Salute 2025 Honoring our veterans. To all who serve, we thank you.
In Memory of Hal “Marc” Burr Army, WWII, Middle Eastern Theatre
In Honor of Robert P. Colombo Marine Corps Reserve
In Memory of Stanley J. Dembinski Jr. Army
In Memory of Paul F. Dickson Army
In Memory of Charles L. Fabig Army
In Memory of Charles F. Foster Navy, Asiatic Pacific Theater
In Memory of John Gergacs, Sr. Army
In Honor of Judge Timothy J. Grendell Army
In Honor of Angela Lynn Harmon Army
In Honor of Randy Harrod Army, Airborne
In Memory of Gary L. Hudson Sr. SFC, Army, Korean War
In Memory of Herman E. Kleinfeld Army
In Memory Robert C. Kleinfeld Navy
In Honor of Doug Lundblad Army
In Memory of Dennis J. Maxim Air Force
In Memory of Joseph J. Maxim Army
In Honor of Kevin J McDoland Marine, First Gulf War
In Honor of John C. McDonald III Army, Vietnam
In Honor of John C. McDonald IV Air Force
In Memory of William N. MacRaild Army
In Honor of Haylee Rose Moore Air Force
In Memory of SP4 Robert W. Vachulka Army, WWII Artillery
In Memory of SP4 Edward E. Rakowicz Army, WWII Infantry
In Honor of SP4 James E. Rakowicz Army, Vietnam
In Honor of Lt. Colnel Jennifer M. (Rakowicz) Hrivnak Air Force, Operation Iraqi Freedom
In Honor of Sandra Richards Coast Guard
In Honor of Ed Richards SSGT, Army
In Memory of Allan Charles Schinagle Navy
In Honor of Allana Smrdel Marines
In Honor of Richard Stone Army
In Honor of Charles B. White Army
In Memory of Joseph Yambor Sr. Army, WWII, POW
Sports
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Community Starts on B12
Schools page B12
Legal Notices Start on B14
Classifieds page B16
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Badger Lab Brunch Tradition Pays Tribute to Veterans By Rose Nemunaitis editor@karlovecmedia.com Veterans Day provides a time for reflection and honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Doing their part to commemorate military veterans, students from Badger Lab at Berkshire Schools helped carry on a meaningful tradition Oct. 29, hosting the fifth annual veterans brunch at Burton American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton. “The annual veterans brunch, now in its fifth year, is one of the most meaningful traditions for the Badger Lab at Berkshire Local Schools,” said Ashley Brzozowski, event organizer. The event began when Brzozowski — an Army veteran and, at the time, an intervention specialist — founded the Badger Lab Vocational Program. Now the district’s director of pupil services, Brzozowski envisioned a hands-on opportunity for students of all abilities to develop real-world skills such as cooking, communication, teamwork and community service while giving back to those who served the nation. Brzozowski served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves as a 92A with the 849th QM CO in Rocky Mount, N.C., until August 2013. The Badger Lab continues to provide post-secondary training opportunities for students with exceptionalities. “Each year, our students and staff volunteer their time to prepare and serve a homemade brunch for over 50 veterans and their families,” Brzozowski said. “Local
partners such as the local (Geauga County) Veteran Food Pantry, Burton Congregational Church Food Cupboard, Heinen’s, Giant Eagle, Grand River Grounds and Burton Floral donate food and supplies, making this event a true community effort.” Sue and Jon Taylor, owners of Burton Floral, said they look forward to helping each year by adorning the autumn-themed celebration with mini pumpkins and more. “We had family in the military,” Sue said. “It’s wonderful. It’s nice to give kids this experience and nice that we can help.” Charles "Skip" Boehnlein, commander of Atwood-Mauck Post 459, said he feels honored that the post has been able to host the veterans brunch for five years and hopes it continues for many more. “Having worked with and interacted with many of the students of the lab, while working at (Bessie Benner) Metzenbaum Center for 28 years, it is so rewarding to see them grow up and function in a very positive way,” Boehnlein said. “The instructors and volunteers at the lab are doing such an amazing job with these kids.” After brunch, volunteers cleared the tables as Badger students gathered around U.S. Marine veteran Nicholas Hadzinsky. “The kids were wonderful, “ Hadzinsky said. “The food was amazing, as well as the company. I know many people enjoyed themselves. They took care of everything.” The bacon, he added, was especially good. “The purpose of this brunch is simple — appreciation. We want our veterans to know See Brunch• Page B4
ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG
From left, United States marine veteran Nicholas Hadzinsky and Charles “Skip” Boehnlein, commander of Atwood-Mauck Post 459, help make the fifth-annual Badger Lab Veterans Brunch another successful event for area veterans.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Ohio Freemasons Grand Master Shawn Johnson honors 100-hundred-year-old Richard Ensign for his 80 years as a member of the Masonic fraternity and dedication to Village Lodge 274 in Burton with a reception Oct. 26 at Chardon VFW Post 6519.
