Garden Club Continues to Bloom in Kirtland
President Highlights
Beautifying Projects
By Donna L. RoBinson eDitoR@kaRLovecmeDia com
For Mary Kosir, gardening is therapeutic and rewarding.
As president of the Garden Club of Kirtland, she has not only nurtured her passion for planting and growing, she has had the opportunity to partner with others who share a love for it, as well.
KIRTLAN
“Our club does not participate in flower shows. We are strictly dedicated to beautifying the city. You could say that we are a ‘dirty fingernail group,’” Kosir said in a recent interview. “We try to add to the beauty found within Kirtland with seasonal plantings and greenery-swags that the city hangs each holiday season. We also partner with the Kirtland Kiwanis and offer garden beds for rent at the Kirtland Community Garden, which people seem to enjoy.
“The club maintains the bed with the sign by the road and the two beds at the entrance to the gardens,” she added. “This year, we overhauled the sign bed and planted it with colorful annuals. Two members, Norma Jerauld and Janet Spetz, came up with the idea to plant herbs in the other two beds which can be picked and used by anyone.”
The 31-year resident of Kirtland has been president of the club for a year, following a long line of gifted and knowledgeable gardeners.
“Honestly, it is quite an honor and a bit daunting to be president,”
CHRONICLE
she said. “I am not the most accomplished, knowledgeable or creative member of this group. To be elected president while filling a need really means a lot. The club entrusted me with a long history of being part of Kirtland's fabric. I hope I honor the purpose that formed the club and I am grateful for so many founding members who are available to learn from and consult with.”
Kosir and her husband, Tom, were drawn to Kirtland for its strong sense of community and peaceful
and beautiful nature, she said, adding she has been a nature-lover all her life, gardening and digging in the dirt since she was young.
“As a kid, I would help my mom plant annual flowers and pull weeds. I also helped my grandfather in his rose garden, deadheading rose bushes and working in his vegetable garden,” Kosir recalled. “I loved working with them both and tending to the plants and seeing them grow and bloom.”
Over the years, Kosir took
Hornets Girls Track Team Qualifies for State Championships
By aLan koRnspan spoRts@kaRLovecmeDia com
The Hornets Girls Track 4 x 800m Relay Team qualified for the OHSAA Div. III State Championships in the Regional Finals at North Royalton High School on May 28.
In order to qualify for the state championships, the Hornets 4 x 800m relay team (Izzie Copeland, Kylie Sayle, Megan Urbanick and
Sylvia Vosicky) finished fourth with a time of 9:48.03.
In addition, junior Izzie Copeland qualified for the state championships in the 800m and freshman Kylie Sayle made the podium in the 1600m.
After qualifying for the state championships, the members of the 4 x 800m relay team expressed their excitement.
“It was great,” Vosicky said. “We were seeded sixth from last
week, so we were a little worried, but we just went out and ran our hardest.”
Added senior Megan Urbanick, “I think especially after receiving the bid last year, this was a very gratifying experience.”
Vosicky said that everyone on the relay team performed optimally.
“I think everyone ran really great legs,” said Vosicky. “Izzie made a great cut with her first leg.
See Track• Page 9
classes about gardening and joined the Garden Club of Kirtland to further her learning from experienced gardeners, she said.
“As a member myself, I have also learned a lot about the city of Kirtland, its history and development from many of our long-time members of the club,” she said. “Each of our members has so much to offer. Tapping into those strengths and abilities enables each
with Council Coffee with Council is Saturday, June 21 10-11 a.m., at Kirtland City Hall. For more information, contact Joe Smolic at 440-487-8984 or JSmolic@ kirtlandohio.com
GARDEN CLUB OF KIRTLAND
Garden Club of Kirtland members, from left, Rose Gattozzi, Tami Browning, Mary Kosir and Sue Morecki, stand by the newly-renovated and planted Kirtland Community Garden flower bed.
Ohman Family Fills Need for Senior Housing
By ann WishaRt ann@kaRLovecmeDia com
When maintaining the family home becomes a burden for Geauga County senior citizens and lifestyle changes are needed, homeowners have a new option that still allows them to live in a community.
