Volume 5, No. 8
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CHRONICLE CHRONICLE
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ND ND KIRKTILRATLA
Friday, December 14, 2018
New Ice Cream Shop Opened by Kirtland Family Page 4
Kirtland Named to AP District Honor Roll Page 2 TORREY MCNEAL/KMG
The Kirtland Hornets finished the 2018 season with a perfect 15-0 record, including their fourth Div. VI state championship. In the 13 years Coach Tiger LaVerde has headed the program, he has compiled a 159-17 record, earning playoff berths in 12 of 13 years with a 38-8 postseason mark.
Hornets Capture 4th State Title By Rich Kelly sports@geaugamapleleaf.com
Under coach Tiger LaVerde, Kirtland Hornets football has reached levels of excellence that most teams would envy. But the Hornets state championship opponent, Maria Stein Marion Local, also knows excellence. Consider: The Flyers have missed the state title game only five times since 2000, and have a 10-2 record in those final events. The Hornets have faced the Fly-
ers in 2015 and 2017, splitting those games 1-1. Kirtland did not forget last season’s loss (34-11), and emphatically made sure that Marion Local will have a lot to remember until next season, winning the state title, 16-7. It is the Hornets fourth state title in school history. And it caps another 10-0 season. Kirtland’s path to the title game went like this: a whipping of Steubenville Catholic Central, 59-0; A drubbing of Creston Norwayne, 35-0; a hard-fought win agfainst top-seeded
For More Coverage,Check Out the Kirtland Chronicle 2018 Football Championship Commemorative Edition January 11, 2019 Mogadore, 20-14; and 35-18 win over undefeated Beverly Fort Frye. That set the stage for the rubber match with Marion Local. On a foggy morning at Tom Benson Stadium at the Profession-
al Football Hall of Fame in Canton on Nov. 30, both teams showed the ability to move the ball, but were unable to put any numbers on the scoreboard. See Football • Page 10
Kirtlander Party Center Gets City Zoning Inspector Revamped By New Owners Decision Still in Flux By Donna L. Robinson news@kirtlandchronicle.com
news@kirtlandchronicle.com
Not only has The Kirtlander Party Center received a recent makeover, it has new ownership, with an emphasis on family. “The Kirtlander Party Center will be a family-based business with the number one priority of treating all guests like they are part of the family,” said owner Jason Malkamaki. On May 28, Jason and his wife, Shannon, became owners of the Kirtlander Party Center, 9270 Chillicothe Road. “Both Shannon and I have attended events in the past at the Kirtlander and we were well aware of the importance it played for years for the residents of Kirtland,” Jason said when asked what drew the couple to become owners. “We have always loved the small-town feeling of Kirtland. The city has a great reputation of being family oriented, strong in faith and a safe
Kirtland City Council amended then rejected a resolution to appoint resident Tim Powell as zoning inspector of the city Dec. 3. Amendments to the resolution included making it a one-year contract and reducing the proposed annual salary from $23,000 to $13,000. “Mr. Powell, as a candidate, is $13,000 acceptable for compensation?” Mayor Doug Davidson asked. “I don’t believe, for Powell what I bring to the table, it is,” replied Powell from the audience. Powell has a long history of service to Kirtland, including tenures on city council and the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Council President Kevin Potter
By Magdalene Pesch
DONNA ROBINSON/KMG
Jason and Shannon Malkamaki are the proud new owners of the Kirtlander Party Center, 9270 Chillicothe Road.