Masons Honor Loyal, Longstanding Member
By Rose Nemunaitis editor@karlovecmedia.com One-hundred-year-old Richard Ensign has plenty to smile about after a long, full life of devoted service. The World War II veteran added another milestone to his remarkable journey Oct. 26, when he was honored for 80 years of Masonic membership with Village Lodge #274 in Burton. A reception recognizing the achievement was held at Chardon VFW Post 6519, where Ensign is also a lifetime member. Ensign served in Battery C of the 863rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion during World War II, seeing action in Normandy, France, the Rhineland and the Battle of the Bulge. A lifelong Northeast Ohio resident, he has called Claridon Township, Chardon and Mentor home. He and his late wife, Norrine, who passed away in 2018, raised three daughters who all attended Chardon High School. His daughter, Vickie Kuhn, said her father was surprised and deeply appreciative of the
recognition for his eight decades of service. “Always pay your dues,” Ensign said. “This is proof good things happen when you stick to it.” The centenarian continues a family legacy — both his father and grandfather were also Masons. “As a fellow veteran myself, I enjoy meeting and talking with other veterans,” said Josh Underwood, Worshipful Master of Village Lodge #274. “You automatically have a common interest. Freemasonry is the same way. You belong to a brotherhood much greater than yourself. Bro Ensign’s 80th award is such an amazing thing.” Guests enjoyed lunch from Mangia Mangia in Newbury Township, as Ensign had one of his favorite dishes — their soft meatballs. Underwood opened the celebration with trivia about the year Ensign joined the lodge, highlighting the cost of gasoline and pop culture hits of the time. Ohio Freemasons Grand Master Shawn Johnson then shared Ensign’s life story, including his See Mason • Page B5
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Thursday, November 6, 2025
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Brunch
from page B2 that their service still means something to us, even after their time in uniform,” said Brzozowski. For students, the event is more than a lesson in hospitality — it’s a chance to connect, listen and bring joy to those who have given so much, she said, adding veterans share stories, laughter and gratitude, while students leave with a sense of pride and purpose that can’t be taught in a classroom.
The brunch serves as a reminder that when a community comes together — schools, local businesses, students and veterans — incredible things happen, Brzozowski said. It’s a small gesture compared to the sacrifices made by those who served, but “it’s the least we can do,” she said. Boehnlein said he is proud of his fellow veterans at Post 459 for their continued support of Badger Lab activities. “The support of students and all the youth of Geauga County is a cornerstone of the American Legion's Children and Youth National Program,” Boehnlein said.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Geauga County Maple Leaf
SUBMITTED
Bob Somrak Sr. turned 101 on Oct. 7, 2025. He was a World War II veteran on the USS Missouri and was one of eight surviving members. As a Color Guard member, he was present at the end of World War II. He died on Oct. 9, 2025.