Ohman Family Living at Briar in Middlefield Village is finishing construction of 24 single-story cottages this summer.
The 1,500-square-foot independent-living units, called The Cottages, are drawing the attention of many seniors and their families, though only the model is finished, said Anderson Ohman Jr., the real estate developer, during an interview in April.
Some seniors who looked at the street plan knew immediately where they wanted to live.
“They come in and say, ‘I want that one,’” he said.
Interest ramped up among the 55-and-older crowd when the model opened for tours, said Dawn Damante, director of market relations for OFL.
“They have a lot of questions. They want to see it,” she said. “People are excited to see (The Cottages) going up.”
The model showcases the open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, natural light, modern kitchens with high-end appliances, plenty of storage space, a one-and-a-half-car garage and two en suite bedrooms.
Plans include private outdoor areas for each unit, according to a press release.
Development of an active senior living community began nearly 10 years ago.
Anderson brought plans to expand OFL’s continuing care retirement community to the village planning commission in early 2016.
The proposal included consolidating four lots on the west side of North State Street across from the Briar Cliff Manor, now called OFL at Briar.
“We had to assemble all the land,” he said, adding the village was very helpful in creating one parcel for the infill project.
The project included three homes facing North State Street, built in the 1880s or 1890s, which were stripped down to the studs, renovated and are now occupied, Anderson said.
A fourth house had dirt floors and was past saving, said Joshua Wallace, the real estate agent and brother-in-law to Anderson Jr. and Christian Ohman. The model and driveway off North State now occupy that site.
Construction of the 24 single-story units started last summer and progressed, despite one of the worst winters in Geauga County.
Deep snow, low temperatures and frozen ground didn’t stop the Amish building crew, said Christian, OFL at Briar administrator.
“They worked through blizzards,” he said. Their efforts kept the project very close to schedule.
“Since we broke ground, we are less than a week and a half behind schedule,” Wallace said, adding the completion date is now expected to be this fall.
The Ohman family paid close attention to a survey of seniors regarding the design of the homes.
“One of the biggest things we saw in the marketing study was (seniors) wanted an ample garage and lots of storage space,” Anderson Jr. said.
Several large storage areas line the entry of the model, each en suite has a large walk-in
closet and the kitchen pantry is huge.
Centrally located in Middlefield Village, residents of The Cottages can enjoy a variety of activities. The Maple Highlands Trail, which extends north to Chardon and south to Swine Creek Park, is easily accessed and provides opportunities for biking or walking, Damante said.
The monthly fee, starting at $3,500, covers all utilities, including water, electricity, gas, Wi-Fi and streaming, as well as bi-weekly housekeeping and maintenance, according to the March press release, which added food service and wellness programs are optional expenses.
“The unique combination of affordable senior living and access to healthcare professionals will lead to more healthy days at home for the next generation of boomers. Pre-leasing for the first 12 units is available,” the press release said.
The rent was determined from a cost-ofliving analysis, and OFL urges seniors interested in a new home to consult with the company’s financial expert and find out how many monthly bills they won’t have to worry about, Anderson Jr. said.
The staff is also able to help Cottage residents if they have health issues, Wallace said.
Nurse practitioners will be available to make house calls and trips to doctors’ offices can be made in an OFL transit bus, he said.
“Our concierge support is invaluable,” Wallace said, adding the healthcare framework established to serve Briar will be extended to Cottage residents.
“Our lifestyle … is wellness-focused,” he said.
Seniors confused by all the health insurance nuances can talk to an advisor.
“We deal with insurance every single day,” Christian said.
The Cottages will provide multiple levels of care at a single location, allowing residents to stay in the same place as their needs change over time, according to the OFL website.
In-depth interviews of staff, current residents and their families were resoundingly positive regarding the OFL facilities’ standard of living, Christian added.
“Our quality rating on all levels of services are top-notch,” he said.
The population is aging and there is a shortage of age-appropriate housing, Wallace said.
“We’re addressing the problem in Northeast Ohio. There is a very limited amount of single-story homes for aging adults to move into,” he said, adding seniors who want to move in this summer should pre-lease soon.
