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This one is historic for Hawken swim team

44 years of service honored by village

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Volume 41 / Number 23, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Classifieds Editorial Obituaries Religion Sports Town Crier

C7-14 10 10 B8 C1-7 B10-11

March 1, 2012 • 75¢

Periodical Postage Paid at Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022

ISSN 0194-3685

Nightmare hits close to home Eyes are wide open in schools

Troubled teens, guns dangerous combination

By TONY LANGE Monday’s shootings at Chardon High School that killed three students and wounded two others is not so much an eye-opener as it is a reality, according to officials in nearby school districts.

Since 1999’s Columbine High School massacre in Colorado, where 12 students and a teacher were killed and 21 other students were injured, emergency-response procedures at high schools across the nation have had their alert systems ready.

The Chardon tragedy hits close to home, said West Geauga School Superintendent Thomas Diringer, whose district borders Chardon’s.

“It’s absolutely a reality. It can happen anywhere, anytime, and, unfortunately, it’s often virtually impossible to sense in advance, regardless of what you do. As you know, schools are very open places,” Dr. Diringer said. “When you have youngsters coming to school, it’s very hard to control first thing in the morning exactly the details of who’s where and who’s doing what and so on.

That’s a tough issue.”

The Chardon shootings occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria, while students were sitting at tables eating breakfast, according to Chardon authorities.

Kenston School Superintendent Robert A. Lee said that, since Columbine, all schools now have an ongoing awareness and must stay prepared for shootings, which are among the scariest types of situations to deal with.

The Kenston district’s northern borPlease turn to next page

By JOAN DEMIRJIAN

Photos by Keli Boatwright

A University Hospitals Med-Evac helicopter lifted off in Chardon Monday after responding to the shooting of five high school students.

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Department responded with other law-enforcement officials to the shooting scene at Chardon High School.

In the wake of the fatal shootings at Chardon High School Monday, local law-enforcement officers said preventing gun violence is no easy task.

Bainbridge resident Lori O’Neill, a longtime advocate of policies to prevent gun violence, said she believes youth violence in schools is different from adult criminal actions.

There is a tendency to believe that gun violence is different in big cities, she said, but a troubled teen with access to guns can be a deadly combination anywhere. “It happens every day, all around the country. Everyone has guns now,” Mrs. O’Neill said.

Chagrin Falls Police Chief James Brosius said the country has been experiencing similar incidents since the 1999 Columbine High School shootings in Colorado.

“It’s not all that difficult for juveniles to get a gun,” he said. “He would have found one someplace,” he said of the Chardon shooter. “They can get it from a parent or grandparent. Sometimes they are kept in drawers.”

It was not known early this week where the student suspect in Chardon had gotten access to the gun used in the incident.

People have to be 18 or older to purchase a firearm and 21 or older to buy a handgun, under the Ohio Revised Code, Mr. Brosius said. Juveniles can use guns for hunting and sports, as long as there is adult supervision, he said.

And federally licensed dealers have to offer locking devices, according to Please turn to next page

North Street in line for longer sidewalk

By BARBARA CHRISTIAN Chagrin Falls Village Council’s streets and sidewalks committee agreed Monday to investigate sidewalks for the length of North Street to the village line and asked the village engineer for a preliminary plan and estimate.

Originally, sidewalks were being considered only to the Falls Road intersection from existing sidewalks at the intersection of Cottage and High streets.

The request for extending them the full length of the street within village boundaries came at the request of some

north-end residents, not all of whom live on North Street.

Residents attended Monday’s discussion on the overall plan to rebuild North Street and install sidewalks.

Those who spoke expressed concerns about walkers and bicyclers, including children, who use the berm and private properties. They also expressed concerns that speeding would increase on the street if the brick surface is replaced with asphalt.

North Street resident Kathryn Watterson said the narrow road is “scary,” and she makes a detour to

North Cleveland and High streets when she walks into town.

“I support sidewalks, but why not past the Falls Road intersection?”

Wilding Chase resident Robert Weber asked.

His neighbor Joseph Marquette said he has had to leap over the guardrail on North Street to avoid being hit by vehicles. He asked the committee to consider extending sidewalks on the entire length of North Street at one time, rather than waiting two or three years after the road is rebuilt.

Not yet decided is on which side of

North Street the sidewalk would be located.

Councilwoman Janis Evans, who chairs the committee, said government grant money is available for the road and sidewalk program, and the village also will participate, but North Street property owners also may be assessed.

They will have the chance to vote among themselves on whether they want sidewalks, she said. Property owners on streets off North Street would not be assessed.

Please turn to next page

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Residents billed for rescues

Auburn park fields prepared

Village adds depository

The Bainbridge Fire Department put into place Jan. 1 a policy for “soft billing” of township residents’ insurance for ambulance transports. The department has been billing the insurance of nonresidents since 2004.

The funds go into a separate account for emergency medical equipment, according to Bainbridge Fire Chief Brian Phan.

Bainbridge Township Trustee Jeffrey Markley said, with soft billing, if the resident’s insurance company doesn’t pay, the payment is not pursued. There have been no complaints or questions about the billing, he said. “It has been a non-issue with residents.”

Auburn Township Trustees said playing fields are being graded and leveled at Auburn Community Park off Munn Road.

They hope to get the grass planted this spring so it has a chance to get established in two growing seasons, trustees said.

There are six all-purpose playing fields for soccer, lacrosse, football and baseball on the former farmland.

Kenston Community Education will do the primary scheduling of the fields on the 67-acre park, according to Trustee John Eberly.

Another phase for park development will include walking trails.

Parks are popular with residents, as shown in surveys, Mr. Eberly said. “It ties in with green space.”

Dollar Bank was added as a possible depository for village funds Monday with a unanimous vote by Chagrin Falls Village Council.

The village has no immediate plans to transfer funds to Dollar Bank, which does not have a branch in the village, as do Chagrin Falls’ other depositories.

The measure was brought to council at the request of Dollar Bank, Council President Steven Patton said.

Third Safe Routes grant sought Chagrin Falls Village Council unanimously passed a resolution Monday in support of the Safe Routes to School’s newest grant application.

The resolution authorizes Mayor Thomas Brick to proceed with the required documentation to implement the application.

This is the third year that a citizens group has sought funding for the program. Two previously successful applications have helped to fund educational programs, new signage, street markings and sidewalk repairs and extensions, among other items.

The Safe Routes to School promotes and encourages walking and bicycling to school. The funds are administrated by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Teens, guns the Ohio Revised Code, Mr. Brosius said.

The Chagrin Falls Police Department gives gun locks away at no charge to residents. All they have to do is stop in at the police department and ask for them, he said.

If people own handguns for self-protection, they usually don’t keep them in safes, which are difficult to access, he said. A gun lock makes it easier to get to, he said, but, if there are children around the house, the gun safe is a better choice.

At any rate, if someone wants a gun, he’s going to get one, Mr. Brosius said.

“Police can’t go and take guns out of people’s hands to prevent this. We have to follow the law,” he said.

Chardon police responded to an active shooting call, and their mission was to eliminate the threat and limit the damage, Mr. Brosius said. “This is not preventative; it’s reactive. We’re trained to go there, find the shooter and eliminate the threat,” he said.

“These things don’t happen just in inner cities. If you look around, I don’t know that any school shootings were from inner-city schools,” Mr. Brosius said.

Orange Police Chief Christopher Kostura said the solutions are not easy.

Stopping gun violence at schools is difficult, he said. Even with metal detectors, access to another door is possible with someone’s assistance, he said.

If faculty and staff in schools were allowed to carry guns, the situation might be more even, Mr. Kostura said.

Nowadays, with conceal-carry permits, a teacher who meets the requirements could do that, he said. “It’s time to level the playing field, and how to do that is the question,” he said.

“This situation is sad,” he said. “You have a nice community like Chardon where there is not a lot of violent crime, and you get a situation like this, showing it can happen anywhere.”

The shooting also points out that anyone who sees or knows something should say something to help prevent it, Mr. Kostura said. “I’d rather go to 100 false reports than the one real one.”

A lot of times parents teach gun safety to their children, go hunting with them, and they never use the guns outside of that environment, he said. “But

School levy is on ballot Residents of the Chagrin Falls School District will be asked to vote on a 7.9-mill operating levy March 6. The levy would generate $3.85 million annually and cost homeowners $242 per $100,000 of property valuation per year, according to district Treasurer Anne Spano.

The district last passed an operating levy in 2007.

Special budget session held Pepper Pike City Council will hold a special meeting at 7:30 p.m. March 6 at City Hall to discuss the budget, which must be passed by the end of the month.

From previous page with guns available, you never know.”

Safe gun lockers at home can help in deterring use of them in a violent way, he said.

“Every time there is a school shooting, everyone second guesses and plays the Monday morning quarterback,” Mr. Kostura said. “From everything I can see, the police and school district in Chardon did everything they were supposed to do. An incident like this is one of the things that falls through the cracks.”

Pepper Pike Police Chief Jack Crivel, a former SWAT team member, said the issue includes parental control and whom kids hang around with.

