Sweet Tradition Shines at 65th Kiwanis Strawberry Festival
By Ashley PomPlAs editor@kArlovecmediA com
The 2025 Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival was a successful three-day celebration of food, entertainment and fun for groups of all ages.
The annual event, which took
Recent Heavy Rains Cause
Flooding in Kirtland
Officials Discuss Short-Term Rentals
By Ashley PomPlAs editor@kArlovecmediA com
The recent thunderstorms and downpours caused some flooding issues in Kirtland last month, Public Works Director Joe Fornaro told Kirtland City Council June 16. Significant flooding affected a resident on Eisenhower Drive and several streets the previous weekend, Fornaro said.
place June 12-14 at the Kirtland Schools campus on Chillicothe Road, celebrated its 65th anniversary this year, said Kirtland Kiwanis President Kathy Talty, adding the festival, which has been around since 1960, has historically been successful due to the benefits the community gains from the event.
“It's a wonderful event. It really brings the whole community out,” Talty said in an interview before the festival. “We work together, we play together. The funds that we make go right back to the community. So, it's just a wonderful experience for everybody.”
Attendees enjoyed activities
that included a dunk tank, a robotics demonstration by the Kirtland Robotics Team — who qualified for the state competition — crafts, con
Kirtland Honors Resident with Proclamation for Service
By Ashley PomPlAs editor@kArlovecmediA.com
Kirtland Mayor Kevin Potter opened the Kirtland City Council June 2 with a proclamation honoring a resident for his years of service to the city.
Resident Bob Stout has had a significantly positive impact on the lives of countless Kirtland residents, Potter said.
“This is an opportunity for us to honor somebody here in the community that has quietly gone about his business and been a member of this community that this town should never forget,” Potter said.
Stout has proudly served on the Kirtland volunteer fire department for over a decade and embodies kindness, honesty and
integrity, Potter said, adding he has selflessly helped his neighbors and residents in need and has pro vided countless other services and charitable work for his community.
The city of Kirtland proudly recognizes Stout for his dedica tion, leadership and unwavering commitment to making Kirtland a better place to live, Potter said.
Stout was greeted with a stand ing ovation after receiving the proclamation.
Lake County Commissioner Morris Beverage III also attend ed the June 6 meeting to provide an update on the Old Town sewer project.
He gave a final assessment cost of $4,574 per unit for Kirtland properties that were part of the
with Council is Saturday, July 26 10-11 a.m., at Kirtland City Hall. For more information, contact Joe Smolic at 440-487-8984 or JSmolic@ kirtlandohio.com
ASHLEY POMPLAS/ KMG
An example of a Strawberry Supreme served at the Kirtland Kiwanis food tent.
Seniors Benefit from Ohman’s Pathways to Care
By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com
For 60 years, Ohman Family Living at Holly has cared for seniors with a variety of debilitating neurological diseases, but the assisted living and memory care facility in Newbury Township is not resting on its laurels.
Instead, the third generation of Geauga County’s Ohman family is introducing three programs to help seniors continue to function as they age in the facility formerly known as Holly Hill.
Pedaling for Parkinson’s
Under the umbrella Pathways to Care, the Ohman family introduced a Pedaling for Parkinson’s program, said Joshua Wallace.
Joshua, part of the OFL executive leadership team and husband of Kristin Ohman Wallace, explained the systems Holly has instituted at 10190 Fairmount Road during a recent interview.
The programs for Holly residents and those living in the community harken back to Holly’s origins.
George Ohman Jr., co-president at OFL, recalled his father and mother, George Sr. and Joan, founded Holly Hill to care for a family member with multiple sclerosis.
By 1995, they had eight other residents at the property and, as the popularity of the facility grew, it served several Ohman family members with neurological diseases, George said.
“The second generation has family members with Parkinson’s disease. The Ohmans have always desired to extend to others with like circumstances what they have learned, to improve the quality of life for people with PD,” Joshua said.
That is why the family, upon learning about the benefits of Pedaling for Parkinson’s for people living with the disease, sought out the program created by Dr. Jay Alberts at the Cleveland Clinic.