“These cottages aren’t going to last long,” he said.
The units will provide a much more manageable lifestyle close to many amenities and, by forming a neighborhood within the village, seniors will feel safer and have more opportunities to socialize than if they were isolated in a large home on 5 acres, Christian said.
“It will be a community within a community,” he said.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Damante at 440-321-2499.
8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5 Chesterland, Ohio 44026
Phone 440-729-7667
FAX 440-729-8240
ads@karlovecmedia.com
editor@karlovecmedia.com
OFFICE HOURS
9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Closed Wednesdays
Jeffrey B. Karlovec, Publisher
John D. Karlovec, Editor
Cassandra C. Shofar, News Editor
Jamie A. Ward, Sports Editor
Ann Wishart, Staff Reporter
Allison WIlson, Staff Reporter
Emma MacNiven, Staff Reporter
Deadlines
Clay Karlovec, Sales Representative
Clinton Sestak, Sales Representative
Regina Swinerton, Classifieds
Karen S. Kaplan, Graphic Design
Pamela J. Molnar, Production Supervisor
Emma McGuire, Paginator
• Editorial submissions are printed as space is available, at the publisher’s discretion, and may be edited for length, clarity and grammar. All submissions are due by noon on the Monday prior to the first Friday of each month for consideration for that month’s edition.
• Email all editorial submissions to editor@karlovecmedia.com.
• The space reservation deadline for paid advertisements in that month’s Kirtland Chronicle is noon on the Monday prior to the first Friday of each month. Late ads may be accepted at the discretion of management.
• Email advertising requests and questions to ads@karlovecmedia.com.
Circulation
• The Kirtland Chronicle is distributed for free each month to homes and businesses in the communities of Kirtland, Kirtland Hills and Waite Hill. It is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.
• Copies are also available at 5 rack locations within Kirtland.
• Circulation in excess of 3,300.
• Produced monthly by the Kirtland Chronicle, LLC.
• In case of error, we will re-print that portion of an advertisement that was in error. Notification of error should be made within three days of published date. The Kirtland Chronicle, LLC assumes no responsibility of error contained in any pre-printed material delivered with the paper as an insertion therein.
• The Kirtland Chronicle, LLC reserves the right to reject or revise any advertisement or news item for publication. Letters to the Editor reflect the opinion of those signing them and not necessarily that of either the Kirtland Chronicle, LLC, its affiliates or its advertisers. All letters submitted are subject to editing, and none will be returned.
• The opinions and representations contained in advertisements are those of the advertiser. They have not been verified by the Kirtland Chronicle, LLC, nor should they be construed to represent the position or viewpoint of this newspaper or its publisher.
• Under no circumstances will any record filed in the county be suppressed at any time for anybody, except by order of court.
Help Support the Kirtland Chronicle & Local Journalism
The Kirtland Chronicle and newspaper journalism are critically important and essential in protecting the vibrant community in which we live.
The Kirtland Chronicle stitches the communities we serve together. From news to in-depth articles on topics that deeply affect the community, the Kirtland Chronicle strives to bring you complete coverage.
The cost of publishing this newspaper — editorial, printing, mailing and other production costs — is accomplished primarily through the support of generous advertisers. These advertisers are community leaders who understand the value of a strong local newspaper. We appreciate
each and every one of them.
To help us continue to invest in the community, we invite readers to show their support through a voluntary newspaper subscription.
If you value strong community journalism, please consider helping us with a voluntary subscription. The amount is entirely up to you. Simply complete the subscription form in this edition or call 440-729-7667 ext. 500.
As always, we greatly appreciate the support you give us, whether it’s financially or simply by continuing to be a loyal reader of the Kirtland Chronicle.
Jeff and John Karlovec
Garden
from page 1
One of the club’s most tenured members, Emily Kutscher, is a trained landscape architect, Kosir gave as an example.
“Last year, we revamped the flower bed by the Kirtland (Public) Library sign,” she said. “Emily master-minded the plants and layout to be used and several other members assisted in the procuring, planting and watering of the new perennials.”