“Random violence can’t be prevented, but it can be mitigated,” he said.

There are lots of guns out there, he said.

Nobody likes to be a snitch, but if something is said or done that looks suspicious, something should be reported, according to Mr. Crivel. “If someone brings in information, we would look into it.”

He said guns should be secured in homes. It is rare to hear of break-ins involving the burglar shooting someone, so keeping guns locked up is advised, he said. “I wouldn’t recommend having a gun in the house that is not locked. No one is coming after you, so why have a gun available where kids could get it?”

Mrs. O’Neill said violence is promoted with video games and movies and even in political rhetoric. “It’s the fashion to be confrontational. Our kids hear this and don’t know any better. This is an adult problem that manifests itself in our children,” she said.

“We get rewarded for being nasty and malicious in our rhetoric,” she said. “We’re seeing our kids acting out what they see us do,” she said.

“I think it is incumbent on adults to keep guns away from youth. Look at the suicides with teens. A gun can turn into a murder or suicide,” Mrs. O’Neill said.

“This has nothing to do with gun rights. It has to do with access to guns by teenagers.”

The presence of guns in some cases is taken for granted, and there’s a casual attitude with them, but teenagers don’t know better, she said.

If people care about kids, then guns should be locked up, Mrs. O’Neill said.

Political signs recycled “Elect to Recycle” is a program by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District in which people can recycle campaign signs following the March 6 primary election. Residents may drop off signs between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. March 7-10 and March 12-16 at the district facility at 4750 E. 131st St. in Garfield Heights.

City fraud policy revised Solon Finance Director Dennis Kennedy has made revisions to a city fraud policy, based on input from City Council’s finance committee, and the policy was forwarded last week to the full council.

Councilman William I. Russo said a fraud policy was something lacking in the city, and he credited Mr. Kennedy for bringing it to the committee’s attention.

Eyes wide open

From previous page

der is about five miles from Chardon’s southern border. Chardon, West Geauga and Kenston all are in Geauga County.

“I don’t think it’s an eye-opener,” Dr. Lee said. “We have emergencyresponse procedures specifically with this and other things like this that we go through on an annual basis. And it’s just a matter of going through them, just like a tornado drill. You go through a drill like that or a fire drill with the idea that you’d never hopefully ever have to use those procedures.”

When the gunman at Chardon opened fire, students fled to the nearest classrooms as teacher’s cleared the hallways and locked their doors until local law enforcement arrived on scene.

A 17-year-old student, Thomas Lane, was apprehended in connection with the shootings.

Solon School Superintendent Joseph V. Regano, whose district is just across the Geauga County line in Cuyahoga County, said there is not an exact equation to prevent school shootings.

“I think all of us are in schools with this reality. I don’t think it is an eyeopener. I think we prepare as Chardon does, but, unfortunately, if someone wants to do this, it’s very, very difficult to prevent,” Mr. Regano said. “You don’t know why it happens at Chardon and not somewhere else. If there was an answer, we would prevent it. I just don’t know what that answer is.”

Bullying was mentioned as a motive by several Chardon High School students.

West Geauga’s bullying-prevention program coordinator, Sarah Widman, said it would be premature to conclude that the Chardon tragedy is a result of

bullying, but she said promoting kindness prevents violence.

“I often share with the students that all it takes is one kind word to one person to make a world of a difference.

Where to the world you’re only one person, but to one person you could be the world,” she said. “So it takes one small gesture, one kind act that could totally change someone’s perspective on the school, on their day, on sometimes even their life in general. So I try to instill in them the courage to be that one person.”

Prevention efforts must take an allof-the-above approach, Dr. Diringer said.

“I think what most of us believe is that we work hard to notice signs and things that might be telling the tale of someone who might want to do harm,” he said. “We need the help of staff, we need the help of students, we need the help of parents and community members, because it’s hard to monitor everything given the social media that exists today.”

One person can’t be everywhere, and when information of threats or potential harm arises, school officials report it to the police, even when it happens at the elementary level, Dr. Lee said. Local law-enforcement officers then go to a student’s home and investigate things like access to a weapon, he said.

“You send your kids to school with the idea that they’re safe. These things kind of shake your confidence a bit that how fast and how close to home these things can happen,” Dr. Lee said. “If this kid posted any signs on Facebook or Twitter, what were other kids doing when they saw that?”

North Street Mrs. Evans suggested that residents think about whether a wider biking and walking berm might be an option to more expensive sidewalks.

Councilwoman Janna Lutz pointed out that such a berm was created along North Main Street when it was learned that traditional sidewalks could not be installed due to the terrain.

In addition to residents who attended Monday’s meeting, the committee received more than a dozen written comments.

Most were in favor of sidewalks and all supported the road reconstruction, Mrs. Evans said.

From previous page Mrs. Lutz said it can be difficult to construct sidewalks in some areas of town, but the village does have a priority list of areas which would benefit from having them.

In addition, current zoning requires sidewalks in all new housing developments.

The Falls Walk subdivision now being developed on the former Windsor Hospital site, for example, is to install sidewalks along its East Summit Street frontage and in front of the lots it owns on North Street, as well as within the development, Mrs. Evans noted.

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Tragedy strikes Chardon community

By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR. Chardon school officials were struggling to ease the pain this week, following the shootings at Chardon High School Monday that killed three students and wounded two others.

The gunfire began in the school’s cafeteria around 7:30 a.m., as many of the students were preparing for their school day. Chardon Police Chief Timothy McKenna said his department received “numerous calls” of multiple gunshots being fire at the school at 7:38 a.m.

Police flooded the area from all corners of Geauga County, as well as officials from the FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, a SWAT team from Lake County and the U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

According to statements from Cleveland Metrohealth Hospital, Daniel Parmertor, 16, and Russell King Jr., 17, died of their wounds Monday. A third student, identified by the hospital as Demetrius Hewlin, died Tuesday morning. Nickolas Walczak, 17, and Joy Rickers, 18, were listed in stable condition and remained hospitalized at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights.

Geauga County Sheriff Daniel McClelland said officers were well prepared, having trained for such an event under eerily similar circumstances in 2009. A mock disaster drill in which a fictitious gunman was roaming the halls of the school was held at that time, he said. “As a result, we were very prepared.”

Mr. McClelland said officers were able to quickly respond and “lessened the tragedy that occurred.”

Teachers also were credited for following procedures in place for such an event, locking students inside their classrooms.

Mr. McKenna said officers surrounded the school and entered after hearing that the gunman had fled the building.

Daniel Parmertor

Russell King Jr.

He said emergency medical staff quickly responded to the wounded after the building was safe to enter.

“I want to assure the Chardon community and surrounding communities that we are safe,” Mr. McKenna said at a press conference Monday afternoon.

Lt. John Hiscox, with the sheriff’s department, said the gunman fled on foot through woods surrounding the school. A student was apprehended about a half mile away on Woodin Road with a .22-caliber revolver and a knife.

He surrendered to authorities without incident about 30 to 45 minutes after the shooting, Mr. Hiscox said.

Chardon High School student Nate Mueller, who spoke with reporters outside the school Monday, identified T.J. Lane, 17, a fellow student, in the shooting. Nate said he was seated at a table in the cafeteria when the gunman approached from behind and began shooting.

Assistant football coach Frank Hall was credited with chasing the gunman from the school.

A hearing for Thomas T.J. Lane, identified by authorities only as “TJL,” was held Tuesday afternoon in Geauga County Juvenile Court before Judge Timothy Grendell.

Geauga County Prosecutor David Joyce told the courtroom that 10 rounds were fired in the incident. He said four students were shot in the school cafeteria, and one was shot in the hallway.

Joy Rickers

Nickolas Walczak

Mr. Grendell ordered the suspect to be held in the Geauga County Jail.

Additional hearings were scheduled for later this week and next week. A decision on whether to try the case in adult court is to be made by March 19.

Mr. Joyce said charging the 17-yearold as an adult is likely.

The initial 911 call came at about 7:35 a.m. from a student outside the school reported that a school shooting had occurred and that three students were down.

By 7:53 a.m., police reported that medical staff had entered the school and that emergency medical helicopters were en route. By 8:40 a.m., police reported that a suspect was in custody and that a weapon was recovered.

Students from the high school began being moved to the Chardon Middle School for evacuation.

Another caller at 7:35 a.m. reported seeing two people shot by a gunman in the school. The caller described the gunman as wearing a gray hoodie having a possible .22 caliber pistol. The shooting occurred in the cafeteria, the caller said.

Chardon High School Principal Andy Fetchik called at 7:56 a.m. to report that the shooter had left the school and was headed toward tennis courts to the northeast.

By 9:03 a.m. all victims had been airlifted to hospitals. By 9:13 a.m., lawenforcement officials had begun inter-

viewing the suspect. By 9:42 a.m., Daniel Parmertor was declared dead while in emergency surgery.

Investigators, including a bomb squad, reportedly searched a home and area in Chardon Township.

School Superintendent Joseph Bergant appealed to parents Monday to “hug their children.” The school remained closed Tuesday to give families a chance to recover, he said. “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the five victims,” he said. “We do the best we can to make our schools safe.”