The clinic outfitted a room at Holly with seven stationary bikes — six for participants and one for the monitor, Joshua said.
The program provides people with Parkinson’s a chance to reduce their global motor symptoms, with an average improvement of about 35%, according to a flier explaining the program.
“With early identification of neurological symptoms, the cycling program provides a regimen for participants to improve the overall quality of life and curb their downward decline,” Joshua said.
Dawn Damante, director of market relations for OFL based in Middlefield Village, said the classes are engaging, the environment friendly and regulars have created an informal support group.
“One lady has pedaled more than 1,000 miles in about two years. She comes in three times a week and it has helped her significantly,” Damante said, noting the OFL website contains testimony by a client about the benefits of the program.
Individuals recently diagnosed with PD, or those with early onset of pre-Parkinsonian symptoms, are encouraged to contact Damante at 440-632-3653 and sign up, she said.
Pedaling for Parkinsons’ classes are held every day and open biking can be arranged in the afternoons. Developed by a non-profit organization, the program is not a cure, but it helps relieve symptoms, improves fitness and helps individuals maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, according to the brochure.
Adult Day Care Solution
Spouses or adult children are often challenged by the demands of taking care of seniors with neurological diseases.
Aware of the need for respite for the families, OFL at Holly welcomes individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a supervised, homelike setting at The Cottage, just down the hill from OFL at Holly.
“The Cottage was my wife’s childhood home,” Joshua said during a tour through the pleasant, spacious, single-story building. “We provide comfort, relaxation and engagement for our clients.”
When the care provider at home has to be away during the day or needs respite, the staff at The Cottage offers help in a lovely setting, George said.
Besides enjoying a continental breakfast and lunch, individuals staying a full day can take a virtual tour or armchair travel to distant places.
“I think they ‘went’ to Ireland and Scotland recently,” George said, adding they also watch sporting events on the television.
“These are things that stimulate them during the day,” he said.
Cognitive games and a book reading club occupy those who are not ready for assisted living or medical care, George said.
The video clip on the website introduces Jo Slunski, the adult day care program director, explaining individuals with early onset neurological diseases can enjoy The Cottage from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Activities include exercise classes, cooking, a detached three-seasons room where clients can get some fresh air and sun, and a space for napping when needed, Slunski said.
Fall Study Participants Sought
OFL at Holly is also partnering with Alberts’ lab at the Cleveland Clinic in a study to improve the prediction of fall risk among individuals age 55 and up, Joshua said.
A call for 200 volunteers for the study was issued by Cleveland Clinic, he said.
It reads: “The purpose of this study is to
characterize mobility patterns in older adults and to evaluate mobility assessments for their ability to predict fall risk in adults.
“Participants will be asked to attend a one-hour study visit to provide demographic information and complete balance, cognitive and walking assessments. Participants will also maintain a falls diary for 12 months.
“You must be 62 or older, able to walk independently or with a cane, be able to climb three steps, and can’t have dementia or a neurological disease such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis or a history of stroke. You will receive study stipends for participation. You will not receive individual fall risk data.”
“Falls are one of the leading causes for hospitalizations,” Joshua said. “Its benefit is,
if we can identify potential risk factors, we can hopefully avoid a major injury or a hospitalization. Nobody wants to get the phone call that mom or dad has fallen and is in hospital.”
The safe-gait equipment uses infrared sensors to analyze the participants’ speed and degree of unsteadiness and determine a person's likelihood of falling so safety measures can be taken, Joshua said.
“What a great opportunity to be on the cutting edge of technology,” he said. “It’s a simple and practical way to enhance people’s quality of life,”
Anyone interested in participating in the study may contact MacKenzie Dunlap at 216216-3949 or at Dunlapm4@ccf.org.
director of market relations for OFL, pause at the room set up for Pedaling for Parkinson’s on a recent tour of OFL at Holly in Newbury Township.
ANN WISHART/KMG
Ohman Family Living at Holly, formerly Holly Hill, in Newbury Township, is home to patients with various diseases that lead to memory loss. The facility is designed to help residents feel comfortable and at home. This nursery gives individuals a chance to revisit a time when they cared for babies.