Planting something and watching it grow and thrive is exciting, Kosir said.
“Conversely, if it doesn't thrive or live, you learn something about soil conditions, light requirements, or what deer and rabbits like to eat,” she said. “Our group projects are what I enjoy most, like our annual plant sale, revamping flower beds and planting flowerpots.”
The garden club, which currently has 32 members, officially began in November of 1987, with a few founding members still active today, Kosir said.
The city’s revitalization plan spurred its creation, said Pat Ballo, founding member and president emeritus, adding the idea was to revitalize the downtown area of Kirtland and the garden club was added to those plans.
“I try to honor their original reasons for creating the club. The club has its roots and history in and for Kirtland,” Kosir said. “I want those founding members to enjoy each monthly meeting, to feel a sense of community and continue to enjoy the beauty of flowers and gardens. Honoring the club's mission is the main priority. Longer term, it would be great to grow our membership so that the club can continue to thrive and contribute to Kirtland.”
While club members learn from one another, they also invite guest-speakers to meetings on topics of interest, such as planting to attract Monarch butterflies, pruning shrubs, good bug/bad bugs and native plants, Kosir said.
“Other great sources of gardening info are the Lake and Geauga Master Gardeners and (The Ohio State University) Horticultural extension,” she said, adding local nurseries also provide insight as to what plants will grow well in the area.
“The hands-on projects we have in our meetings are great sources of learning as well. Some projects include bulb-forcing, winter seed sowing — both led by members — and a beach glass creative class,” she said. “Results are discussed and compared.”
Anyone can enjoy gardening, Kosir said.
“You don't have to be an expert or spend lots of money or hours every day,” she said. “Just plant a flower or shrub and watch it grow, maybe even bloom. It's very gratifying. Gardening causes us to slow down, observe and enjoy.”
One of Kosir’s goals as president has been to grow club membership while offering meaningful speakers and projects to the existing members, whose ages span five decades. Keeping all her members engaged and involved means homing in on each of their talents, she said.
Club President Gives Gardening Tips
Kirtland Garden Club President Mary Kosir recently provided some gardening tips she’s learned over the years, including encouraging people to get to know their soil, get it tested and amend it as needed.
“Kirtland tends to have very clay-like soil, so amending it with organic matter like compost, aged manure or peat moss may be necessary and beneficial,” she said. “Mulching is a great way to conserve moisture and keep weeds out.”
More recently, the gardening club has been using ProMix potting soil for containers, Kosir said, adding Bacto and Miracle-Grow also work well and contain key ingredients like sphagnum peat moss, compost and perlite.
“Again, amending ground soil with organic material like compost, sand, aged manure may be needed for planting,” she said.
Kosir tends to stick to basics with proven results. Her favorites for annuals are either petunias or marigolds, she said, adding petunias come in a large variety of colors and the blooms of marigolds last well into fall.
Recently, a member introduced her to lantana, a sun loving, heat tolerant, colorful annual for the area, Kosir said.
She also said heuchera and coral bells, which like shade, tolerate varying soil types and come in many colors, are also great choices.
Native plants are important to the wildlife and environment, as well, and are becoming more readily available, Kosir said.
“We have a very knowledgeable and talented group, very spirited. They never cease to amaze me as to what they will embrace and participate in,” she said. “I want members to know how much I enjoy sharing a gardening partnership with them and that I value and respect each of them, their abilities and ideas.”
Kosir expressed gratitude for the club’s board of elected officials, specifically Ballo, Vice-President Louise Vouk, secretary Rose Gattozzi, treasurer Lynn Bernard, head of membership Marilyn Spease and head of public relations Blanche Davidson.
“Without all of their help and guidance, the Garden Club of Kirtland would flounder,” she said.
She encouraged anyone interested in becoming a member to reach out.
Members meet monthly on the first Thursday of the month from September through May at the Kirtland Community/ Senior Center. Meetings start at 6 p.m., with refreshments followed by a guest presentation or a member-led topic or project.
For more information, visit thegardenclubofkirtland.weebly.com or email GardenClubofKirtland@gmail.com.