Mr. Bergant said the school was “focusing heavy duty” on providing grief counselors for those who need to talk about the events that occurred. He announced Tuesday that the schools would not reopen until Friday.

Students and parents gathered Monday night on Chardon Square, laying flowers for the victims and the shooter’s family at the bandstand.

David Boyle, chief executive officer with Geauga County’s Ravenwood Center, appealed to parents to discuss the issue with their children and to call his offices. “You need to talk and deal with these events as soon as you can.”

He said numerous resources would be available to help people cope.

The family of Daniel Parmertor issued a statement Monday. “We are shocked by this senseless tragedy.

Danny was a bright, young boy who had a bright future ahead of him. The family is torn by this loss. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

The family of Demetrius Hewlin released a statement Tuesday. “We are very saddened by the loss of our son and others in our Chardon community.

Demetrius was a happy young man who loved life and his family and friends.

We will miss him very much, but we are proud that he will be able to help others through organ donation. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Photos courtesy of Jonathan Fields

Damages to the structure and contents of the Caravan Splendors building on North Main Street are estimated at $300,000.

Jonathan Fields, owner of the Caravan Splendors building, said, while the Feb. 21 fire was devastating, he is determined to rebuild.

Downtown Chagrin fires still under investigation

By BARBARA CHRISTIAN The cause of the Feb. 21 fire which did an estimated $300,000 damage to the Caravan Splendors building on North Main Street in Chagrin Falls remained under investigation this week.

Chagrin Falls Fire Chief Frank Zugan said his department and investigators from two insurance companies would be removing items from inside the building this week in an effort to identify the cause. He said he hoped to have more information by the end of the week. What is known is that the fire began in the front of the store, he said.

The building is owned by Jonathan Fields, who also is proprietor of the

import store on the first floor.

The store was closed when the fire began around 6:30 p.m. Three people working in the upstairs offices of a product development company smelled smoke were exiting the building when firefighters arrived, according to the report.

Mr. Fields said the tenants told him, when the fire shutters fell down and shook the structure, they thought a car had hit the building. They saw flames in the front of the store and called 911.

Mr. Fields praised firefighters and village officials for their response and support. Nothing “can show my gratitude for what they have done for us,” he wrote in an email. “In the big picture,

thank God no one was injured or killed.” While the fire was devastating, he said, he is determined to rebuild.

It’s been a busy 90 days,” Mr. Zugan said Monday, referring to three fires in Chagrin Falls. He said there is no indication of any connection between the two downtown fires.

Only one of the three investigations has concluded, he added.

The Feb. 10 fire at the Citadel Apartment which claimed the life of Kelly L. Small, 31, has been ruled accidental. That blaze began in the bedroom and has been traced to smoking materials.

Yet to be determined is the cause of the Nov. 30 noontime fire which

destroyed Joey’s Restaurant at 44 N. Main St. and the offices of Live Nation above it.

Although the origin of that fire has been traced to an area between the basement ceiling and floor of the main level, its cause has not been pinpointed.

Cooking has been ruled out as a cause.

The restaurant, owned by the Leonetti family for 32 years, lost its lease following the fire. It recently opened a second location in Solon.

Joseph Leonetti said Tuesday they are considering three new locations in Chagrin Falls and should have an announcement soon.

The Joey’s fire temporarily closed two stores adjacent to the restaurant.

‘No true remorse,’ driver gets prison in death of judge

By JOAN DEMIRJIAN Kelly Cox, 42, of Troy Township, has been sentenced to 9½ years in prison for the death of Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Charles “Chip” Henry, of Auburn.

Visiting Judge Paul Mitrovich issued the sentence Feb. 25 in Geauga County Common Pleas Court.

Ms. Cox was to be locked up in the Geauga County Jail until she is transferred to Marysville, an Ohio reformatory for women.

While the sentencing of Ms. Cox does not bring total closure for the family of Mr. Henry, the sentencing does allow the family to move forward now, according to his sister Dorothy Henry Lee. “Judge Mitrovitch did a very good job outlining why he sentenced Ms. Cox to the most prison time that he could. She has shown no true remorse for what she did, nor has she otherwise taken responsibility for all the lives she has affected,” Mrs. Lee said. “Hopefully, someday she will.”

Ms. Cox struck Mr. Henry, who was 54 at the time, with her car while he was riding his bike May 23, 2011, on Rapids Road. She left the scene but later returned.

Last January, she pleaded guilty before the judge to several counts, including aggravated vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony that carries a minimum of two years and a maximum of eight years in prison.

The charges also included operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, operation in a willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property and failure to stop after an accident, which carries a maximum of three years in prison. There also were two counts of endangering children.

Ms. Cox had her two children in the car at the time and was returning from her son’s baseball game at about 7:30 p.m., according to the investigation. She tested three times the legal driving limit for blood-alcohol content.

Had she pled guilty to all the counts, the maximum she could get would have been 13 years. However, one of the counts was changed from failure to stop after an accident to “attempted” failure to stop. The change reduced the maximum time she could get on that count from three years to 1½ years in prison,

according to Mrs. Lee, who is a magistrate in Geauga County Common Pleas Court.

Ms. Cox was given the maximum she could receive, based on the modification, Mrs. Lee said. She lost her driver’s license for life and has to pay funeral costs, in addition to some other fines.

With her guilty plea in January, a jury trial was canceled. Geauga County Prosecutor David Joyce said, with the aggravated vehicular homicide charge, Ms. Cox cannot get out early on her sentence.

“We agreed to reduce the charge from failure to stop to ‘attempted’ failure to stop to avoid what would have been a horrific trial where we would have had to see horrible pictures of the accident and listen as defense witnesses would try to attribute the blame to Chip,” Mrs. Lee said.

“Nothing will bring Chip back, neither a sentence of 9½ years nor a sentence of 13 years,” she said. “We also agreed to allow 1½ years to be shaved off to avoid an appeal that could drag on for years. We just wanted to put this behind us,” she said.

“When Kelly Cox is released from prison, she will be two years younger than Chip was when she killed him,” Mrs. Lee said. “She will have a lot of years ahead of her. Hopefully, she will use this time to get the much-needed help she appears to need.

“I commend the excellent job that the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office did,” she said. “Prosecutor David Joyce, Assistant Prosecutor Nick Burling and Detective Karen Sweet handled this case very efficiently and effectively.

They made what was a horrible situation easier to bear,” she said.

“Our family also truly appreciated the efforts of the victim advocates, who were with us from the beginning to the end. Deputy Tracy Jordan and the director of the Geauga County victim and witness program were very helpful and empathetic throughout the legal process. They went above and beyond the call of duty.”

Mr. Henry, who grew up in Bainbridge, served as a Geauga County assistant prosecutor in 1987 and 1988 and in the Geauga County Public Defender’s Office. He was appointed juvenile and probate court judge in 1993. He also served a term in the Ohio Senate.

Restaurant’s Solon plans are put on right track

By SUE REID In addition to South Russell and Rocky River, Burntwood Tavern is adding Solon to its restaurant locations.

Plans are to occupy the former Max and Erma’s site at Solon Road and Kruse Drive.

Solon City Council’s safety and public properties committee approved a traffic plan for the restaurant last month, modifying the access and adding a new driveway onto Solon Road, west of the Kruse Drive intersection.

The committee approved right turns both into and out of the restaurant on Solon Road, following the recommendation from the city’s traffic engineer.

There currently is no access to the location from Solon Road, and the only drive is off of Kruse Drive.

The restaurant is to go before the city’s planning commission March 13 with further plans and then to City Council March 19.

Solon Planning Director Robert S. Frankland said Burntwood Tavern approached the city recently to occupy the Max and Erma’s site, which has

been vacant since August 2010.

Plans are to make cosmetic changes to the exterior of the building and add a partially roofed outdoor patio area, he said.

“We are very happy to have them in Solon,” Mr. Frankland said, “not only to fill the Max and Erma’s site but also to add another quality restaurant option for our residents and businesses.”

Bradley Kershaw, of Design Matters Architecture, the architect on the project who was in attendance at the safety meeting, said a right-in-right-out-only drive would be acceptable.

“This eliminates the safety concerns of left turns and would have minimal, if any, impact on the Solon Road traffic flow,” Solon traffic engineer Kevin Westbrooks said.

“I’m certainly comfortable with the right in, right out,” Councilman Edward H. Kraus said. “It’s a safe, effective traffic plan.”

That will alleviate some problems in that area, Councilman Richard A. Bell said.

Police Chief Christopher P. Viland said he also is a “firm believer” in the right in, right out at that location.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

City officials warm up to saving energy

By SALI McSHERRY Pepper Pike Councilman Scott Newell and city Building Commissioner Nino Monaco said they were convinced by the energy audits performed recently at their homes.

Dominion East Ohio is offering the Home Performance with Energy Star program with up to $1,250 in rebates to encourage property owners to make their homes more energy efficient, said Cynthia Trotta, energy adviser for the gas company’s Good Cents program. She gave a presentation last month to Pepper Pike City Council.