place to live and work.” Renovations had to be done to The Kirtlander Party Center. The outside curb appeal took nearly two years from conception to completion, Jason said. See Kirtlander • Page 3
asked Law Director Dan Richards if the candidate is not interested in that salary, where does council stand on the legislation? “If there is not going to be a contract, there’s not going to be a contract. There is not much point in going forward with this as is,” replied Richards. “It’s not a matter of negotiation at this point.” Council voted 4-2 to make the resolution amendments, with council members John Lesnick, Rob Lowery and Joe Smolic voting no. Council then voted to waive the standard three readings and make a final vote on the resolution. Before the vote, council member Rob Skrbis lauded Powell for his experience gained through his years of service to Kirtland, in many capacities. See Zoning • Page 5
Hornets Nest Page 8
Classifieds Page 11
Coffee with Council The next Coffee with Council is scheduled for Dec. 22, 9-10 a.m., at Kirtland City Hall. For more information, contact Kevin Potter at kpotter@kirtlandohio.com or 440-429-0293
2019 Publication Schedule The Kirtland Chronicle publishes once a month. Karlovec Media Group reserves the right to change, cancel or add publication dates at any time. Jan. 11 July 5 Feb. 1 Aug. 2 March 1 Sept. 6 April 5 Oct. 4 May 3 Nov. 1 June 7 Dec. 13
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, December 14, 2018
Kirtland Named to College Board AP District Honor Roll Staff Report Kirtland Schools is one of 373 school districts in the United States and Canada named by the College Board to the ninth annual AP District Honor Roll. To be included on the honor roll, districts had to increase the number of students participating in Advance Placement while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP exam scores of 3 or higher. This marks the third year Kirtland has been recognized, having also been recognized in 2017 and 2013, according to a Dec. 7 news release. In 2018, more than 4,000 colleges and universities around the world received AP scores for college credit, advanced placement, or both, and/or consideration in the admissions process. Inclusion in the district honor roll is based on a review of three years of AP data. To be honored, districts must meet the following criteria:
• Increase participation/access to AP by at least 4 percent in large districts, 6 percent in medium districts and 11 percent in small districts. • Increase or maintain the percentage of underrepresented minority groups taking exams. • Improve or maintain performance levels. KHS offers 12 AP classes in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics I, U.S. Government, U.S. History, CS Principles, English Language, English Literature, Calculus AB, Calculus BC and Statistics, according to the news release. In 2018, four students earned AP Scholar Awards for earning an average score of at least 3 on three or more AP exams, seven earned AP Scholars with Honors Awards for scoring an average of 3.25 on all exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. One student earned an AP Scholar with Distinction Award for earning an average of 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
‘Christmas Begins with Christ’ Marks Theme for Kirtland Nativity Display Exhibit Running Nov. 25 – Dec. 31 Submitted Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been busy setting up more than 1,000 nativities for “Christmas begins with Christ,” the annual tribute to the Savior, which has become a nationally known holiday display of nativity scenes in historic Kirtland. This is the 12th year for the display, which will open Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. and run through Dec. 31. The exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays at the Visitor’s Center at Historic Kirtland, 7800 Kirtland-Chardon Rd. Visitors can’t help but be impressed by all the different ways the classic Christmas scene is portrayed. All include baby Jesus in the manger, Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men, but the clothing, the backgrounds and even the physical features of the people vary. Newspaper, fabric, Coke cans and even bullet casings are among the materials used along with more common ceramic, wood, glass, metal and marble. The American Business Association has called the display one of the “Top 100 Events in North America” and the international
Friends of the Crèche honored it for its excellence. Nativities have been a part of Christmas for more than 200 years in this country — a custom that began 800 years ago by St. Francis, as he sought to bring people back to the simple awe surrounding the birth of Jesus in a stable. He created the first live nativity in a cave near his home in Assisi, in northern Italy. Local families loan the nativities, representing more than 30 countries and depicting how cultures around the globe observe Christmas. Merton Bartelmay has loaned one of his family treasures, a beautifully hand-carved Holy Land olive wood crèche. It can be seen next to nativities made from newspaper, fabric, soda cans and even bullet casings along with more common ceramic, wood, glass, metal and marble. Also on loan to the exhibit is a relief carved by world-renowned sculptor Norbert Kohen, who designed the restoration and carved a new altar and other pieces for the historic St. Peter’s Church downtown and a new Ark to hold the Torah at Temple East. For more information or to obtain a private tour, contact nativities Chairman Ronnie Regovich at 440-278-0755.
Friday, December 14, 2018
Kirtland Chronicle
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karlovecmediagroup Editorial Office 101 South Street P.O. Box 1166 Chardon, Ohio 44024-5166 Phone 440-285-2013 FAX 440-285-2015 news@kirtlandchronicle.com Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Jeffrey B. Karlovec Publisher Cassandra C. Shofar News Editor Jamie A. Ward Sports Editor Ann Wishart Staff Reporter Amy Patterson Staff Reporter
DONNA ROBINSON/KMG
Jason and Shannon Malkamaki, owners, pose by the newly renovated entrance of the Kirtlander Party Center, 9270 Chillicothe Road.