Please send this form and your contribution to:
A Note from the Mayor
May certainly was a busy month around town. Kirtland Kiwanis did a fantastic job as usual heading up the Veterans Memorial cleanup and mulching project. We are grate ful for the support of the Barber Williams Post 609 branch of the American Legion, The Garden Club of Kirtland, and Scout Troop 286.
A fantastic turnout for the cleanup and a special thanks to the Kirtland Public Works De partment for the assistance. The grounds looked perfect for the Me morial Day parade and ceremony.
Regarding the ceremony at City Hall’s Veteran’s Memorial, a special thanks to Doug Davidson and Keith McCrory for the program coordination and for making this year’s event one of the best we’ve seen. Keith and Doug both admirably served their country and continue to serve this community in many ways. Thank you.
At the June 2 Kirtland City Council meeting, I had the privilege of honoring long-term Kirtlander, Bob Stout, with a Mayoral proclamation. In addition to serving his country in the U.S. Army and serving over a decade on the Kirtland Volunteer Fire Department, Bob has done so much for his Old Town neighbors and our great city. Bob’s spirit and quiet yet mighty benevolence is unmatched. I can’t say enough how appreciative I am of Bob and his wife Janet for blessing Kirtland with their kindness for so many decades. Folks like Bob and Janet truly make Kirtland, Kirtland.
The month of May brought some poten-
tially great news from Congressman Joyce’s office. Kirtland Economic Development coordinator Eddy Eckart received a call from the congressman’s office relaying that $3.9 million for sewer funding has been proposed as part of Congressman Joyce’s request to the federal budget. Mr. Eckart works closely with the congressional team and has well-articulated the meaningful economic development and good future planning that extending the sewers to the Rt. 6 and 306 area would bring. The funding is of course contingent on passage of the 2026 federal budget, which must be passed before the end of this year. We’ll be intently watching progress at the federal level and working toward other funding solutions in the meantime. We believe Kirtland’s economic future to fund our roads, and infrastructure would be well served by creating opportunities for responsible commercial growth in that area.
The annual Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival takes place on June 12, 13 and 14 at the Kirtland Schools campus. Thanks to Kirtland Police Chief Brian McCallister and Lt. Jamey Fisher for working with Kiwanis to create a comprehensive security plan for the festival and its parade on Friday night. Please visit www.kirtlandohio.com to view the guidelines for this year’s festival. Safety is our number one goal, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation to keep Kirtland’s hallmark event the best around.
Finally, I want to thank my wife, Jeni
Potter, for coordinating and running Safety Town. For the fifth year in a row, Jeni has volunteered her time to make Kirtland’s Safety town an impactful and lesson filled week for incoming elementary age students. Spending all morning with more than fifty excited youngsters and then going to work for eight plus hours as an E.R. nurse is no easy task. Thank you, Jeni.
Hope to see you all at the Berry Festival!
Mayor Potter
Mayor Kevin Potter
Kirtland Library
The Kirtland Public Library is located at 9267 Chillicothe Road. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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
June Adult Programs & Clubs
Knit & Crochet
June 17 • 6 p.m.
Open to anyone who enjoys knitting or crocheting or is interested in learning these skills. Join the fun the first Monday and third Tuesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. Bring your own supplies; drop in and get hooked.
No Pressure Book Discussion
June 23 • 1:30 p.m.
Join us in the Community Room to talk about any books you've read recently that you want to recommend to others. Bring a bagged lunch if you would like to.
Cookbook Club
June 24 • 6 p.m.
This club is for anyone who wants to expand their cooking knowledge and have some fun in the kitchen. Call the Library for more information or sign up at the website for this event. Make any recipe from the cookbook "The Complete Summer Cookbook" from America's Test Kitchen for the group to enjoy. Copies of the book are available at Kirtland Public Library at circulation.
Special Events
Southern Cooking
June 10 • 5 p.m.
We will try our hand at Southern comfort food this month. The cost per person is $10 cash at the door. We do ask that you keep
your reservation. If you find cannot make it, we ask that you kindly cancel at least three days before the event.
