some growing pains are expected while they settle in. That being said, they compete so hard on such a consistent basis that scoring opportunities will come.”

Seniors Joey Grazia, Anthony DeMarco and T.J. Green all are returning starters.

Grazia, a 5-foot-11 point guard, averaged 9.6 points, 6.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game last season on the way to earning first-team All-Chagrin Valley Conference honors. He also was named honorable mention all-district.

Last season, Grazia dished out a school-record 138 assists.

“Joey is an incredibly talented player that does everything very well,” McGregor said.

“He makes those around him better, and we will rely on him a great deal this year.”

DeMarco, a 6-foot small forward, aver-

aged 6.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

He was named second-team All-CVC and honorable mention all-district. He pulled down 20 rebounds in one game as a junior.

“He has a nonstop motor that defensively can defend (all five positions),” McGregor said. “He is a strong athlete with a much improved offensive game.”

Green, a 6-foot-3 center, also earned second-team All-CVC and honorable mention all-district honors after averaging 7.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per contest last winter.

“T.J. is a big man with good feet in the post and the ability to knock down jumpers,” See Hornets • Page 9

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, December 11, 2020

Hornets from page 8

McGregor said.

Juniors Hector Lescano, a 5-foot-11 shooting guard, and Gage Sullivan, a 6-foot-4 power forward, round out the projected starting lineup.

Sullivan averaged 5.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore. He recorded three double-doubles last season.

“Hector is a great defensive player with a fantastic offensive game,” McGregor said.

“The sky is the limit with Gage’s potential on both ends of the floor.”

Seniors Mason Sullivan, Liam Powers, Anthony Mancini, and Jonny Jackson, and juniors Gage DiFabio, Mason Rus, Scott Haymer and Pierce Boyd provide the Hornets with quality depth.

Sullivan is a 6-foot small forward and Powers is a 5-foot-11 shooting guard. Both are returning to the court after a year away from the game.

Mancini is a 6-foot-3 power forward with a solid all-around game and Jackson is a 6-foot-1 center.

DiFabio is a 6-foot-3 small forward with a soft touch and the intangibles that will benefit the Hornets on the court. Rus is an athletic 6-foot-2 power forward with impressive natural instincts. Haymer, a 6-foot-1 small forward, brings even more athleticism to the court and Boyd is a 6-foot-3 power forward with a great shot.

“If we can defend and utilize our depth and athleticism we have the potential to be a very good team,” McGregor said. “We have great kids that work hard and care about each other. It’s a joy to be around these guys and I

look forward to spending as much time with them as possible.”

Girls basketball

Kirtland’s girls’ team enters the 20202021 season looking to defend its Chagrin Valley Conference title and riding a wave of momentum coming off of the state championship the girls’ soccer team won earlier this month.

With five of the seven varsity players contributing to that state title, the Hornets won’t have any trouble competing this winter but they might encounter a slow start as the team hasn’t had much time to prepare.

“Nov. 16 was the first time we practiced with the bulk of our varsity players,” second-year head coach Brittany Zele said.

“Before that, we only had two varsity players and the rest were freshmen or sophomores that are on the JV team. Based on our first practice together, the girls have not missed a beat. They remembered plays, worked hard, and played well with each other. They are heading into a scrimmage tonight with only one day of practice under their belt and my confidence in them has not wavered.”

Zele guided the Hornets to a 19-5 record and a Valley Division title in her first season at the school.

Her second year will provide many challenges, especially considering there are just seven girls on the varsity squad.

Add in the fact the Hornets graduated their top two scorers and those challenges are magnified.

“We will struggle to score consistently at first,” Zele said. “We are also low on varsity numbers but plan on bringing up a couple girls from JV each game that are ready to get some See Sports • Page 10

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Kirtland Chronicle

Page 10

Sports

from page 9 varsity experience. Our plan is to run the ball as much as we can and get high percentage shots from our offenses.”

That plan is sound based on having five varsity soccer players on the roster.

Those girls won the state title with hard work and determination and Zele expects the same out of them on the basketball court.

“We have high endurance, we are quick and aggressive,” she said. “We will rely on our defense tospeed the game up and force turnovers.”

Seniors Leah LaVerde and Haley Coso and juniors Reilly Greenlee and Macy McIntosh return to the starting lineup.