The program starts with a comprehensive home-performance assessment, also known as an energy audit, she said.

The three- to four-hour evaluation typically costs between $400 and $500, she said, but it’s being offered through Dominion for only $50.

Mr. Monaco said Building Performance Institute-certified auditors provide an independent third-party assessment, testing and evaluating such items as heating equipment, insulation levels and air infiltration.

After any work from a participating contractor is completed, a Good Cents auditor will return at no additional change to ensure a safe and high-quality job, Mrs. Trotta said.

Depending on the home, improvements may include sealing gaps, cracks and other leaks that let outside air in, as well as adding insulation and sealing and insulating ductwork that runs through attics or crawl spaces, Mrs. Trotta said. Improvements also may include repairing or replacing old or poorly functioning heating systems and water heaters, she said.

Mr. Monaco said he had a great experience with the program. The assessment included a furnace inspection, combustion analysis of appliances, a blower door test, which indicated air leaks in the home, and an infrared camera that determined the insulation level.

Mr. Newell said the blower door test involved temporarily installing a big fan in one of the outside doorways which drew the air out of the house.

“We then walked through the house with an infrared camera, which clearly showed where the colder air was com-

ing in,” he said. “That is something to see, for it shows you visually something that is very hard to detect by feel. Sure, you can feel a draft here and there, but pinpointing just where it’s coming from and how much is beyond my senses,” Mr. Newell said.

“I was surprised how much air was coming in through some ceiling beams.

They looked solidly installed, but it was clear that they needed to be caulked.

The auditor told me part of the process allows us to hire someone to seal up the leaks, and we would be reimbursed a certain amount if we used certified contractors,” Mr. Newell said.

In addition to the evaluation, the auditor may install low-flow aerators in the kitchen and bathroom, install up to two low-flow shower heads, replace the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning filter, as well as water heater pipe wrap, weather stripping and door sweeps and use up to one can of foam for air sealing, according to Mrs. Trotta. Homeowners also receive a free carbon monoxide detector.

Mr. Monaco said he was given items such as shower heads, faucet aerators, a

carbon monoxide detector, door stripping and water pipe insulation and received a detailed written report stating what he could do to make his home more energy efficient.

Dominion also will pay for some materials for those who do their own home improvements, Mr. Newell said.

“We installed an energy-saving programmable thermostat, a newer technology that allows us to program different temperatures when we wake up, leave, return and go to bed. It even allows separate programming for Saturday and Sunday. The thermostat wound up costing us about a dollar plus tax,” he said.

“In all, it was an eye-opening experience. We learned that we need to really beef up the insulation in our attics plus improve the venting. Yes, the audit takes a few hours,” Mr. Newell said.

“But I think it’s a small investment of time, as well as a small monetary investment that will pay for itself in a short time.”

Chagrin Falls, Pepper Pike and Solon lead the region for the most homes per capita saving energy and money in the program, Mrs. Trotta said.

$100,000 grant pursued to study merger potential

By SALI McSHERRY The Cuyahoga County planning commission is applying for a $100,000 grant through the Local Government Innovation Fund for the feasibility study into merging Moreland Hills, Orange, Pepper Pike and Woodmere.

The state of Ohio has established a $47 million venture-capital fund for grants and loans. The first round of applications is due March 1.

Pepper Pike Mayor Richard M. Bain said the county planning commission’s work is progressing, but a first vote in

the merger study process would come in 2013, a year later than previously anticipated.

Initially, the plan was that residents of the four communities involved in the study would vote in November 2012 on whether to establish a commission that would formally study the merger concept for a year, Orange Mayor Kathy U. Mulcahy said.

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, along with the mayors of the four communities, announced last June that the county would lead the study.

The Local Government Innovation

Fund was established to provide financial assistance to political subdivisions in Ohio for planning and implementing projects that are projected to create more efficient and effective service delivery, according to the Ohio Department of Development. Promoting efficiency, collaboration, merger and shared services within local governments is the goal, officials said.

The program will award up to $100,000 in grant funds per feasibility study, up to $100,000 in loan assistance per entity for demonstration projects and up to $500,000 in loan assistance

for collaborative demonstration projects, according to state officials. Award amounts for applicants with collaborative partners are limited to $100,000 per applicant and $100,000 for each collaborative partner up to $500,000. Grant funds will be awarded biannually, and loan funds will be awarded quarterly through a competitive and open selection process, officials said.

The county planning commission received a $34,100 grant from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency in August for such research.

Communities brace for estate-tax loss

By JOAN DEMIRJIAN Communities are bracing for the time when the Ohio estate tax will be totally eliminated. The taxes have provided benefits the communities might not otherwise have been able to afford, such as new buildings and purchases of properties.

The tax is scheduled to end at the end of 2013.

Currently, estates of $338,000 and more can be taxed. The amount of estate taxes collected by communities varies from year to year.

In addition, the local government fund is also being reduced by 25 percent this year and 25 percent next year. They government funds are from sales taxes.

Russell Township Trustee James Mueller said he tried to convince local communities to pass resolutions opposing the elimination of the estate taxes.

Although Solon and Orange officials supported that, the attempt was unsuccessful. In many communities, the estate tax accounts for 3 percent to 10 percent of the budgets, he said.

Bainbridge Township received a windfall of $15 million from the Paul Frohring estate in 1998. Township Trustees invested the funds and have been spending it on special projects and parks.

Bainbridge Trustee Lorrie Benza said communities can never rely on the tax and cannot consider it recurring income. Every year, it’s different, she said, but it has provided additional services for residents. Bainbridge received in excess of $900,000 in estate taxes last year.

Geauga County Auditor Frank Gliha said Gov. John Kasich approved the elimination of the tax. “It was the right thing to do. You leave it to the family,” he said.

The county gets a small portion, while most of it goes to the state and the communities, Mr. Gliha said.

Auburn Fiscal Officer Nancy Plavcan said the township received $199,000 in 2011, $80,900 in 2010 and $20,000 in 2008 in estate taxes. The money is placed in a capital-improvement fund.

It was used to renovate the township’s museum, to buy additional cemetery property and for work on the township park.

“We will sorely miss it when it is gone. We have put it to good use,” Mrs. Plavcan said.

The same is true of the local government fund from the state, she said. That money goes into the general fund and helps with health care and wages.

South Russell Councilman Jack Binder said the loss of the estate tax will definitely affect the village. “It’s been our insurance policy for bad news,” he said. If something unforeseeable happens, it is used as a buffer, he said.

Estate taxes enabled the village to buy the former Muggleton property, which now is South Russell Village Park. “There was no way we could have bought it without the estate taxes,” Mr. Binder said.

“I personally believe estate taxes are double taxation, and I agree the principle of doing away with it is a good idea,” Mr. Binder said. However, he said he would have preferred a gradual phase-out of the tax.

With the loss of the estate taxes and local government funds, the village will be losing more than that generated by the additional income tax recently approved by voters, Mr. Binder said.

South Russell Fiscal Officer Danielle Romanowski said, in 2011, the village received $103,000, and in 2010, it received approximately $398,000.

Russell Fiscal Officer Geraldine Heck said the township receives about $300,000 a year. “It varies,” she said.

“We put it in the general fund for capital improvements, and we sometimes use it for operations.” It can be used if a department needs something, she said.

Estate taxes were used to build Russell Township’s police station.

Her concerns are for 2014 and 1015, Ms. Heck said. “I’m hoping the state will come in with something. They cut the local government fund too,” she said. “The state should make it up.”

And people will not want to raise other taxes to make up for the losses, she said.

Recycling challenges seen in boxes, cans

By JOAN DEMIRJIAN Russell Township’s recycling center, one of the first in Geauga County, is running smoothly and efficiently, according to Jack Gallagher, the township’s properties and maintenance supervisor.

He told Township Trustees he has heard about the possibility of switching to a system in which Russell would be paid for cardboard collections.

Neighboring Bainbridge Township is receiving revenue for cardboard collected by Abitibi Bowater.

In that case, the containers commingle paper with cardboard, and they have lids for depositing the materials. When people don’t crush the cardboard and just throw it into the bins, they fill up quickly, Mr. Gallagher said. And when the containers fill quickly, people leave cardboard on the ground, he said.

The containers for cardboard at the recycling center in Russell have slots, so people have to break boxes down to put them in, Mr. Gallagher. “I get four times as much in my containers, because there are slots.”

There are six cardboard containers at the recycling center located at the old fire station. They are emptied three times during the week by Rumpke, Mr. Gallagher said.

If he went with the paper and cardboard mix, he said, people would just throw the cardboard in without flattening it. “A lot of people won’t break it down,” he said, and he would be cleaning up cardboard every day. “I’m not going to let this place become a mess,” he said.

Right now, offering the cardboard recycling is not costing the township

anything, he said. The township is paid for the paper, and that makes up for the cardboard costs, Mr. Gallagher said.

“And there’s no mess, and we’re not losing money.”

If it could be worked out, he would try selling the cardboard, but he can’t put enough containers out, he said.

While the center is operating well, Mr. Gallagher told Township Trustees, there could be an issue coming up.