Kirtlander from page 1
The renovations were the idea of brothers and landlords Joe and John Castrataro, who own Kirtland Plaza Inc. Joseph Myers, of Willoughby, handled architectural work and construction was done by TLC Construction, of Highland Heights. Both halls on the inside were remodeled and modernized to include new flooring all the way around, Jason said. Any special events can be held at the Kirtlander Party Center, from weddings to charity fundraisers, to birthdays and baby showers, he said. “Weddings are very popular and we currently still have some available dates in the peak wedding seasons of summer and fall of 2019,” Jason said. “The features that the center offers for a wedding that would attract the bride and groom-to-be are fully updated and modern banquet halls, (which include) new technology that caters to the millennial crowd. We also have customizable halls down to the dance floor locations (they are portable), and flexibility to make their event exactly how they want it.” He added, “The name of our catering company is ‘TySeCo Catering & Event Planning.’” The first two letters of the couple’s three boys’ names — Tyler, 22, Seth, 12, and Cole,
10 — inspired the name. Jason has short- and long-term goals for the facility. The first year will be mainly about getting the center back on its feet — it was closed for nearly three years — and then during the second year, he plans on starting outside catering. When asked if he’s received any feedback from the locals, Jason said there has been a lot of encouraging buzz about the center re-opening. “Yes, there is a lot of interest and excitement about getting the center back open for events from the celebrating of state championships for the Kirtland Hornets, down to the simplest of gatherings for local residents,” he said. “For four decades, the Kirtlander served as a meeting place for so many people and they are ready for it to be back in business.” The Malkamakis, who currently reside in Painesville Township, hope to buy a home in Kirtland in the near future. “The special and unique features about the Kirtlander Party Center that would entice someone to rent the facility for their event are a long history of hosting great events, elegance and class, added with a relaxed experience for the clients in charge of organizing,” Jason added. For more information about the Kirtlander Party Center, visit www.kirtlanderpartycenter.biz.
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, December 14, 2018
Kirtland Family Breaks Ground for New Ice Cream Shop By Donna L. Robinson news@kirtlandchronicle.com With snow on the ground and a chill in the air, ice cream is probably the last thing on people’s minds. But in Kirtland, “there’s always room for ice cream,” as city officials celebrated the groundbreaking of Kirtland Creamery Dec. 8. “We believe in Kirtland, a city of amazing beauty and we are just honored to be a part of this revitalization of the downtown area. We are blessed and we just want to bring back that love to Kirtland,” said Tom Christopher, co-owner of the new ice cream shop, which is slated to open May 1 of 2019. “When my wife, Paula, and I moved in the area, there was Carriage House and Kokomo’s, which were mainstay ice cream stores and were such key features of the community,” he said. “When they closed down, a void was created. We decided as a family that it would be nice to have an ice cream store in downtown Kirtland. When the property became available, we said this was our time to strike, so it worked. My daughter, Emily, is a school teacher and she needed a summer job. It will be her ice cream store and it will be family operated.” His daughter said the reason she decided to open the business with her father was to bring back the community she had when she was growing up. “(Kirtland is) a great place to be a part of and is a community of wonderful families,” she said. Kirtland Creamery will be built on the principle that “nothing sells better than goodness,” Christopher said. “We believe strongly in good products, good service, good ambiance and good value,” he said. “We will have premium ingredients, premium equipment and we are doing something new to all of Northeast Ohio. In
LAURA TEIGELER
addition to soft-serve and hard-serve ice cream, we will have the product line of alcohol infused ice cream at 5-6 percent.” Andy Loncar, of Loncar Construction in Kirtland, is building the creamery, Christopher said, adding they always work with Kirtland businesses whenever possible. The shop will be constructed in phases, he said. Phase one of the business is building the creamery in the front of the store. Phase two will develop the back of the store, which is slated to open in the spring of 2020. This phase will incorporate a beer and wine garden, an outdoor grill and a state-of-the-art splash pad for children, Christopher said, adding they might also add a firehouse and a fire engine for rides for children. “For a long time, Kirtland had at least one ice cream store in the downtown area. It is
Friends, family and public officials pose for the Kirtland Creamery Groundbreaking Ceremony Dec. 8.
definitely exciting to think that when the Kirtland Creamery opens, we will have that once again,” said Kirtland City Council President Kevin Potter. “I think there is a ton of anticipation around the opening and believe the residents will eagerly support Mr. Christopher’s new business.” Potter said a new wave of “smart growth” and development for downtown Kirtland is on the horizon. “Tapping into the deep wellspring of entrepreneurial spirit that I believe exists within our city, has to be our focus,” he said. “In so doing, we can reinvigorate the image of our city. Now is a great time to ‘think Kirtland’ and hopefully get some new businesses to call Kirtland their home.”