LaVerde, a 5-foot-4 guard who split starting duties with Greenlee, and Coso, a 5-foot-8 forward/center, will be counted on to provide

senior leadership on the court.

LaVerde averaged 4.1 points per game with three rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.3 steals per contest. She also shot 76-percent from the free-throw line. Coso scored 6.4 points per game with 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.5 steals per contest. She shot 44-percent from the floor and 65-percent from the line.

“Leah has every leadership quality a captain should have. We are going to rely on her heavily for her aggressive defense and being a lockdown defender,” Zele said. “Haley has developed into a fierce basketball player.

She has perfected her inside game and has extended her shooting range. Haley’s knowledge of the game and ability to help her teammates around her is an asset to the program.”

Greenlee, a 5-foot-6 point guard, and McIntosh, a 5-foot-5 guard/center/post, were utility players for the soccer team and will play integral roles for the basketball team.

As a sophomore, Greenlee scored seven points per game with 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.9 steals per contest on the way to earning second-team All-CVC and honorable mention All-District honors while McIntosh averaged seven points with 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.1 steals per contest. McIntosh was named honorable mention All-District.

“Reilly understands the game of basketball and is able to direct girls on the floor.

She is able to create opportunities to score and get her teammates open looks. Reilly can play any position and succeed. Her versatility is one of her strongest qualities,” Zele said.

“Macy is one of the strongest girls on our team. Her strength and ability to get to the hoop is why she is our leading offensive and defensive rebounder. Any team that has to defend her can anticipate a battle at the rim.”

Junior Amalie Gettig and sophomores Marissa Carmosino and Corinne Greenlee round out the varsity roster.

Gettig, a 5-foot-5 guard, was 7-of-18 from behind the arc last season. Carmosino, a 5-foot-8 guard/post, will provide the Hornets with more size under the hoop and Greenlee, a 5-foot-5 guard, will bolster the defense.

“Amalie will be our go-to outside shooter this year. She has great range and has a high basketball IQ. Teams will need to make sure they know where she is at all times. Marissa is a great addition to the team this year.

She has improved tremendously from the start of her freshman year. She does a great job getting to the hoop and finishing around the rim. Marissa will always battle for loose balls and do the little things to help her team.

Corinne will be one of our go-to defenders in games. She has quick feet and is able to read the floor and get steals. She will be a great addition at the point guard position.”

Congratulations are in order for Kirtland senior Maria Bevanda.

The midfielder played a key role in the Hornets winning the state title and earlier this month she announced her commitment to continue her education and playing career at Ursuline College.

“I am unbelievably excited to be able to compete at the next level, especially while continuing my education,” Bevanda said.

“Athletic and academic balance has always been something that has kept me going.”

It’s that balance that helped Bevanda connect with Ursuline.

“What led me to Ursuline was the sense of welcoming and comfort I felt from the campus, coaches, staff, and overall environment,” she said. “I loved their soccer program and the strength of their academic programs.

The academic support offered through athletics was something that drew me to Ursuline.”

Bevanda is the second former Hornet to join the Arrows’ program as Lidia Rodin signed with the school after the 2019 season.

“Lidia has been a great helping hand throughout my entire college search process,” Bevanda said. “She shared everything

Friday, December 11, 2020

with me in regards to Ursuline and college soccer in general. While she obviously advocated very highly of Ursuline, she always said that she wants to see me play college soccer, and if it’s with her, that’s even better. It’s very comforting and exciting knowing I’ll go into it with a familiar face. We’ve been playing together ever since we were kids, and I cannot wait for it to continue.”

As a junior, Bevanda scored three points on one goal and an assist as the Hornets finished 17-5 overall and advanced to the state semifinals. She was far more productive as a senior as she finished with 17 points on five goals and seven assists and played a key role in Kirtland’s 19-1-3 record.

She provided a calming influence and tactical skill in the midfield, which helped the Hornets to score a school-record 107 goals during the 2020 season.

“Maria has fulfilled a dream of hers to play soccer in college and I and the rest of the coaching staff are so excited for her,” said Kirtland coach Ed Bradac. “She achieved this goal through her hard work and dedication to the sport she loves. Her soccer knowledge and her work ethic set her apart, but what makes her truly special is she is an amazing teammate.”

Ursuline recruited Bevanda to play a similar role in college.“As a center midfielder, my key components to be used would be to not only support but also be an overall playmaker,” she said. “Getting the ball out of pressure and creating new opportunities are always something to capitalize on.”