Abitibi Bowater has proposed to collect aluminum to sell. He is concerned, he said, because the aluminum now is commingled in the bins with plastic and glass and picked by the Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste Management District. He said he’s been told, is the aluminum is removed, the district would not make money and would discontinue the pickups of the glass and plastics.

There is no money in plastic and glass, Mr. Gallagher said. “Aluminum is where the money is.” That’s troubling for recycling efforts, he said.

Gregory Kovalchick, compliance manager at the Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste Management District, confirmed those concerns. The collection of aluminum would hurt the district, he said.

If Abitibi collects the aluminum, it would sell it at a profit at a center in Geauga County, he said.

The waste district spends about $400,000 a year for serving the whole district, Mr. Kovalchick said. If the aluminum is taken away, the district would have to cut back on its services, he said.

Some communities have rejected Abitibi’s proposal to collect aluminum, Mr. Kovalchick said.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Firefighters take lead with Harvest for Hunger

By SUE REID Beginning today (March 1), about 30 large bins are popping up throughout Solon and surrounding communities as part of the annual Harvest for Hunger food drive.

Solon firefighter Jake Fried, who has coordinated the drive in Solon and Chagrin Falls for a decade combined, has been working to increase the number of sites year after year.

Last year, he expanded the effort to include more locations, including Solon City Hall, the Solon Center for the Arts and the Solon Senior Center, as well as the schools.

And this year, Chagrin Falls schools also are taking part.

Harvest for Hunger is one of the largest food-collection and fundraising campaigns in the nation. In Northeast Ohio, it supports food pantries, hotmeal programs and shelters.

Mr. Fried, a resident of South Russell, became

involved in the program 10 years ago, when Harvest for Hunger approached the Chagrin Falls Fire Department, where he has worked part time since 1995. He volunteered, and, from there, it grew every year, he said.

“With the help of everyone on both fire departments, it’s able to happen,” Mr. Fried said of the program. “By no means do I do it myself.”

He said members of Firefighters Local 2079 drop off boxes at the sites in Solon and collect the donated food.

Bins will be at all three Solon fire stations, the Solon Police Department, the schools and board of education building.

In addition to Chagrin Falls school buildings, bins will be at the Chagrin Falls Fire Department, as well the police departments in Chagrin Falls, South Russell, Moreland Hills, Bentleyville and Hunting Valley.

The drive will be in full force throughout this month.

Photo by Itamar Gat

Lt. Jason Schilkowski (from left), Jake Fried, Bryan Sustin and David Barber, of the Solon Fire Department, are prepared for the annual Harvest for Hunger food drive.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 10, firefighters will collect at

the Giant Eagle store in the Chagrin Falls Shopping Plaza.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 31, they will be at the Giant Eagle in Solon as a culmination to the drive.

Although the most-needed donation is cash, such food items as peanut butter, tuna fish, canned vegetables, canned soup, cereal and beef stew are essential to local hunger centers, Mr. Fried said.

In recent years, the campaign collected enough food and money to provide more than 12 million meals.

Solon Mayor Susan A. Drucker credited Mr. Fried’s efforts with the program since it began in Solon five years ago.

Mr. Fried said all of the mayors in local communities are “on board” with the campaign.

“I hope to see it grow each year,” he said. “I eventually would like to expand this to a lot of businesses in both Chagrin and Solon who don’t already participate,” he said.

“It’s about spreading the word and reaching out.”

Theft conviction levied

Videos concealed

Charges for unpaid bill

A former Hamlet Retirement Community home care worker was convicted, on Feb. 23, of the theft and use of credit cards belonging to five elderly residents.

Gwendolyn Bryce, 37, was sentenced to an 18year jail term which was reduced to probation following her trial in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Chagrin Falls police detective Timothy Reed said the cards were used for a total of $11,700 at three Cleveland Bingo parlors and at gas stations.

The banks have reimbursed the five victims but Ms. Bryce must pay $4,500 restitution to bingo operators as a term of her probation.

In addition to probation and restitution, the state of Ohio has revoked Ms. Bryce health care license.

Mr. Reed said the cards were used during the summer and fall of 2011. He traced charges to the cards to three bingo operations and was at one of the locations one evening Ms. Bryce was in attendance and using one of the victim’s cards.

Ms. Bryce was arrested the following day, Oct. 23, while working at Hamlet, according to the detective.

Two people were arrested after an incident Feb. 23 at the Wal-Mart store at Marketplace shopping center in Bainbridge.

The store reported eight video games were taken out of packages and concealed in a purse. The items were valued at $159.

Tyler Reed, 18, and Colleen Smith, 18, both of Newbury, were charged in the incident.

Cowboy Food and Drink in Bainbridge reported a theft Feb. 21. Two people were unable to pay the bill of $40.79 and left the restaurant, according to the report.

An officer stopped them in a vehicle behind a nearby shopping center.

Victor Fani, 33, of Mentor, was charged with theft and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. A passenger, Michael Murphy, 30, of Cleveland, was charged with theft.

Wallets taken from cars Two unlocked cars were entered Feb. 25 on Apple Hill Drive in Bainbridge. A man said car doors were open on his car when he went out in the morning.

Nothing was missing. When his wife checked her car, someone had “rummaged” through it. The only thing missing was $2 in cash, according to the report.

Bainbridge police received a report Feb. 25 that a car had been broken into while it was parked at a business off Chillicothe Road (Route 306). The passenger window had been broken and purses were taken. However, there nothing of value was missing, according to the report. A wallet had been removed before the purses were left in the vehicle.

On Feb. 20, a Pebble Creek Court resident reported a wallet was taken from an unlocked car in the driveway. The credit cards were de-activated. There are no suspects, according to the report.

Drugs found in search Pepper Pike police assisted the U.S. Probation Service in serving a search warrant of a house on Gates Mills Boulevard at 11 a.m. Feb. 21.

A man, who had been arrested and was in the custody of the U.S. Probation Service, accompanied probation officers to the house. Drugs were found in the home following an entire sweep with a drugsniffing dog, police said. Officers also removed a safe from the house.

Pepper Pike police did not have any further information. The U.S. Probation Service could not be reached for comment.

Moving vehicle egged A Bainbridge man told police Feb. 24 that he was driving eastbound on Chagrin Road in the township when juveniles traveling westbound threw an egg at his car. It smashed his driver’s side mirror, he said.

Items gone from car A Chagrin Falls woman called police on Feb. 21 to report theft of an Ipod and GPS unit from her car while it was parked in the garage of her apartment complex.

The woman said she left the car around 10:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and found the items missing when she returned at 8:20 a.m. the next morning.

Serial numbers on the items were entered into the law enforcement database.

Alcohol charges pending

Concerned with threats

A broken screen door at the vacant home next door caused a neighbor to call a Chagrin Falls man to ask police to investigate a possible break-in.

Police found the door would not latch property but nothing was out of order inside the residence.

On Feb. 26, a man reported to Chagrin Falls police threats his ex-wife’s new boyfriend made while both men were attending an event in the village.

According to the blotter information, threats were made when the complainant wanted to talk to the other male because while dating his former wife he would also be spending time with his daughter.

Because the ex-wife lives in another community, the complainant was advised to check in with police there as well.

A female student is facing possible charges in connection with an incident involving alcohol at an Orange High School dance Feb. 25. Pepper Pike police said the juvenile was taken to Hillcrest Hospital for evaluation.

Vacant home fine

Woman refuses transport A woman was found slumped over the steering wheel of her car at the Chagrin Falls Shopping Plaza Feb. 24 but refused transport to a hospital, Chagrin Falls police reported this week.

She was taken to her home.

Items taken at practice

Outdoor lamp shot

A father accompanied his son to Bainbridge Police Department Feb. 23 to report a theft at Timmons School. A Northface jacket, valued at $200, and an Ipod with a headphone, valued at $350, had been taken during a basketball practice.

Police said there were no suspects at the time.

Glass on an outdoor lamp at a property on Tanglewood Trail in Bainbridge was shot out, according to a police report. Someone shot it with a pellet or BB gun. The replacement value was set at $135.

Car’s path causes ruts Feb. 21, Chagrin Falls police received a complaint of property damage at the Citadel Apartments and determined a vehicle had driven over the driveway barriers and onto the grass, causing two deep ruts.

Upon investigation, officers located a car with mud on the front tires. The owner said a fellow resident had locked himself out and asked him to drive his car up to a window so he could climb off the vehicle and gain entrance.

Both the parties may be asked to pay for the damages, police said.

Home incorrectly on list A Kersdale Road man in Pepper Pike was surprised to find a stranger sitting in his car outside of the home Feb. 26. The stranger told him he was there to see the rental house he saw on Craig’s List.

The homeowner, who told Pepper Pike police an unknown person had posted the rental on the website, said it wasn’t for rent.

Beer noted in theater A manager of Chagrin Cinemas in Bainbridge told police Feb. 25 that a customer saw juveniles with a beer bottle in the theater. The subjects left through a side door before police arrived.

Clothing choice OK Chagrin Falls police received a report on Feb. 23 of a panhandler on North Main Street who was dressed like a construction worker complete with yellow boots and hard hat.