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A Note from the Mayor
On June 27, my mother, Judith Ann Potter, passed away peacefully in Mentor. She would have been 85 years old on Christmas Eve. She left behind her husband, Dennis, seven children, 27 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. My mom was the oldest of eight and grew up in Cleveland and Euclid.
In the spring of 1986, my mom fell in love with a century home on Russellhurst Drive and, in July of that year, we moved to Kirtland. I am thankful to my mom for countless things, one of which is her decision to move her family from the confines of Euclid to the beauty and spaciousness we came to know in Kirtland.
It is in Kirtland where I met my wife, Jeni, and whether it was fate or luck, or perhaps a simple bless ing, my mom’s notion of moving our family east changed the course of history for me and what would become my own family.
day, in the quiet and safety of this great community.
Kevin Potter
Nearly 30 years after my parents loaded up the truck and moved to Kirtland, Jeni and I had a chance to buy this same house my mom had never stopped loving since that spring day in 1986. Here is where we’ve established our own roots and have been so fortunate to make such great friends, have our children attend our amazing schools and be involved in our community.
It is with great thanks that I sit here to-
By kAthy tAlty
Please send this form and your contribution to:
The recent passing of my mother has led me to further reflect on the wonderful opportunity and privilege it is to be a part of what we have in Kirtland. A community of great faith and such beauty. To us, so fortunate to be here, Kirtland is not a place, it’s a home. A home we work together to protect and make better. A home we seek to build the character of our children, our neighborhoods and our community. A home where so many people come together to assist our friends and neighbors in times of need. A home we never want to leave. Next month I plan to get back to writing about the things happening at City Hall and around town. I’ll be discussing some of the latest economic development prospects, infrastructure needs and opportunities, as well as reporting on the state of our city fi-
I appreciate the condolences and prayers for my family that so many have offered. And I cannot express my gratitude enough to our city employees for allowing me to concentrate on my family these last few weeks. I am blessed.
Mayor Potter
Kiwanis Korner
groups, Key Club, Builder’s Club, K-Kids, and Aktion Club.
It’s hard to believe we just celebrated our 65th Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival. What a great turn out and terrific time for all of our families and neighbors to get together and enjoy this strawberry fun.
We began with our opening ceremony having Andrea Patrick, from our Aktion Club, and Grant Call, a Kiwanis member, sing our national anthem. This was followed by our very own mayor, Kevin Potter, winning the strawberry shortcake eating contest.
He had tough competition from the other mayors in the area. The weather was kind to us and didn’t rain on our parade the next day. Thanks to our friends at the West Geauga Kiwanis Club, we were able to borrow their float and feature our four service leadership
We had a great time Salsa dancing, listening to fantastic bands, rides, chalk art and the Miss Kirtland Contest, with a big congratulations to Sylvia Vosicky.
If you missed the strawberry shortcakes and sundaes, there is still another chance at our Strawberry Drive-Thru on July 19 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Kirtland Elementary School. Donations are gladly accepted.
Thank you to all our fantastic volunteers and the Kirtland police and fire departments for all your help with our annual Strawberry Festival to create a fun, safe and truly enjoyable event for our whole community.
Queen Bee quote: The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Mayor
from page 1
state-mandated sewer installation project.
A letter would soon be going out to affected residents, in which they will have 30 days to pay the assessment cost partially or in full. If they choose not to pay or partially pay within that time, the unpaid amount will be placed on property taxes for the next 20 years, he said.
Council also discussed safety protocols planned for the annual Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival.
“(It’s) pretty much the same as last year, we’re going to have one point of entry and exit for the event,” Police Chief Brian McCallister said. “So, we plan to be full on with that same plan and hopefully get the same outcome as we did last year.”
McCallister said the protocols the police department put in place for the 2024 festival
Strawberry
from page 1
children this year included Kiddie Land with Swifty the Clown, a magician show, an animal show by Jungle Terry and a sidewalk art contest where every participant received a prize, according to the festival agenda.
The amusement rides and play games, provided by Lisko Family Midways, invited people of all ages to take part in the fun, as well, and on Friday evening, visitors heard a presentation from Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a former Notre Dame football player whose story was featured in the 1993 movie “Rudy.”