Mayor Doug Davidson also expressed excitement for new retail development in the downtown area. “I appreciate the effort Tom and Paula Christopher made to make to this investment. The renderings and plans were made to work with the planning commission, plus any investments of the building that will be made over time,” he said. “The Kirtland Creamery has a convenient location right on (state) Route 306. You can take a short walk to it from the library or from the Kirtlander Party Center.” Davidson said he wants to see all of the retail spaces in the downtown areas filled with quality businesses. “It’s great that the investment is being made by this business to upgrade the aesthetic value of the town,” he added. “I See Ice Cream • Page 5
Friday, December 14, 2018
Ice Cream from page 4
encourage Kirtland residents to do some of their shopping and meeting at our local stores and restaurants. I am encouraged that we have some interest in the development of our downtown and confident that we will continue to grow.” Christopher is the CEO of The Christopher Group and their core business is executive recruitment. “However, we have been extending into other fun ventures which we have a passion for,” said Laura Teigeler, marketing manager
Zoning from page 1
“I do ask that, depending on what the outcome is, that, at any point down the road, that this particular candidate continues to be reevaluated, based on the positive or negative outcome,” he said. “With that in mind, I motion to declare an emergency and adopt.” Once again, council voted 4-3 to adopt the resolution, however, because the resolution needed five of seven council votes to pass, it was defeated. In a Dec. 7 email, Smolic explained the reasoning for his votes. “I voted ‘no’ based on poor process. The zoning inspector job was not publicly posted and only one candidate was presented to council. The city is also looking for a new service (administrator),” he said. “Our current service (administrator, Carm Catania,) also holds the zoning inspector role and is retiring in March. The service (administrator) position has been posted on Indeed.com and is publicly open to all candidates. If the city is to split these roles, then the zoning inspector position should also be posted publicly to allow the city the widest range of candidates. There is also the possibility that a new service (administrator) can handle both positions, as is currently (the case), so splitting the positions before a service (administrator) is found is premature.” Lesnick said the position of zoning inspector has been a part of the duties of the service administrator for years. “The proposed legislation preempts the filling of the one position by three to four months, and in a different manner than the service administrator,” her wrote. “The position was offered at a specific salary to one specific candidate, without evaluating the time requirement of the position, (initially) performing a salary evaluation for the position or making the position available to multiple candidates. During the deliberation and at the request of council, a salary survey demonstrated that surrounding cities with part-time zoning inspectors had sala-
Kirtland Chronicle
of The Christopher Group. “When the great Kokomo’s closed, we felt a hole was created. Since then, we have been looking for a right opportunity to bring great ice cream back to this amazing little town. We are so honored and excited about this blessed opportunity. It will be done right. Kirtland deserves that.” She added, “The community has been very supportive and encouraging of this concept. To be honest, it’s a big part of why we are doing it. Kirtland is an amazing and special place with the best people. Our prayer is to join the many other Kirtland businesses and great families in hopes of creating another nice place for Kirtland to enjoy.” ries much less than proposed, so the resolution was revised to a reduced amount. “At the city council meeting, (Powell) advised that at the newly revised salary, he would no longer be interested in the position. As the resolution was specific to a candidate who declined the position, the resolution became irrelevant, and, therefore, the reason for my ‘no’ vote.” Lowery echoed Smolic and Lesnick for his reasons in voting no. “I look forward to working closely to getting a resolution for a city zoning inspector,” he said. Going for the position, Powell was fully aware it would take two-thirds of council to approve his appointment, he said in an email after the meeting. “With regards to the compensation for the position, I never expected to start at the same pay scale that the previous inspector had. But to cut the current pay schedule in half just so you can claim that you are being fiscally responsible is curious,” he said. “Having a contract I believe is a good thing to have for both parties. In this case, it is my belief that the contract that council presented crossed a line between the Executive branch (mayor) and the Legislative branch (council). “Prior to Mayor Davidson contacting me about the zoning inspector job, during a public meeting, I spoke in regards to the purchase of new equipment for our dispatchers/police/fire departments. I believe my comments as a citizen were held against me by some members of council. This was apparent to me during my interview, as it was a topic of concern for some members of council.” Powell expressed gratitude to Davidson “for his confidence and support” throughout the process. During the Dec. 3 council meeting, Potter said he is confident in city council’s and the mayor’s ability to find common ground on the zoning inspector job. “Whether the zoning position is separated from the service administrator position or not, I think we can all work together to get it right.”
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, December 14, 2018
Kiwanis Korner
SUBMITTED
The Kirtland Middle Schools Builders Club is sponsored by Kirtland Kiwanis.
T
he Kirtland Kiwanis Club wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We are still celebrating the excellent fall athletic seasons of the Hornets. A state final four finish for boys soccer, a state runner up finish for girls soccer, and the State Division VI Championship for the football team just proves what we know about Kirtland’s young men and women. They are amazing! Submitted by Kiwanis has a long James Porter tradition of caring for Kirtland’s senior citizens. Working with the Kirtland Area Service Council, the club holds a Senior Christmas Dinner at the Community of Christ Church. Members provide transportation for those seniors who find driving, particularly at night, difficult. The dinner is complete with an excellent home cooked meal, Christmas carols and a gift personally delivered by Santa for everyone in attendance. This year, entertainment was provided by the Kirtland High School Choir. Special recognition is given to couples who have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Kiwanis has created a registry of the couples, which is on display at the Kirtland Library.
Robert W. Mayer MAyeR InsuRAnce
AuTO - HOMe - LIFe - BusIness 8386 Mayfield Rd., chesterland, Ohio 44026
PH 440-729-6300 FAX 866-929-6164
robertwmayer@yahoo.com
SUBMITTED
The Club Lemonade project provided over $10,000 that was shared by school and community groups last year.