These programs have a waitlist and inevitably cost the library money when participants do not show up. You don't want to miss the food and fun anyway. We will enjoy some BBQ, mac and cheese and a biscuit and maybe a dessert if there is room.
Puzzle & Plant Swap
June 14 • 1:30-3 p.m.
Bring in any puzzles or plants you want to swap out for something different. We will have an array of both in our Carousel room from which to choose. Open to anyone.
Prime Time Big Band
June 19 • 7 p.m.
Bring a lawn chair and join us at the gazebo for an outdoor concert. This concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the City of Kirtland and a NOPEC grant. Down the Block will be serving up some delicious options for dinner at a reasonable cost.
3D Design Stencils
June 25 • 6 p.m.
Adults are invited to learn how to design a 3D printed stencil in Tinkercad. This is a class for beginners. No previous 3D design experience is necessary. Must be registered to attend. Your print will be ready for pickup 1-2 weeks after the program. This program was sponsored through the generous donations of the Deloris C Parsons Endowment Fund.
Library Mini Golf Event
June 30-July 1 • 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Deloris C. Parson Endowment Fund is sponsoring a mini-golf event at Kirtland Public Library for everyone to come have fun and support the library. The cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child, 4 and under are free, $25 for a family and anyone is welcome to join the fun. See Library • Page 10
Track
from page 1
Kylie passed a lot of people during hers. Me gan ran really hard as well. We all just ran as fast as we could.”
After qualifying for the cross country state championships in the Fall, and the in door state track championships in the winter, Hornets Head Coach Dr. JP Moran said that it was great to see team members also qualify for the outdoor state championships.
“I knew we had a good (4 x 800m) team,” Coach Moran said. “A lot of those girls made states in cross country this year, and also the state indoor track championships (in the Winter). Just super exciting and I know they really wanted it too. So it's great to see your athletes dreams come true.”
Coach Moran said that Copeland ran a great first leg against very tough competition and that Urbanick ran her best time of the season in the second leg of the 4 x 800m race.
Then in the third leg, Coach Moran said that freshman Kylie Sayle ran amazing as she helped the Hornets pass a few of the other teams.
“Kylie just ran an amazing leg,” Coach Moran said.
In the final leg of the race, Coach Moran said that Vosicky had her best time of the season which also helped the 4 x 800m relay team obtain their personal best time.
“Sylvia had her best time as the anchor,” said Coach Moran. “Just really solidified keeping us in the top four. We went under ten (minutes) once this year at the CVC Championships and that was a 9:56. And we ran 9:48 here at regionals, so it was a big lifetime pr.”
In addition to qualifying for states in the 4 x 800m, Copeland qualified for states in the 800m and Sayle finished on the podium in the 1600m.
Copeland's 800m sixth place finish with a time of 2:22.43 earned a bid to the state championships.
Coach Moran said that Copeland ran a great 800m race to qualify for the state championships.
Sayle came into the 1600m at regionals seeded 14th with a time of 5:41.8.
In the Regional Finals, Sayle ran an excellent race as she was able to move up six places and onto the podium by running 5:26.80.
“Kylie had her lifetime pr and she got on the podium,” said Coach Moran. “She was seeded high coming in. We were talking to her (before the race) and just saying if you PR you can get on the podium at regionals. We thought an amazing freshman goal for her would be the podium and she did it. She grabbed the eighth spot on the podium.”
Also competing for the Girls Track and Field Team at Regionals was senior Chloe Hansen who threw the Shot Put and Discus. Hansen finished 9th in the Discus (111-3) and 13th in the Shot Put (30-1.75).
Representing the Hornets Boys Track and Field Team at Regionals in the Shot Put and Discus was junior Charlie Vignero.
Vignero finished 12th in the Discus (14310) and thirteenth in the Shot Put (44-6.75.).
The Hornets 4 x 800m Relay Team will compete in the OHSA Division III State Championships on June 6th.
The next day, on June 7, at the state championships, Copeland will compete in the 1600m.
from page 6
Summer Reading - It’s Not Just for Kids…
“Color Our World” is the theme of Kirtland Public Library’s 2025 Adult Summer Reading Program. This online program is designed for adults age 18 & up. To register your account on READsquared, go to kirtlandlibrary.readsquared.com/ or download the app (Google Playstore or Apple Store).