Live entertainment was provided nightly by local bands, including Bill March, Ulterior Motive and Bad Betty.
However, the main draw of the festival were the traditional delicious strawberry treats at the Kirtland Kiwanis food tent, which included chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry shortcake, floats, sundaes and supremes (combined shortcake and ice cream).
Other food trucks dotted the festival for attendees to grab lunch or dinner, preparing delicious bites of perogies, burritos, barbeque, gyros and deep-fried delights, including fries and tornado potatoes.
Additional festival highlights included a
received positive feedback and helped neigh boring departments have successful similar events.
“Other police departments have kind of adopted what we did last year,” McCallister said. “They feel like it’s helped them stop things from happening at events.”
In other business, council waived the three readings on three agenda items and voted in favor of authorizing the mayor to re tain service of the C.W. Courtney Company for the design and construction administra tion of the 2025 Street Repair and Maintence Project; the design and construction admin istration of the LAK Kirtland Chardon Road Project; authorizing the City of Kirtland to serve as the responsible lead agency for the administration of the LAK Kirtland Chardon Road Project.
Lake County Commissioner Morris Beverage III discusses an update on the Old Town sewer project.
Potter also thanked those involved in the Safety Town program and the public works open house.
His wife, Jenny Potter, helped bring the pro-
parade and the strawberry shortcake eating contests each evening.
This year, Kirtland Mayor Kevin Potter won the annual mayors strawberry shortcake eating contest, which, every year, invites several mayors from neighboring cities to compete for first place, Talty said in a follow-up text.
Sylvia Vosicky was crowned this year’s 2025 Miss Kirtland during the Miss Kirtland Contest. The recent Kirtland High School graduate said she will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall.
Kirtland Kiwanis will use the funds raised at the festival to give back to the community, Talty said, naming new sports uniforms for the school, a playground by the community center, involvement in the community garden, renovations to the gazebo, community cleanups and donations to food banks as some examples of previous projects the funds have helped with.
This year, Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation gave 14 scholarships out and they keep increasing the number of scholarships they give every year, Talty said.
“Wherever there's a need, we give,” she said. “We're very involved with the school, the community at large. It's just our motto is to serve one child at a time. We are so busy serving our community, so it's a very fulfilling role to be able to be a part of.”
gram back five years ago. Now, she runs the program and has taken it to another level, he said.
“(We’re) appreciative to our employees here at city hall and to the (Kirtland) middle
school and high school students who come out and dedicate their time to the program,” Potter said. “Thanks to everybody involved and everybody who helps with that program.”
Kirtland Library Hosts Mini-Golf Fundraiser
a mini golf fundraiser, sponsored by the deloris c. parsons endowment fund and the kirtland kiwanis, was held on june 30 and july 1 at the kirtland public library.
Missy Littell, director of the library, was excited to introduce this wonderful idea to Kirtland.
“We had offered this at the Stow Munroe Falls Public Library,” she said when asked what inspired the event. “I was on their foundation for several years. We had hosted this event for many years and it was so well received and so well run. I knew the families in this community would love it. I knew it could
Rain
from page 1
“There was a lot of rain in a short period of time. We’ll be looking at all those issues,” Fornaro said. “We had flooding where I haven’t seen it since I’ve been in the city.”
Erling Coleman, who lives on Markell Road and was impacted by the flooding, told council
be a positive experience for everyone.”
Library mini-golf is the creation of Russ Bolton, who travels from Connecticut to share this fun with many libraries around the country.
“The whole idea of indoor golf at the libraries began in 2006 after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina,” Bolton said. “The Friends of the Trumbull Connecticut Library wanted to offer a fundraiser in January, so they knew they needed to have an activity that could be held indoors. They chose a ‘Golf for the Gulf’ theme with the goal of assisting the relief of Hurricane Katrina damages.
“The group raised $10,000 with their first
while he experienced flooding on his property, thankfully, no structures were damaged.
“I do want to comment on the trees. I lost five major trees,” he said. “Some are at least 100 feet and about two feet in diameter. Three are swept aside, but two are across the river that could duck with a canoe and get under them. I don’t know if that’s any serious matter for the blockage of the river.”