Mason
from page B3 military service, before presenting the award. Johnson also signed the same Bible used during Ensign’s initiation ceremony 80 years ago. Village Lodge #274 is the largest Masonic lodge in Geauga County, located just north of Burton Village square before the Geauga County Fairgrounds. According to the lodge’s website, Freemasonry is “the world’s oldest and largest fraternity,” rich in tradition and history. The first Village Lodge was founded in 1826 but lasted only a few years. The current lodge, chartered in 1855 at 14535 N. Cheshire St., has been in continuous operation since. Freemasonry itself dates back centuries to the trade guilds of stone masons. Around the 1600s, though for reasons that remain unclear, those guilds evolved into the fraternity that exists today. “Our fraternity uses the tools and implements of architecture as symbols and analogies to teach lessons and stories that emphasize the social, moral and intellectual development of the individual man,” said David Mooter, lodge secretary. “Our aim is to unite men of good character from different religious, ethnic and social backgrounds into a common brotherhood.” Mooter explained the lodge honors mem-
bers at major milestones beginning at 50 years. “But 80 years is rare,” Mooter said. “Back then, you had to be 21 years old to join, so anyone who hits 80 years as a member is over a century old. Our more senior members don't make it to meetings very much since age makes it more difficult to get out. Our lodge is on the second floor with steps but no elevator, which unfortunately discourages some seniors even with a chairlift. Recognizing these members on their milestones is a chance to reconnect. As such, (Ensign) has not been to a lodge meeting for many years.” Ensign still attends monthly Chardon VFW meetings when weather permits, as it’s closer to his current residence in Mentor and is wheelchair accessible. Johnson traveled from Sandusky to attend the event and noted the timeliness of the recognition, as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. “Mr. Ensign has lived through about 40% of that,” he said. Johnson, who will serve in his position through 2026, created a “250-year pin” commemorating the nation’s upcoming anniversary and distributed them to veterans attending the celebration. Ensign smiled. “Dad doesn’t comment a lot, just smiles,” Kuhn said. He looks forward to celebrating his 101st birthday Dec. 7 with a slice of his favorite pecan pie — undoubtedly, another reason to smile.
www.GeaugaMapleLeaf.com
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Geauga Transit Offers Free Rides for Veterans In honor of Veterans Day, Geauga Transit will offer free transportation to all U.S. military veterans Nov. 10 through Nov. 14. Veterans using Geauga Transit’s door-todoor Dial-a-Ride service can simply indicate their veteran status when scheduling a trip to receive a complimentary ride. Laketran, the Lake County regional transit system that operates Geauga Transit, will also provide free rides to veterans across all services that week.
“We are proud to support the men and women who have served our nation,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “Providing free rides during Veterans Week is one small way we can express our gratitude and make it easier for veterans to get where they need to go—whether that’s to work, medical care, or visiting family and friends.” For reservations, call 440-754-5555 or visit geaugatransit.com.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
How to Support Veterans Through Nonprofits MetroCreative Military service personnel make a personal sacrifice and put the country before their own needs and those of their families. Serving the military has inherent risks to safety, but many still heed the call to serve. Serving the nation seldom is an easy task, and sometimes acting military and veterans need some assistance. Many charities work to provide that assistance, and these organizations are worth supporting. • Wounded Warrior Project®: This organization was founded in 2003 by a group of veterans and friends in Roanoke, Virginia, who wanted to take action to help injured service men and women. The mission of WWP is to honor and empower service personnel who incurred physical or mental injuries, illnesses or wounds related to military service on or after September 11, 2001. According to the organization, 100 percent of a person’s donation supports wounded warriors, with roughly 71 percent spent directly on programs and services, and the balance paid to support the delivery of this support. • Homes For Our Troops: Homes For Our Troops builds and donates specially adapted and customized homes nationwide to help severely injured post-9/11 veterans. Since the nonprofit organization’s inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents out of every dollar spent has gone directly to program services to veterans. HFOT builds homes where vet-
erans choose to live, and continues a relationship with the veterans after home delivery to assist with rebuilding their lives. • Gary Sinise Foundation: Many people recognize Gary Sinise as a prominent and award-winning actor known predominantly for his roles as Lieutenant Dan in “Forrest Gump” and Detective Mac Taylor on “CSI: New York.” After the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, Sinise began devoting much of his time to support the people who were deployed in response to those attacks. Sinise ultimately decided to found his own organization with the mission of expressing gratitude and giving support to the men and women who willingly fight for the country to keep the nation safe and free. • K9s for Warriors: According to the K9s for Warriors organization, an average of 20 veterans take their own lives each day and roughly 1,000 dogs are euthanized. To change these stark statistics, K9s for Warriors was established to adopt and train shelter dogs as service animals, and pair them with mentally struggling veterans who could benefit from a four-legged friend. A study by Flagler College found 92 percent of the nonprofit’s veteran graduates reported a reduction in medication usage, and 82 percent reported reduced suicide ideation after being paired with a dog. Supporting military and veterans charities is a great way to show your appreciation for the individuals who served and sacrificed for their countries.