The Club Lemonade project provided over $10,000 that was shared by school and community groups last year. Now Kiwanis is adding an exciting new twist to community funding opportunities by investing in the equipment to make delicious Hot Tasty Mini Donuts. It will be available this summer for groups to operate. As with lemonade, Kiwanis will provide the donut machine, the supplies, the trailer and arrange the bookings at local fairs and events. The sales results will be shared 50/50 with groups operating it. Mini donuts are taking the food industry by storm, and Kiwanis is excited to be able to offer this money raising program to Kirtland groups. For info on this, contact Scott HaySee Conservation • Page 7
Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, December 14, 2018
SUBMITTED
The Kirtland High School Choir performed at the annual Senior Christmas Dinner at the Community of Christ Church.
Kiwanis from page 6
mer at 440-478-8484. The annual Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation Reverse Raffle is planned this year Feb. 23 at St. Noel’s party center in Willoughby Hills. In addition to making a number of prize winners happy, the event funds many scholarships for Kirtland High School graduates and a chosen Kirtland program, this year being the Imagination Library. The Imagination Library pro-
gram provides age appropriate books to each and every child born in the Kirtland school district from birth to age 5 and is a proven promoter of literacy. The little ones and their parents look forward to their monthly “surprise.” Tickets to the reverse raffle can be purchased from any Kiwanis member or by calling David Fulton at 440-840-0663 or email DavidisMyRealtor@gmail.com. The raffle has become a great community event, drawing us together for food, fun and makes Kirtland a great place to live and raise a family.
Kirtland Public Library The Kirtland Public Library is located at 9267 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland, Ohio. The library will be open Sundays from 12-4 p.m. starting Sept. 9. The phone number is 440-2567323 and the web address is www.kirtland.lib. oh.us.
Art Work on Dispay in the Community Room The Tri-County Artists’ Group, made up of artists from Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties are having a Holiday Art Fest at the Kirtland Public Library now through Jan. 5. The event’s participating artists include: Char D’Errico, Joann Blaha, Noah’s Child, Carol Hering, Judith Koltas, Pat Cooley, Susan Nelson and Patt McClain. Paintings being shown include landscapes, water scenes, animals and flowers, to mention a few, in oils, acrylics and watercolors.
Upcoming Programs For Adults:
For Kids, Tweens and Teens: Storytime
Tuesdays • 10 a.m. Make new friends as we enjoy songs, rhymes, games and books together.
Lapsit Storytime
Tuesdays • 10:45 a.m. Lapsit is geared for families with children under the age of 3. Enjoy bounces, tickle rhymes, a story, scarves, shakers and a big finish of bubbles.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Reading to your young child regularly will encourage a love of reading, and the library is here to cheer you on. Sign your child up for the “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” program. Come get more information at the Children’s Desk.
Noon Year’s Day Party
Dec. 31 • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It’s New Year’s Eve and you can’t stay up until midnight? Come to our party, where we will have games, crafts, and a countdown to 12 p.m., followed by a light hotdog lunch. For families, please register for this event by calling the library at 440-256-7323.
Let’s Talk About It Book Discussion Lego Club Jan. 28 • 7 p.m. No meeting in December. Please read “Killers of the Flower Moon,” by David Grann.
Dec. 15 • 2 p.m. Create with the library’s LEGO bricks and they might even be displayed in the library. For children up through sixth grade.