Fornaro contacted a contractor to help
fundraiser,” he added. “Soon, other libraries were calling in asking how they could offer a similar event. At first, library mini golf only offered two-to-three events a year. Later, it turned into a business that traveled throughout the U.S.”
Since 2006, library mini golf has helped libraries raise over $5 million dollars in 35 different states. Business slowed down during COVID, but has since picked back up, Bolton said.
“At first, libraries had the option to buy the course. Now, the business is strictly rentals. Over 95% of the business comes from word-of-mouth as libraries share with other
Coleman and absorbent socks were laid until the contractor could attend to the site, he said.
In other business, Law Director Matthew Lallo discussed a piece of legislation currently under review in the Ohio Senate that would impact short-term rentals, which are properties in the city — such as homes listed on Airbnb or Vrbo — rented out for a short period, typically less than 30 days, such as a few days, a week or a month. The legislation does not include hotels.
Senate Bill 104 includes a grandfathered clause that if there is a local municipality that has regulated short-term rentals, they are permitted to continue that regulation.
libraries their successes around hosting a mini golf event,” he said. “It’s a great event for the community and great for the organizations and sponsors.”
The Kirtland Public Library has received a wonderful turnout with many children receiving a stuffed animal for a “hole-in-one” on the 19th hole.
The mini golf draws the community into the library and as Missy points out, “people come in and they forget how much their library offers in modern times. They can checkout ukuleles, crickets and maker spaces.” It is great for everyone to see all the services the library has to offer.
However, if there is no regulation, then the municipality will have to defer to the state statute, Lallo said.
He suggested if council desired to regulate the short-term rentals, it would need to get moving on it as soon as possible.
There should be public hearings held in front of the Kirtland Planning and Zoning Commission and a recommendation issued to city council, but it would need to be passed before September, he said.
The planning and zoning commission plans to meet before the next council meeting and have a report by early July. The date for a public hearing could be held in early August and the council could have a recommendation before it meets on Aug. 18, Lallo said.
“Let’s have the committee meeting and let’s understand the differences,” City Council President Ronald Fenstermaker said. “If the council decides that we don’t feel like that’s a risk or a concern in the city, then we don’t go forward with the legislation. But, I think we should at least go through and see if it makes sense.”
Mayor Kevin Potter also named Frank Lion as his nominee for an open Kirtland Board of Zoning Appeals position.
Lion is a longtime resident of Kirtland with an engineering background, he said.
“(Lion) knows the city inside and out,” Potter said. “I think he’s going to be a very, very valuable member of that board. (He is) incredibly pragmatic, highly intelligent.”
The Kirtland Police Department also extended its thanks to all responsible for a successful Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival June 12-14, said Police Chief Brian McCallister, adding nothing would have been possible without the support and assistance of the service department.
Kirtland Public Library hosts a mini-golf fundraiser for children June 30 and July 1 to give them something fun to do out of the summer heat. The course, set up around the library, encourages children to putt-putt around a variety of animals, which they were awarded after finishing the 19th hole.
Hornets Football Wins Regional 7 v 7 Title
By AlAn kornsPAn sPorts@kArlovecmediA com
The Kirtland Hornets football team has had a busy summer of training and competition, participating in various 7 v 7 competitions, including the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association (OHSFCA) 7 v 7 State Tournament on June 16 and June 23.
At Perry High School on June 16, the Hornets won four straight games and thus the OHSFCA 7 v 7 Division II Regional Title.
After defeating their first two opponents in pool play, the Hornets beat Salem in the semifinals.
They then claimed the title with a triumph over the Cleveland Central Catholic Ironmen.
Kirtland Hornets Head Coach Tiger LaVerde said the defense and wide receivers played well in these short, 20-minute contests, which are often highly unpredictable.
“We played really good defense in those
See Football • Page 9
All-Honors for Girls 4 x 800m Relay Team
By AlAn kornsPAn sPorts@kArlovecmediA com
Kirtland’s girls track 4 x 800m relay team earned All-Ohio Honors at the OHSAA Division III State Track Tournament on June 6 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium at The Ohio State University.