Decorate Library Bookends
June 9 • 6 p.m.
Kids who will be entering grades K-5th this coming school year, help beautify the Children's Department by decorating library bookends. After the bookends dry, they will be placed in the Children's Department, where you will be able to visit them in the future. Please register for this event.
Read whatever books interest you and log the titles on your account. Earn 200 points for each book/audiobook/e-book that you read. Points can be used to purchase raffle tickets for prize drawings.
The more you read, the better your chance of winning. The fun began May 30.
June Youth Programs & Special Events
Register for events at www.kirtland.lib.oh.us
Teen Fencing
June 9 • 1 p.m.
Youth about to enter grades sixth and up, try this fencing exploration. Coach Nagy will bring all the gear you will need and will instruct us in fencing techniques. Please register for this event.
Fabulous First Graders
June 10 • 6:30 p.m.
This is a special event designed just for kids who will be in first grade this coming school year and their families. Explore the library with your family and try out some of the activities we will be having in the upcoming months.
If you toured the library this past May with your kindergarten class, this would be a great time to return the book that you borrowed at that time.
ACT Practice Test
June 11 • 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Kids in grades eighth through 12th, take a full-length practice ACT administered by Huntington Learning Center and receive feedback regarding the results. This is free to attendees. Please register for both this event and the "scores back" event on June 18 at 6 p.m.
Rainbow Windsock
June 12 • 10:30 a.m.
In honor of this year's Collaborative Summer Library Program theme, "Color Our
World," kids up through fifth grade will create a "windsock" craft with a craft roll and many colors of tissue paper. Please register everyone attending.
LEGO Club
June 14 • 10:30 a.m.
Families, spend an hour creating with the Library’s LEGO bricks. Once you have completed your creation, you will place it in on display for all to see until the next LEGO Club. Please register for this event.
Plant & Puzzle Swap
June 14 • 1:30-3 p.m.
Bring in any puzzles or plants you want to swap out for something different. We will have an array of both in our Carousel room from which to choose. Open to anyone.
Teen 3D-Design Stencils
June 16 • 2 p.m.
Kids in rising grades 6-12 are invited to learn how to design a 3D printed stencil in Tinkercad. This is a class for beginners. No previous 3D design experience is necessary. You must be registered to attend. Your print will be ready for pickup 1-2 weeks after the program. All the technology used in the class was purchased by the Deloris C. Parsons Endowment Fund.
ACT Test Review
June 18 • 6 p.m.
Score review session for the ACT practice test to receive a detailed score report and test analysis and to discuss how your ACT score impacts the college admissions process. Please register for this event if you attended the ACT practice test at Kirtland Public Library.
Picture-a-Mug
June 19 • 10:30 a.m.
In honor of this year's Collaborative Summer Library Program theme, "Color Our World," kids up through age 17 will receive a free drinking tumbler and use markers of
many colors to decorate its insert. Please register every adult and every child attending.
Library Mini Golf Event
June 30-July 1 • 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Deloris C. Parson Endowment Fund is sponsoring a mini-golf event at Kirtland Public Library for everyone to come have fun and support the library. The cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child, 4 and under are free, $25 for a family and anyone is welcome to join the fun.
Summer Reading
May 30- July 19
Readers (and listeners) of all ages are encouraged to sign up for our annual Summer Reading Program. Read books that interest you and keep track of the minutes that you read (or listen to) on the READsquared app. Earn 50 points for each library event that you attend in June and July. Read for 1000 minutes to complete Summer Reading, then celebrate by coming to the library to choose a book to keep forever.
Families, register for our End of Summer Reading Party, which will be “Magic of Matter,” presented by the Great Lakes Science Center on July 26.
Weekly Events
Lapsit
Tuesdays • 10 a.m.
Bounces, rhymes, one book, scarves and shakers, geared for families with children under the age of 3. No need to register.
Storytime
Wednesdays • 10 a.m.
Enjoy great books, rhymes, songs, and surprises with your child. This storytime is geared for families with children aged 5 and under. No need to register.