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Kirtland Chronicle KIRTLAND CHRONICLE
KIRTLAND Hornets nest
Friday, December 14, 2018 Friday, September 8, 2017
Fall Sports Already Kicking Names Winter Sports Warming UpButt On and WayTaking to New Year TEVEH Hare ARE BByY SSteve Ohio HIOV Varsity ARSITY..com COM O
Kirtland’s winter sports teams have a CROSS COUNTRY tough act to follow thanks to the success the Kirtland’s cross country team is off to a Hornets enjoyed this past fall. fast start this fall with a strong showing at The football team defeated Marion Local, the Berkshire Early Bird Invitational on Aug. 16-7, to win its fourth Division VI state title 26 and evensoccer betterteam performance at the while theangirls’ reached the Di2017 Frank Gibas Invitational at Kenston vision III state championship game for the High School on Sept. 2. and the boys’ soccer second straight season “There were many improvements team played in the state big Final Four for the from last week and overall improvement as a first time in school history. team,” said Kirtland coach JP Moran. “It was On Sunday, football coach Tiger LaVerde a big race by freshman Julie Namciu and the was named the Cleveland Browns High top three boys were all in the 18s. The girls School Football Coach of the Year. were all 24:00 orpushed below. That’s very good for That success back the start of the us. We’re working on closing our gaps in the season for most of Kirtland’s winter sports top seven and all moving up so we can have teams. lowThe numbers a tighter team pack.”opened the girls’and basketball Namciu finished the race in 22:41, good year as scheduled but with several players for 58th place. reeling from injuries suffered during soccer Sophomore Snyder season and a lackLauren of practice, thefinished Hornets29th got with a time of 21:23 while her sister SydneyI off to an 0-2 start with losses to Division Snyder was in 21:38. Chardon and37th Division II Perry. Junior Emily Crebs (24:02), freshman The Hornets have since rebounded with Mateja va (24:42), Aimee wins overMrBerkshire and freshman Fairport Harding Baldrey (24:45) and senior Samf to even their record at 2-2 withHolly their home (25:10) scheduled also competed for the Hornets opener for Wednesday, Dec. in 12.the girls’ race. looking forward to playing a home “We’re Junior Konnor Duncan the game after four in a row on the paced road,” KirtHornets in Bob the boys’ race.“Things He finished 45th land coach Bell said. are startwithtoa time 18:31. now that we’ve had ing comeof together Senior Colton wasn’t far behind as some time to workZanko on things.” he finished 49th with a timeand of 18:37. Junior Three Kirtland starters two key reJake Grdadolnik (18:56), junior team Nick Briggs serves helped lead the soccer to the (20:29), sophomore Shuppe (20:52), state final, which leftGeorge them short on practice freshman Jackson time beforeJonny the first game.(21:33) and freshmanNow Ian the McGreal (21:43) also Hornets are at fullcompeted. strength and jelling as a team. “Players like Jenna Sayle, her jump shot FOOTBALL is starting to come around now,” Bell said. Kirtland’s football team opened the 2017 “She has always shot the ball well but it took season withtoa get 14-13 at Chagrin Falls on some time herwin rhythm and eye back. Aug. 25. The Hornets weren’t at their best Our guard play continues to getter better evand game spent and the next focused limiting ery we’reweek getting goodon play from their mistakes. our bench.” They responded a 49-14 win over Lauren Lutz andwith Amber Yurick also visiting Columbia on Sept. 1. starred for the soccer team before sliding tryinglineup to getforbetter everybasketday,” into “We’re the starting the girls’ said Kirtland head coach Tiger LaVerde. ball squad and Grace Wolfe and Reilly Green“We’re webench want toforbe.the WeHornets want to lee are not firstwhere off the be playing our best football in November. I after their extended soccer season. thought Week 1 to Week 2 was a great “Amber Yurick is a very aggressive player improvement on both sides of the ball.”
Kirtland’s Reilly Greenlee defends against Chardon’s Sydney Feller in the team’s opener. Jakemakes Neibecker ranhappen for touchdowns of 51court and 57start yardsofforthe theseason Hornets. and things out on the to 44.
and Lauren is playing really good defense for rushing game stride us. Kirtland’s She’s got great timing on hit her its rebounds early this season. and already has 30 in four games,” Bell said. The Wolfe Hornets foroff 423theyards in and the “Grace has ran come bench season opener and 362 against the Raiders. has been our leading scorer two games in who really had touchdown row Jake now, Neibecker, so she’s playing well. Reilly runs of 51 and 57 yards against Columbia, Greenlee is doing a nice job rotating at guard leads the Hornets with 224 rushing yards with Lauren Snyder and Julia Camino. We’re and two touchdowns. Joey Torok has rushed starting to blend together.” for Kirtland’s 217 yardsboys’ and two and teamscores also saw an quarterinflux of back Dylan Fulco is third on the with players following the Nov. 30 state team champion187 yards and one rushing touchdown. ship football game. Kirtland beenShawn bittenMcGregor by the injury New headhas coach saw but with Fulco missing some time against his squad increase from 12 players at the Columbia and kicker Sanjay Sundararajan
“I’m very excited,” McGregor said. “We’re sidelined Week 2. ninth to 12th grade and at 44 kidsinnow from Mike Zeuli stepped in for that’s with a few still missing. It’sFulco nice toand get threw for 93 yards and a touchdown and also kids in and we started doing our offensive ran 52 yardsinstalls. and a score. and for defensive We have a bunch of Freshman Mario Rodin was basketball.” a perfect 7good kids who know how to play for-7The in extra point attempts. Hornets, who open the season on Dec. kicker,willhe’s money,” 18 at“That homefreshman against Cardinal, be playing an LaVerde said. up-tempo style on both ends of the court. “We have depth with 10 seniors and a talented group of juniors and sophomores,” McGOLF Gregor said. “We’re going to be deep so we’re Kirtland’s golfpeople teamandmoved uppace to looking to pressure push the Division II this fall but the Hornets haven’t and keep the floor spread. We should be able skipped a beat.