In addition, junior Izzie Copeland finished 11th in the state in the 800m, as she ran a career best 2:20.
In order to earn All-Ohio Honors, the 4 x 800m relay team of Izzie Copeland, Kylie Sayle, Megan Urbanick and Sylvia Vosicky finished 7th with a time of 9:42.08.
This performance was six seconds faster than their previous best time.
Going into the OHSAA state tournament, the Hornets team was seeded 14th out of 16th teams who qualified for the event.
Dr. JP Moran, the Hornets’ head girls track and field coach, said that although his team came in seeded lower, he was confident they’d have success if they focused on running to the best of their abilities.
To help his team concentrate on running optimally, Coach Moran had the Hornets de-
velop specific performance goals. In particular, each runner knew what time she should strive for in order to earn All-Ohio Honors.
Copeland said that knowing what times were needed was helpful, as it motivated each team member to focus on completing her leg of the race in a specific time.
Knowing the time she needed to achieve for her leg, Copeland was undeterred when her competitors started fast. She knew her competition was going to start very fast but stayed focused on running her race.
“I just kind of had to run my race and stick with what I knew was going to be best for me,” Copeland said.
In the second lap, Copeland recounted that she gave it everything she had to try to put her team in contention as she handed the baton to senior Megan Urbanick.
Urbanick said she noticed Coach Moran during her leg of the race, and that he communicated that they were on pace for the time they needed to achieve.
“I just tried to stay with that pack and put Kylie and Sylvia in a good spot going into the second half of the race,” Urbanick said.
See Track • Page 9
Urbanick then handed the baton to freshman Kylie Sayle to begin the second half of the relay.
Sayle described her strategy to begin the third leg of the race: “The second lap was
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
The Hornets girls track 4 x 800m relay team, far right, earned All-Ohio Honors at the OHSAA Division III State Track and Field Tournament on June 6.
from page 8
games, and the wideouts made some plays,” Coach LaVerde said. “In a 20-minute game, anything can happen, and we were fortunate enough to win those games.”
Added senior quarterback Jake LaVerde, “We played pretty good that day, and I think we got better. The defense played great; we didn't give up many scores.”
After winning the regional title, the Hornets traveled to Columbus to compete in the Division II OHSFCA State 7 v 7 Tournament Finals at Hilliard Darby High School on June 23.
In the state quarterfinals, the Hornets defeated the Carlisle Indians to advance to the OHSFCA Division II 7 v 7 state Final Four.
The Hornets then lost to the Kenton Wildcats in the state semifinals.
Competing in the state tournament in Columbus helped the team improve, Jake said. Excellent competition also allowed the Hornets to identify areas to ameliorate throughout the rest of the summer.
“We got better (in the state tournament),” the quarterback said. “We learned a lot. We got a lot of stuff we need to improve on.”
Added Coach LaVerde, “We won and lost one, and we did some things we need to improve on in that loss. That's why we do this stuff in June and July.”
Just a few days after the state tournament, on June 25, the Hornets participated in the Gilmour Academy 7 v 7.
To start the day, they faced former assistant coach Rossi Santo, now in his first year as head coach of the West Geauga Wolverines.
After the Hornets battled to a draw with the Wolverines on Jake LaVerde's three touchdown passes, Coach Santo discussed the influence of Coach LaVerde on his coaching style.
Track
from page 8
just all about holding on and trying to keep the pace.”
Running the final leg of the 4 x 800m relay was senior Sylvia Vosicky.
“I was just trying to keep a strong pace my first lap, and then gave all I got my second lap,” Vosicky recalled.
All in all, the Hornets ran it incredibly,
In particular, Coach Santo said that philosophically, one of the main things he learned from Coach LaVerde was the right way to treat people. Coach Santo also noted Coach LaVerde's influence on creating a fun environment and not making things overly complicated.
“His (Coach LaVerde's) big thing in coaching is just making sure the kids are having fun,” said Coach Santo. “(Also), don't get too complicated with your schemes, and you don't want to be practicing for three hours a day.”
Taking what he learned throughout the years from playing and coaching under Coach LaVerde, Coach Santo said he has developed a similar philosophy with the Wolverines.