Kirtland Schools
Congratulations to our 82 seniors from the Class of 2025. Their legacy, accomplishments and leadership set a positive example for our other students to follow. The Class of 2025 boasted the following:
• 17 - AP Scholars, 6 - AP Scholars with Honors, 15 - AP Scholars with Distinction (46% of the class)
• 39 Students graduate with Honors
o 11 Cum Laude (3.750 - 3.999)
o 8 Magna Cum Laude (4.0 - 4.2490
o 20 Summa Cum Laude (4.25 +)
• 24 Students will graduate with a 4 Year Academic Letter
• 27 Students will graduate with an Honors Diploma
• 15 Students achieved a 28+ on the ACT (8 w/ 30+)
• 11 Students achieved 1300+ on the SAT (added)
• 2 students achieved National Merit Finalist Status
• 14 Students graduated from Auburn Career Center
• Two students earned an Associate Degree from Lakeland, with one student earning two associates degrees (Jeremy Mrva)
• Our Seniors have accumulated more than 5,000 hours of community service
• Our FTC robotics team senior members
qualified for the state competition for the past four years, and engaged in countless outreach activities
• Three members of the senior class earned a berth to the Ohio Academic Chal lenge Regional com petition. (Sam Gor don, Sean Kats, and Harper Hammond)
• Our National Honor
By Chad VanArnhem, Superintendent
Society 19 Senior members logged 540 hours of peer tutoring and 700 hours of service
• Our Key Club seniors helped collect 92 pints of blood during critical need and logged 476 service hours
o Three members served on the Ohio District Board (Marin Haupt, Clare Davidson, Kiera Fortney)
o Initiated the charter for the KES kids club in 2023. Which is now at 100 elementary students. Will continue for years to come. (Emily Ridgeway)
• Our senior Drama Club members have put on four incredible shows in their high school career, including this year's performance of “Adventure”.
• Our eight Band seniors had over 25 Public
Kiwanis Korner
By kathy taLty
The sunshine has arrived and the Kirtland Kiwanis has been busy.
The rummage sale was a great success. Thank you, Mary Sams. The proceeds help with scholarships through the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation.
Mike Sams and some great helpers were busy with the Memorial Garden clean-up as well as the Community Garden.
We are thrilled that After Prom was a great success and thank you to a few of the moms for sharing the evening with us.
Our superintendent, Chad VanArnhem, spoke at our meeting recently and gave us a wonderful update on our schools. We had a terrific report card. On a scale of 1-5, we hit the 5 marks in every category.
We were also enlightened with the pos-
sible state choice that could challenge our school funding. We pray that our elected officials choose wisely.
The Strawberry Festival is coming up June 12-14 with lots of rides and strawberry shortcakes, salsa dancing/lessons, dunk tank, chalk art contest and more.
The parade is on Friday 13 at 6:30 p.m. with a grand float for our service leadership programs, Key Club, Builder’s Club, K-Kids and Aktion Club.
We thank the American Legion Post 609 for another honorable parade in memory of our brave men and women who lost their lives serving our country.
Queen Bee quote: Dream big, Shine bright!
Congratulations to the Graduates of the Class of 2025!
Performances this year, and over one hundred throughout their career. In addition to those incredible academic accomplishments, these graduates have also had impressive achievements in a wide array of extracurricular activities.
Two student-athletes committed to playing college athletics (Chloe Hansen for track and field at Dayton and Addison Null Cheerleading at Pitt)
Won 24 CVC championships in the last four years
11 All Ohio Athletes
• 4 CVC Most Valuable Players
• 24 student athletes earned ALL CVC Honors
• Football State Champions 2023
• Boys Basketball Regional Champions for the first time since 1991
• This class includes Boys Basketball all time leading scorer (Vince Carriero)
• Our senior girls were 2x NEO Cleveland Browns Flag Football Champs
We wish our graduates all the best in their future endeavors!
PETS & ANIMALS
Chicken Coop for sale: Sound but needs a little work. You pick up. $150. Novelty. 216-337-5833. SERVICES