STEVE HARE/OHIOVARSITY.COM STEVE HARE, OHIOVARSITY.COM
to wear people down and really have balanced scoring throughout the team.” The Hornetswrestling already have league Kirtland’s teambeaten opened the rivals Berkshire, Cardinal and Independence season with a sixth-place finish at Cuyahoga and haveRedskin continued to playonconsistently Heights’ Invitational Saturday. throughout the won first the half 285-pound of the season. Jeff Kusar title with a 5-0 recordMichael and five Schnur pins. Heispinned all four Senior well on the of histopool wrestling in 4:29 thenleague stuck way collecting his foes fourth straight Brookside’s Garza the championship MVP award, Tony but his owninteammates might bout in 5:44. have something to say about it first. Kirtland’s other placers included DaAdam Mueller and Jack DeverWill have vidson (2nd at 106), Konnor Duncan (3rd at pushed Schnur to play his best, regardless of 126), Aidan Marsh (6th at 152), Brayden Adthe event or quality of competition. kins (5th at 170), Brennon Braud (6th at 195) and Anthony Gencarelli (5th at 285). See Hornets w Page 11
Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, December 14, 2018
SUBMITTED
From left, “Students of the Month” Shelby Vermilye, of KES, Ella Buchner, of KMS, and Emily Crebs, of KHS.
December Students of the Month Submitted
The Kirtland Kiwanis “Students of the Month” for December 2018 are Shelby Vermilye, of Kirtland Elementary School, Ella Buchner, of Kirtland Middle School, and Emily Crebs, of Kirtland High School.
The Kiwanis sponsors the “Students of the Month.” The principal and staff chose one student from each school to be recognized. Each student has their picture taken, receives a certificate and a T-shirt that says “Student of the Month.”
Christmas Services Chester Christian Center
11815 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township 440-729-6203 Special Christmas series: Sundays in December, 10:30 a.m. Carols and Cookies: Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Christmas Eve service: Dec. 24, 6 p.m.
Chesterland Baptist Church
12670 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township 440-729-7101 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Dec. 24, 6 p.m.
The Church of the Angels
12550 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township 440-384-8968 Christmas Day: Dec. 25, 11 a.m. to noon. New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31, 6-8 p.m.
Kirtland Christian Fellowship
10001 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, 440-256-1001, www.kirtlandchristian.org Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Mayfield United Methodist Church
7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township, 440-729-4006 Dec. 24, Christmas Eve services: 12 p.m.: Traditional service with lessons, carols and candlelight. A light lunch will follow.
5 p.m.: Family service with Worship Band. 7:30 p.m.: Traditional service with lessons, carols and candlelight. 11 p.m.: Midnight candlelight service. Join for a light meal in Fellowship Hall from 4:30-7 p.m.
Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church 8549 Mayfield Road, Chester Township Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Christmas Day: 9 a.m. Dec. 26: 10 a.m. New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. New Year’s Day: 10 a.m.
Prince of Peace Church
9319 Mayfield Road, Chester Township, 440-729-3547 Dec. 24, 5 p.m.: Candlelight service will include a special message for kids of all ages, music and candle lighting.
St. Mark Lutheran-Chesterland
11900 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 440-729-1668, www.stmarkchester.org Dec. 23: Service of lessons and carols, 8:15 a.m.; Blended Gathering Worship, 9:45 a.m.; Contemporary Service, 11 a.m. Dec. 24: Christmas Eve: Candlelight Contemporary Worship, 5 p.m.; Candlelight Traditional Liturgy, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 25: Traditional Worship, 10 a.m.