Police located the subject but after observing him found he was not violating any laws.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Internet scams break new criminal ground

By JOAN DEMIRJIAN Bainbridge Police Chief Jon Bokovitz said the Internet has made scams and frauds, including identity theft, widespread.

Generally, though, more people are aware of the scams and are not falling or them and are asking more questions, he said.

It’s difficult for local police agencies to follow up on the cases, because they often originate outside the United States. If a pattern is observed, police will send it to state agencies to investigate.

Russell Police Chief Timothy Carroll said people seem to be more aware of the scams. “Occasionally, people fall for it, but not as often as in the past,” he said.

One of them involves a scheme in which the victim is told he or she has won a lottery and needs to send several thousand dollars to a post office box to get the payoff, Mr. Carroll said.

Some scams still are done by telephone.

A recent one involves a report that a family member has been in an accident and needs money, he said. The victim is asked to send money to help. “It catches people off guard and in a vulnerable moment,” Mr. Carroll said.

He urged anyone who gets a call that sounds suspicious to contact local police. There is no free money, as often is offered in by scam artists, he said.

Geauga County Sheriff Daniel McClelland said the key is to educate people to keep them from being victims. “If you get an email, phone call or letter that sounds suspicious, let us know,” he said.

People tend to believe good news, such as winning the lottery, he said.

“Here’s money to pay off the taxes, they’re told. We all like good news.”

Often, the scam uses the name of a reputable charity to make people

believe the offer is legitimate, he said.

“And they ask for a credit card number. We warn people to never give any financial information, unless you’ve initiated the phone call,” Mr. McClelland.

In one telephone scam, the caller says he is from a credit-card company security and wants to put a block on fraudulent activity on the person’s account. “They ask for your credit card account number,” he said.

The Internet is ripe ground for scams and frauds, he said. “We’ve made the Internet a playground for criminals,” Mr. McClelland said.

“Many scams originate from countries where we’re not going to get lawenforcement cooperation,” he said.

“We encourage people not to give or volunteer information unless you made the call. We can help you determine if the call is legal.”

One of the current scams involves a caller saying he or she represents the local jury commission, and the victim failed to show up for jury duty, and there is a warrant for the person’s arrest, Mr. McClelland said. The person is asked for a Social Security number to get out of the arrest, he said.

“This one is hitting surrounding areas now.”

In what law-enforcement calls the “grandma scam,” the caller is told her grandson is on vacation and lost his wallet. She wires him money, Mr. McClelland said.

He recounted how he himself received an email notifying him that his Pay Pal account needed to be reactivated. “I don’t have such an account, and, in addition, it was addressed to Midge,” he said. Midge is the sheriff’s small drug-sniffing dog.

“People should be skeptical and guarded,” Mr. McClelland said. “I urge people to call law-enforcement officers.”

Detective warns, if it sounds too good, it is

By JOAN DEMIRJIAN Chagrin Falls Police Department Detective Timothy Reed gives regular public presentations on how to avoid being victimized by frauds and identity thefts.

“I like to tell people, ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it is,’” Mr. Reed said.

Reports of scams are prevalent, according to local police departments.

A common example is the email that reports the person has won $2.3 million. All that is needed is to send in a $2,500 registration fee in order to collect.

Or a victim might get a notice that a car has been won, and sales taxes and shipping of $2,500 should be sent to receive the vehicle.

“Unfortunately, some will see it as winning, send the money and never get the car. And they keep getting more requests to send money,” Mr. Reed said.

Many of the telemarketing frauds focus on older people, who have been brought up and taught to be helpful to others, Mr. Reed said. Some of them live alone and are lonely, and they welcome someone to talk to, he said. And they send money, he said.

He talks to groups in Chagrin Valley and outside the area, educating them on scams and frauds.

“Don’t give out personal information, such as dates of birth and creditcard numbers,” Mr. Reed said.

“Frauds happen on a daily basis,” he said. “I give people my card with my phone number, and I tell people to tell

a suspected scammer to ‘call my nephew Tim.’ Invariably, the phone calls stop.”

He said, if one check is sent, the victim will then receive calls on a regular basis asking for funds. Victims’ names are sold to other telemarketing scam artists, Mr. Reed said. “It’s hard to get out of the system.”

He warns people to keep an eye on their elderly parents’ finances, he said.

One victim was writing checks on a monthly basis before it was caught, he said.

“It’s a million-dollar business,” Mr. Reed said.

Thieves use email, phones and regular mail to promote their scams. They often use the phone when potential victims are older, he said.

Mr. Reed investigates some of the cases at the police department, and sometimes he can get people’s money back.

In one case last year, a man was contacted by phone concerning winnings and was told to send $5,000 to Georgia to facilitate it. After he mailed the funds, he had second thoughts and called police. The local department got the address and called police in the southern town. Police there went to the post office and retrieved the envelope with cash, and it was returned to the victim, Mr. Reed said.

“I think education is the key, and the more information we get out on this, the better,” he said. “It’s hitting everyone. Everyone is a potential victim.”

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

H. Kenneth Douthit III, Publisher David C. Lange Editor P.O. Box 150 • Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 525 E. Washington Street • (440) 247-5335 E-mail: editor@chagrinvalleytimes.com Published Every Thursday by The Chagrin Valley Publishing Company (USPS) 014-150 525 E. Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 Periodical Postage Paid at Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 Subscriptions $30.00 a year within Cuyahoga, Geauga Counties $36.00 a year for other areas.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The Times, P.O. Box 150 • Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 Sixteen-time winner of the Ohio Newspaper Association General Excellence Award: 1990-1994, 1996, 1999, 2001-2008, 2010

Failure rules Cleveland schools Reality check for Woodmere The bottom line is not whether the tiny village of Woodmere, with just 884 residents, less than a half square mile of territory and only five streets to patrol, should operate its own full-fledged police department. Despite its size, the village also has a substantial business district with some 400 commercial and office operations. The vast majority of incorporated municipalities, including the little village of Bentleyville, with 947 residents but no business district, do have their own police departments.

The bottom line is not whether the Woodmere department provides competent police protection with its current staffing level of nine fulltime officers. The police department has had its share of problems over the years, but it has made positive strides under the leadership of Chief Terence Calloway, who recently left to take a better-paying position in Tennessee.

The bottom line is not even whether the village can afford its own police department.

Clearly, it cannot. Of the current annual operating budget of $2.5 million, the police department costs nearly half at $1.2 million. A performance audit conducted last summer by the Ohio Auditor’s Office recommended that Woodmere explore alternatives for police protection, including contracting with a neighboring municipality.

The real bottom line is whether the village of Woodmere can be sustained as an independent political subdivision at all. The past village administration and Village Council majority drove the municipal budget into financial emergency before current Mayor Charles E. Smith took office two years ago. Since that time, he and the new council majority have been struggling to maintain fiscal solvency.

New political leaders — notably Republican Gov. John Kasich in Columbus and Democrat Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald in Cleveland — have been advocating greater costsharing initiatives among municipal governments, including consolidation of services and even mergers.

Although discussions of a merger involving Woodmere and the neighboring communities of Pepper Pike, Orange and Moreland Hills may be little more than wishful thinking by proponents of less government, regional collaboration is becoming a budget-reducing necessity. For Woodmere, it could be its only salvation.

The possibility of contracting for services from the highly regarded Orange Police Department at a cost of $500,000 annually would mean the end of the Woodmere Police Department, but it would forestall the end of Woodmere altogether.

Letters to the editor The Times welcomes letters to the editor and attempts to publish as many as space permits. Letters should be original. Name must be included, along with a daytime telephone number for confirmation. Letters should be 500 words or less and may be edited for length or legal concerns. Letters thanking lists of people or businesses are not accepted. They should be typewritten and double spaced if sent by mail or fax. Email to: editor@chagrinvalleytimes.com — subject “Letter to the editor.”

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson has proposed a new plan for the municipal school district that serves most, although not all, of the city he was elected to lead. But none of it’s new, and much of it was rejected by voters last November, when they knocked Ohio Senate Bill 5 on its keister.

Mr. Jackson and his fellow wanderers continue to preach the wonders of school vouchers, which were introduced to Cleveland in 1996, and charter schools, which have been sucking money out of Ohio taxpayers’ pockets for just as long. The biggest wonder about vouchers and charters is how they continue to be supported by freespending politicians.

Since vouchers and charters were thrust upon a dumbfounded public as experimental programs to improve education in Cleveland and other big cities, and since they repeatedly have been proven to be dismal failures, it’s long past time to end the sham. Not only has the Cleveland Municipal School District failed to improve in all those years — at least according to the usual lazy testing measures — but the children who left public education for private and charter schools have done even worse.

The biggest hoax of all, one that is unique to Cleveland in Ohio, rests squarely on the shoulders of

by Dave Lange COUNTY LINE Mayor Jackson himself.

Unlike any other public school system in the state, the fearless political leaders down in Columbus determined at the time that the duly elected board of education for the Cleveland School District had to be dissolved and placed under the authoritative leadership of then-Mayor Michael White. The pretext was that Cleveland schools couldn’t get any worse, so something radical needed to be done.