“I want our kids to be competitive, I want them to have fun and work hard, and I feel like if (we do) those three things, the other stuff will take care of itself,” Coach Santo said.
Later in the 7 v 7, the Hornets took on the Gilmour Lancers, now led by Kirtland alum Joey Bates in his first year of coaching.
Afterwards, Coach Bates talked about the amazing and fun high school football experience he had playing under Coach LaVerde at Kirtland High School.
“I couldn't have had a better high school experience,” Coach Bates said. “The experience that Coach LaVerde makes for the kids is, you want to be there every day, you love showing up every day. You love your teammates; you love the coaches. It truly felt like a family, and it was just fun.”
Like Coach Santo is doing at West G, Coach Bates said he is now trying to implement a similar philosophy with Lancers.
“You only get high school football one time, so we want to make sure the kids have the best experience possible,” Coach Bates said. “That's the most important piece of this whole thing.”
said their coach.
“It was an unbelievable race,” Coach Moran said. “They all ran amazing legs and did their job and then some. They raced their hearts out for each other, their families, our town, school, community and our program.
“We were all very emotional after, and it was just an amazing experience and day. We will remember it forever.”
Added Urbanick, “I couldn't think of a better way to cap off our season.”
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
July Adult Programs & Clubs
Knit & Crochet
July 15 • 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.
Cookbook Club
July 22 • 6 p.m.
This club is for anyone who wants to expand their cooking knowledge and have some fun in the kitchen. Make any summer dessert to share with the group. Call the Library for more information or sign up on the library’s website for this event.
No Pressure Book Discussion
July 28 • 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.
Special Events
Wine Glass Painting
July 21 • 6 p.m.
Design your own wine glass at this fun class. Paint, brushes and wine glass provided. There is no cost for this class, but registration is required.
Kirtland Public Library
Ricky and the Rockets Concert
July 24 • 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. You can grab some dinner from Stewarts’ BBQ food truck while you enjoy the show.
Crepes Culinary Class
July 29 • 6 p.m.
Who doesn't love crepes? Everyone will make their own crepes in this class, sweet or savory. The cost for this class is $10.00 per person and registration is required. If you sign up and cannot make this class, please cancel at least 3 days before the class.
Used Book Sale
Aug. 2 • 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Friends of the Kirtland Public Library will host their quarterly book sale on the first Saturday in August from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fill a small bag for $5 and a large bag for $8. Kirtland Public Library canvas bags will be for sale (unfilled) for $10.
July Youth Programs & Special Events
Register for events at www. kirtland.lib.oh.us
LEGO Club
July 12 • 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.
Craft Your Art Night
July 14 • 6 p.m.
Kids entering grades kindergarten through fifth grade, we can't wait to see what your creative minds come up with. We will offer a variety of craft materials and you get to let your creative juices soar. Please register for this event.
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).
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.
Summer Reading
July 19 • 5 p.m.
July 19 is the last day to Log Summer Reading points and bid on prizes on the READsquared App.
Transition to Middle School
July 23 • 6 p.m.
Join Huntington Learning Center for an engaging workshop designed to help both parents and students in navigating the transition to middle school. This session will provide valuable insights and practical tools to set students up for success in middle school and beyond.
End of Summer Reading Party
- Great Lakes Science Center’s ‘Magic of Matter’
July 26 • 10:30 a.m.
A Rainbow of My Own
Storytime and Craft
July 17 • 10:30 a.m.
In honor of this year's Collaborative Summer Library Program theme, "Color Our World," kids up through age 5 will hear Don Freeman's “A Rainbow of My Own” and create a craft garden like the one in the story. Please register everyone attending.
Meet Me On The Courtyard
July 18 • 10:30 a.m.
Families with children age 5 and under, explore different activities on the Children's Department courtyard. You might find chalk, building blocks, water play, and more. Come see what is available this month. In case of inclement weather, this event will take place indoors. Please register for this event.
How can matter change from one state into the other? To wrap up Summer Reading, Great Lakes Science Center will experiment with chemistry and liquid nitrogen to uncover the “magic” behind why some materials behave in unexpected ways. Please register everyone attending this event.
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.