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, December 14, 2018
Football from page 1
However, Kirtland slowly established control of the line of scrimmage. On the first play of the second quarter, Kirtland’s Jake Neibecker blasted into the end zone to break the scoring ice, and Mario Rodin booted the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Neibecker proved to be the top ballcarrier of the game with 107 yards on 17 carries. Kirtland’s defense totally dominated the rest of the way on the ground, but it was Neibecker’s observation in the post-game press conference that provided the top notion of the Kirtland mindset coming into the contest. “We knew we were tied with them at 1-1 in our own personal games with them, but they really beat us last year and we didn’t want that to happen again,” the 5-11, 200-pound Neibecker said. “We really wanted to win this game and win our own series. The support we’ve gotten from our classmates and community has been unreal. Having all of our student body in the same campus buildings, from grades kindergarten through high school, has been amazing, and we wanted to win for the entire community.” Coach Tiger LaVerde had previously made basically the same statement. “In this game, which is what high school football is all about, really, you see two small schools in small communities working hard to get here,” he said. “When you look at Marion Local, you see they also made it last year in basketball, so you know there are some great athletes in the competition. We knew they were really winners; they proved it last year because they whipped us good, and we feel we’re winners, too. We did not want to lose again, and were willing to do whatever it took to win this game.” LaVerde is known for getting the most out of his players. And his techniques are key. “The game has to be fun to play in if you want to be successful,” LaVerde said. “We stress that, and try to have fun with the kids
all the time while working hard as well. Our lines dominate, are the strength of our team.” Marion Local did not go easily, though. After Neibecker’s touchdown, Marion came right back and went the distance to score as Brandon Fleck went in from the one yard line. That was when Kirtland really dug in and put the clamps on Marion efforts. Kirtland drove 63 yards on 14 plays to score in 5:46. Luke Gardner scored from the seven as he outran everybody to the left corner of the end zone to regain the lead at 13-7. Marion Local took to the air, completing four passes from Bruns for 40 yards to reach the Hornet 27 yard line. Facing a bunch of zeroes on the scoreboard, Bruns fired a pass deep to the end zone, looking to score. Senior Connor Gron out-leapt the receiver for an interception, and Kirtland still had the upper hand going into the locker room. Marion coach Tim Goodwin knew what his team experienced. “Wow, we only had 41 yards rushing?” he said. “That’s a testimony to Kirtland’s superior size and athleticism. We’ve faced some good teams and players, but they are by far the best. I hear that number 74 (Jack Bailey) is heading to Kent State. He is such a force, a total player, and then he makes the big play at the end of the game to stop any chances for us to come back.” After Rodin booted a 32-yard field goal for the only points of the second half, Marion Local blocked a Hornet punt deep in Kirtland territory, setting themselves up at the 20 yard line. After getting to a first-and-goal at the three, the Hornets set up a fourth-andgoal from the two with a superb goal line stand. Needing a field goal anyway, Bailey broke through the line, raised a big paw straight up, and felt the kick nail his elbow to seal Marion’s doom. “I wasn’t really trying to block the kick,” Bailey said. “I was trying to push other guys out of the way so our linebackers could get to See Champions • Page 11
Friday, December 14, 2018
Kirtland Chronicle
Page 11
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Kirtland fans traveled to Canton to watch the Hornets win their fourth state football title.
Champions from page 10
the ball, but I got it instead.” He continued: “Last year, I had been hurt and didn’t get to play at this level. I wanted to show everybody I could play here, though, just to build on my legacy of what I leave behind at Kirtland.” Gron appreciated what he had been part of. “I’ll do anything I can to help our team win,” Gron said, having had picks in each of the last two games. “They have some great receivers. Coach told us as seniors that we needed to lead the way in the second half, and we got the job done.” Momentum is huge in this level of game. Lineman Andrew DeMarco knew it.
“Last year we didn’t do so well against them,” he said. “A key for us in this game was to not get down on ourselves if we made a mistake. I did last year, but today none of us did; we felt we were in good shape, and we got the job done.” In the end, Kirtland’s size was the deal-breaker for the Hornets. “Our big guys are different from many other teams,” LaVerde said. “They work out all the time all year ‘round, not just in the weight room, but to be better athletes all around. That gives us a big edge to begin with, and we’ve been fortunate to see a lot of success that way.” With their fourth state title, the Hornets have proven themselves formidable for any opponent, further proven by their 15-0 season. Hail the champs.
BUYING AND SELLING! Peace & Morgan Dollars All Gold & Silver Coins 1-5-10-100 ounce Bars Antique U.S. Coins Coin Collections
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Follow The Star To Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Park Submitted The joy of the Christmas season is captured close to home with the grand opening of Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Park located on the grounds of Berkshire Hills Golf Course, 9760 Mayfield Road, Chester Township. The drive-through light park will be open Nov. 23 through Dec. 30. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The park is closed Dec. 24 and 25. Admission is $25 per car, which includes a program with local coupons as well as a $10-off coupon toward the purchase of a Christmas tree on site at Santa’s Workshop. No motor coaches or vehicles 9 feet or higher are permitted. Walter Miraglia, owner of Berkshire Hills Golf Course, has transformed the 1.25mile drive through 240 acres of rolling hills,
woods, creeks and lakes into an enchanting winter wonderland. Guests will marvel at more than 40 spectacular, illuminated displays and 2 million LED lights, each computer chipped to enhance the experience. Guests will tune in to 99.9 FM Bethlehem Hills Radio to hear Christmas music that is synchronized with each exhibit. Handcrafted by local designer Rodney Nagy, the illuminated, animated displays include a Christmas Carnival, Candy Cane Village, an elaborate Nativity scene, Salute to Our Armed Services, Toyland and many more. For more information, visit BethlehemHillsLights.fun or call 440-862-4735.
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WANTED TO BUY Vintage Stanley Bailey and other woodworking planes, also buying hand and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.
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• CLASSIFIEDS 440-729-7667 •
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, December 14, 2018