Here it is 15 years later, including six years under Mr. Jackson’s tutelage, and the Cleveland schools are just as bad as ever. The rational thing to do would be to realize that this mayoral-control freakish thing isn’t working.

But, no, Mr. Jackson and his fellow wandering failures always blame the teachers, even though the educators who fight the daily battles of poverty, crime, drugs and dysfunction of the inner city by and large have the same training,

competence and commitment as their praiseworthy counterparts in top-rated suburban districts like Solon and Chagrin Falls.

Speaking of Chagrin Falls, not many people in South Russell, Moreland Hills or Bentleyville would be in favor of anointing the Chagrin Falls mayor as emperor over the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District. That’s not just because of the poor example set by Mr. Jackson and his Cleveland predecessors.

It’s because they have their own mayors, and their three villages, as well as sections of Bainbridge and Russell townships, all are parts of the Chagrin Falls School District.

And, in fact, a section of the city of Garfield Heights, where the citizens elected a mayor other than Frank Jackson, is part of the Cleveland School District.

Furthermore, separate sections of Cleveland are within the Shaker Heights and Berea school districts, but their citizens help elect the leader of a school district where they do not reside.

Democracy, reality and responsibility mean nothing to those who have made a commitment to failure. Yes, failure is the only way to describe the voucher, charter and mayoral-control experiments in Cleveland.

Some things belong in bedroom We here at Window Central are not in the business of fashion, but we know fad from style and what is proper dress in public.

And so, from time to time, we feel it is our duty to pass along a style tip or two and the occasional do’s and don’ts in an effort to make the Chagrin Valley a more beautiful place.

Topping the list of don’ts is one fashion fad that refuses to die and which is working at cross purposes to the above-stated goal. It’s fashion that is designed to highlight one’s underwear. Personal choice is one thing; forcing us to look at your personal choice it is another. Note: It’s called “under wear” for a reason.

Yes, we know they are crazy popular, but those ski hats with animal faces and odd projectiles coming out? Really? They give the impression that the wearer has been partially eaten by the animal.

And then there is this. Last week, we were enjoying a nice lunch at one of our local non-fastfood restaurants when we saw a middle-aged woman in full Chagrin Valley uniform — sweatshirt, parka and Uggs. It was the lower half that was startling.

Pajama bottoms complete with drawstring hanging limply from

by Barbara Christian WINDOW ON MAIN STREET the waistband.

Is there anything that screams, “Attention, everyone, I have given up on life,” more than wearing pajamas in public?

We’ve seen this PJ fad on teenagers. But teenagers are supposed to test their boundaries, the patience of their parents and the uniqueness of looking different while looking alike. But a middleaged woman? Theoretically, she arrived at the age of reason a long time ago. Pastel kitten-print pajama bottoms worn on a lunch date is not reasoned thinking, in our opinion.

Just as we had decided that was an anomaly, we caught sight of a second middle-aged woman also wearing them. Hers were bright plaid but had that signature dangling drawstring.

The two sleepy-time gals did not appear to know one another, so that ruled out the notion that they had

just come from a pajama party.

There was no music, so they weren’t part of a flash mob, and it was way too early for April Fools Day. Were they part of a sleep-in?

But what on earth could they be protesting other than the cause of good taste?

Maybe their goal was simply to attract attention. As we all know, there is good attention, and there is bad attention. How many folks who saw those two women thought they had wandered away from a psychiatric facility?

It appears we are not alone in our judgment that pajamas in public do not advance our civilization.

Michael Williams, a legislator in Louisiana, has suggested a new law which would ban pajamas in public places. He was inspired after a trip to a local big-box store, where he saw a young man in pajamas and was shocked to see more dangling than the drawstring.

“Pajamas are designed to be worn in the bedroom at night,” Mr. Williams said. “Today it’s pajamas, tomorrow it’s underwear. Where does it stop?”

We yield to the gentleman from Louisiana and would like to suggest that his law go national.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Back-room politicizing It appears that the next new members of the Russell Township Board of Trustees will be Ben Kotowski and Tom Warren, both currently serving on the township zoning commission.

Although Mr. Kotowski was elected to the West Geauga School Board last fall, he retained his post on the zoning commission, because, by keeping his zoning seat, he assures himself the shot at the trustee position doled out by the old-guard Russell machine. One might hope that Mr. Kotowski would do better with his volunteer time by concentrating on the issues facing the school board that the residents elected him to tackle, but obviously it’s difficult to give up the promise of the trustee position to come.

Recently, the board of trustees appointed Mr. Warren to a seat on the zoning commission, a seat left open by the ascension of Justin Madden to the board of trustees. Mr. Madden was on the zoning commission for a mere 10 months prior to his election as a trustee.

Mr. Warren has lived in the Township for 2 1/2 years and is a candidate for state representative in the district, as well as a busy attorney.

When I asked the trustees if Mr. Warren will be able to fulfill his duties on the zoning commission while he runs for state representative, I was told that he wants to give back to the community and promises to serve out the four years remaining on the term on the zoning commission. Unexplained was how Mr. Warren will serve on the zoning commission if he wins the state representative seat this fall.

It appeared that the other candidate for the zoning commission seat was of the wrong political stripe, even though the trustees raved about this candidate’s qualifications, not to mention that this other applicant has lived in the township for over nine years.

This type of craven, back-room politicizing of volunteer positions in the township sends the wrong message to residents on both sides of the aisle.

But that’s how things are done here in our little township. Get used to it.

One other observation. I expect our recently re-elected township fiscal officer will resign in the near future, allowing the board of trustees to appoint her successor.

Charlie Butters Russell

Cul-de-sac afterthought Reopening Old Brainard Road is still on the table in Pepper Pike; it’s just not the first course. A balanced budget, possible outsourcing of dispatch, job descriptions, salaries, employee health benefits, green space, etc., are some of the leading menu issues.

The Chagrin Valley Times was right on in its commentary of Jan. 26, when it labeled the relocation of Old Brainard Road as a “Boondoggle.” Mayor Richard Bain has said that a larger community discussion on the reopening of Old Brainard Road will be called for when the time is right.

Unlike the resident who thought the cul-de-sac project was well thought out and sensible, it was actually ill-conceived and, as Ms. Kritzler wrote, “inconvenient, as well as a waste of time and gas for absolutely everyone who drives through that area, affecting all north-south and east-west traffic.”

This was immediately apparent after the installation of the cul-de-sacs because of the need to then put in access roads at the north and south ends for emergency vehicles and shortly thereafter to reopen the circle at Brainard Road for traffic heading east on Shaker Boulevard.

Cul-de-sacs initially designed for a

new development usually work well.

As an afterthought, as in the case of Old Brainard Road, while it benefited a few, it was a disaster for the majority of Pepper Pike residents, causing an incredible increase of traffic on South Woodland, Bolingbrook and Lander roads now, especially during rush hour traffic, is a nightmare. The deterioration rate of Lander Road is also a partial result of that relocation.

Unfortunately, Windy Hill Drive and possibly Pinetree Road also will see cul-de-sacs as a solution to their traffic problems.

Some of the residents who live on Old Brainard Road are happy that their children and grandchildren are now safer for playing, walking and biking.

While I have not been down every street in Pepper Pike in the 15 years that we have lived here, I have never seen children playing in the front yard, riding their bicycles down a driveway, playing ball or roller skating.

People knew when they purchased homes in Pepper Pike that the lots were a minimum of one acre and that there were no sidewalks. Our grandchildren have played with cars and trucks, dolls, baseball, croquet, horseshoes, bocce, swung from a tree swing, been in an Exersaucer, all in our backyard.

How Pepper Pike ever qualified for borrowing money from state Issue 2 is still a mystery after all these years, as is the “possible” amount the city would have to pay back if Old Brainard Road is reopened.

While residents of Old Brainard Road complained of having to wait at times to get into or out of their driveways, those of us living on South Woodland Road have also experienced that wait and are not immune to speeding cars at times. Our mailbox was destroyed, a deer was badly injured three years ago at the curb of the apron of our driveway and had to be put down by a police officer, but a cul-de-sac is

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not the answer, as it was not the answer for Old Brainard Road.

A well-thought-out plan that considers the needs of all Pepper Pike residents and the general public is paramount before roads that are paid for and maintained by tax dollars are closed.

Maryanne Lutjen Pepper Pike

Economic aristocracy Our revolutionary founders risked their lives to throw off the yoke of hereditary aristocracy. It has been replaced by an economic aristocracy.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt described political equality as “meaningless in the face of economic inequality.”

His distant cousin Teddy Roosevelt declared that “The supreme political task of our day ... is to drive the special interests out of our public life.” How is this possible when our congressmen spend a third of their time seeking campaign contributions from very wealthy individuals and corporations? What will our politicians give them in return?

As long as this is the “game,” they will not be servants of the people. What has become of our democracy?

If you wish to know, please read, “Winner-take-all Politics,” subtitle: “How Washington made the rich richer and turned its back on the middle class,” by Jacob S. Hacker and Paul Pierson.