Bevanda, who plans to major in nursing on her way to becoming a Nurse Anesthetist, knows she’ll have to improve her game and conditioning to play at the next level.

That’s a challenge she’s ready for, especially after playing at such a high level for one of the premier girls’ high school soccer teams.

“As a collegiate athlete, knowing the level of competition will definitely rise, it motivates me to continue to get better each and every day,” she said. “I aspire to be the very best player I can be on my future team so we can be the most successful as a whole.”

As excited as she is to move on to Ursuline, Bevanda will always remember her time as a Hornet and she hopes her career path inspires her younger teammates and future Hornets the same way she was inspired by Lidia Rodin and Maya Zovko, among others.

“Although winning the state title is something I’ll forever be proud of and never forget, it’s the memories we made over the summer during workouts, before and after games, and at the backfields during practice, that will truly mean the most,” she said. “I hope the younger girls learn that hard work and dedication truly does pay off. Great things come but you have to stick through the good and the bad. These four years go by incredibly fast and I hope they learn to cherish every single moment they can.”

Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, December 11, 2020

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Kirtland Public Library The Kirtland Public Library is located at 9267 Chillicothe Road. For more information about any of these programs or to register, please call the library at 440-256-7323 or visit www.kirtland.lib.oh.us.

Grab and Go Bags

Our popular Grab and Go bags are back!

Designed for kids age 3 and up, we have a different bag each week. Pick up a bag while you are browsing, or ask for them at curbside pickup, and take it home to do the activity.

While supplies last.

Virtual Family Storytime

Tuesdays • 10 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fingerplays via Zoom. For families with children age 5 and under. Please register for this program and the Zoom invitation will be emailed to you.

Virtual Lapsit

Wednesdays • 10 a.m.

Bounces, rhymes, songs, a book, scarf songs and shaker songs, all designed to encourage early literacy. Please have a scarf/ towel/napkin and a shaker/maraca handy for this program for families with children under the age of 3.

Please register for this program and the Zoom invitation will be emailed to you.

Virtual Mug Meals

Dec. 9 • 3:30 p.m.

For families with kids of all ages. Learn how to make two delicious mug meals right from your own kitchen on Zoom. All you need is a mug, your appetite and the list of ingredients, which will be emailed the week before the program and can also be found on the library’s website under the event’s description.

Please register to attend.

Among Us

Classifieds AUTOS & AUTO PARTS Cash for Junk Vehicles: running or not, classics/big trucks/etc., free removal, call/text Zac 440-679-7293.

FOR SALE Two Used JL Audio 12W6v2 Subs, Two Used Pioneer Mono PDX-M6 Amps. All Wiring Included. Excellent Condition.

Priced To Sell. $400. 440-552-4400.

Thinking about the holidays? Vendor 2063 features Christmas decorations at Marketplace Mall, 15864 Nauvoo Rd., Middlefield (part of Heritage Marketplace). Open M-F 10-5:30 and Sat. 10-5.

Dec. 16 • 3:30 p.m.

Kids in grades sixth and up, can you repair your spaceship before the impostors sabotage it? Sign up to play and find out. You will need a device with the free game downloaded and another device to access the Zoom meeting for discussions.

Virtual Do Re Me Snd You Dance Party

Dec. 17 • 11 a.m.

For families with children age 5 and under. Join the library for a virtual dance party on Zoom. Let loose, get moving and be silly.

Please register for this program and the Zoom invitation will be emailed to you.

GARAGE SALES

HELP WANTED

MANCAN IS NOW HIRING GENERAL LABOR AND SKILLED TRADES IN LAKE, GEAUGA, CUYAHOGA AND ASHTABULA COUNTIES To apply, stop into the office Monday - Thursday, 9am to 3pm.

Be sure to bring 2 forms of ID. A resume is encouraged.

220 Center St. Ste B-2 Chardon, OH 44024 440-285-5627

MISCELLANEOUS Shop AVON at home or office. Delivery and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Bev Thompson Avon Independent Sales Representative Call: 440-708-8045 Visit my Web site: https://www.avon.com/ myavon/bthompson8804

SERVICES Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining this season. 18 years experience. Professional and insured. Call Dan, 440-342-4552.

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

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, December 11, 2020