Lily Fueger Russell

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

FIRST AMENDMENT “Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...”

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Support means much My family joins me in thanking everyone who attended the service celebrating my daughter Kelly’s life. Your support and recognition of Kelly meant so much to all of us in our grief.

Again, our thanks to the men and women of the fire departments who put their lives at risk for others and to the men and woman of the police department who pick up the pieces after a tragedy like this.

Also, thank you to the men and woman of the volunteer armed forces of the United States. These events brought home to me some of the less-thought-of sacrifices they agree to when they take their oath, such as being alone when they receive news of the loss of a loved one or perhaps not getting to say a final goodbye or share in a service for a loved one. We thank you for your service.

To the Rev. Mark Simone and the Federated Church, their kindness, understanding and compassion helped get us through the most difficult and sad days of our lives. To Yours Truly Restaurant and Breezewood Garden Center for their thoughtful generosity and to the management and workers at Rick’s Cafe for being such a large a part of Kelly’s life. The flowers, calls, visits, cards and food with which the community has showered us are truly overwhelming and so very reassuring.

Thank you, everyone.

Kelly loved Chagrin Falls, and I know I ended up here more than 20 years ago for more than one reason.

Kelly was carving out her niche and making a positive mark on so many lives just by being happy and sharing that with others. She was spotted earlier on in the week she died, skipping down Main Street on her way home from work.

In looking back on the outpouring and love as shown by the attendance at

the service and every kindness passed our way, I am reminded of the old African saying that it takes a village to raise a child. We thank you all with sincere gratitude.

A. Neil Small South Russell

Book project succeeds As part of the 2012 One School, One Book project, Gurney Elementary School recently held a book drive to help promote the love of reading for students at a school in need of additional reading materials.

Even though the weather conditions on the day of the drive were bad, over 1,000 books were collected and will be donated to Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in the Euclid City School District. Thank you to everyone who made this project successful.

price is not that great to start with unless you are living under former President George W. Bush’s tax cuts for the rich.

It is about time we start buying our gas and oil products from this side of the pond and neighbors who will be fairer to us than the ones in Europe and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Don’t these people realize that they are shooting us in the foot with these increases? These increases hold back our economic recovery even more and longer than it would otherwise take.

Then they give us a series of reasons that are even more unreal than the price increases and expect us to buy them.

Of course, the Republicans like to blame President Barack Obama. But then they blame him for everything that occurs, whether he had anything to do with it or not. These people who cannot even decide who they want to run for

Rachel Jones, Principal Gurney Elementary School

Put blame where due Spring is just about here. I can tell this, because the gas and oil industries are just about to anoint us with their usual high price raises they like to put through for the entire summer. This way they can work at devastating the travel industry and any industries connected with it, and many people who would like to cannot afford any vacation, because it takes every cent to fill up their engines.

The price of food will increase, because it has to be trucked in to the markets. People have to have gas to get back and forth to work or to their medical appointments, and the payroll

president and who even contain the conservative Christians in their party, along with the tea-party members. The rest of us are getting very weary of this bunch.

We are now in the lame-duck session of Congress. Of course, in my opinion, we have been on this since way back in 2011. This is the longest lame-duck session I have ever seen and will probably continue until the November election.

Since John Boehner and his tea-party Republicans closed down Congress way back when, very little has made it anywhere. This is exactly what these richpack Republicans wanted, so they can blame the Democrats for everything.

I would like to offer hope in 2012, but only if we knock these guys out of Congress and circulation can there be any.

Elaine R. Wisniewski Newbury

Know your legislators OHIO SENATORS John J. Eklund, District 18 1 Capital Square, First Floor Columbus 43215 Phone 614-644-7718

U.S. SENATORS Robert Portman 1240 E. 9th St., Room 3061 Cleveland 44199 Phone 216-522-7095

Thomas F. Patton, District 24 17157 Rabbit Run Drive Strongsville 44136 Phone 440-238-7132

Sherrod Brown 1301 E. 9th St., Room 1710 Cleveland 44114 Phone 216-522-7272

OHIO REPRESENTATIVES District 98 Seat vacant

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES Steven C. LaTourette, District 14 1 Victoria Place, Room 320 Painesville 44077 Phone 440-352-3939

Marlene Anielski, District 17 77 S. High St., 12th floor Columbus 43215 Phone 614-644-6041

Marcia L. Fudge, District 11 3645 Warrensville Center Road Suite 204 Shaker Heights 44122 Phone 216-522-4900

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Open eyes on circuses For years, I have watched the signs go up for the Kelly Miller Circus and just turned my head, wondering when we will stop using animals for our entertainment. I chose to shut my eyes, not participate and do nothing.

I have been told, to make a change, start in your own community. OK. I know there are so many giant issues going on in the world. But this one is so easy. There are so many animal-free circuses available for fundraisers.

I think the West Geauga Kiwanis is an exceptional organization, and I am grateful for the work that they do. This is only about asking that they move in another direction. I have contacted Bob Steinberg with the Kiwanis multiple times but have yet to receive a response.

So I am looking to see if there is any interest in helping me to organize a group to do some work to possibly gently nudge those responsible for bringing the Kelly Miller Circus to town to make a better choice. if you’re interested please contact me at 440-729-0533.

Just a few quick facts: In the wild, bears don’t ride bicycles, tigers don’t jump through fiery hoops, and elephants don’t stand upright on their hind legs. Circuses portray a distorted view of wildlife.

Laws protecting animals in traveling shows are inadequate and poorly enforced. The Animal Welfare Act establishes only minimum guidelines, and even these meager standards are often ignored.

Animals used in circuses live a dismal life of domination, confinement and violent training. It is standard practice to beat, shock and whip them to make them perform ridiculous tricks that they cannot comprehend.

Most elephants used by circuses were captured in the wild. Once removed from their families and natural habitat, their lives consist of little more than chains and intimidation.

Baby elephants born in breeding farms are torn from their mothers, tied with ropes and kept in isolation until they learn to fear their trainers. Elephants often suffer crippling injuries from constant chaining and performing physically difficult tricks.

Big cats, bears and primates are forced to eat, drink, sleep, defecate and urinate in the same cramped cages.

Children, who are naturally fond of animals, would have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the circus if they knew of the suffering these animals endure for a fleeting moment of so-called amusement.

The circus deprives animals of their basic needs to exercise, roam, socialize, forage and play. Stereotypic behaviors such as swaying back and forth, head bobbing, pacing, bar biting and selfmutilation are common signs of mental distress.

Using dangerous animals in performances jeopardizes public safety and often puts children at greatest risk.

Since 1990, scores of people have been

killed, and hundreds of others, including children, have been injured by captive dangerous animals.

A growing number of cities are restricting or banning the use of animals in entertainment. More progressive circuses dazzle their audiences solely with skilled human performers.

Betty J. Palsa Chester

Change leadership How did we let our country and government slip into a monarchy so quietly? We did not ask the right questions, and those questions asked were never honestly answered, and voters were accepting whatever information was given at face value. Voters were desperate for “hope and change,” and we are still looking for that to happen. Each and every one of us need to get the correct answers this round, or we will never get our government back from those who choose to run it into the ground.

Take a look at the Constitution and “In God we Trust,” and how President Barack Obama does whatever he feels with total disregard to the process that is in place to insure just such things don’t happen. Look at our youth of today and what they are subjected to daily in our school systems, food police to monitor what kids bring in from home or, for that matter, by the news media glamorizing wrongdoing.

How long can we afford this egotistical maniac and the chosen group who advise him daily to remain in office?

Every American who wants to protect the freedoms we have needs to stand up and let their voices be heard or they will be gone soon.

Mr. Obama has only one goal, and that is to destroy American values and freedoms and take our country further into debt. Just look around, and you will see what has been lost to date.

Class warfare has arrived for sure. Had this been anyone but Mr. Obama and his power-mad bunch, there would have been impeachment procedures begun long ago.

The State of the Union this month was once again stretched and manipulated to fit the chosen one’s needs and

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confuse those who chose to believe all is well.

He definitely needs a reality check on the real world. In the richest nation in the world, there is high unemployment, debt that will never be paid and people in our great land going without food to make ends meet, but yet he claims things are better. Maybe it was in one of those lavish vacation spots the royal family has been splurging on and telling all what the cost was.

We cannot sustain another four years with Mr. Obama as the leader of our great free nation. Hope and change and transparency are not what we have gotten in the last four years. Change is right. A change of leadership will give us hope.

Do we want to be remembered for leaving to coming generations high unemployment, debt that will never be paid and a welfare state for future generations? We are slowly but surely losing what so many gave their lives for.

The pride to be called an American and live with our heads help up with pride for all this country stands for.

Kenneth Stray Chardon

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Woodmere’s Macklin honored for service

By SALI McSHERRY Elizabeth Macklin was the first female police officer in Cleveland’s eastern suburbs, serving part-time for 15 years in Woodmere. She also worked under 10 mayors in Woodmere during her 44 years as administrative assistant.

As a part-time police officer, she was asked to help out at Orange schools during a difficult time of racial issues in the 1970s, she said. With her experience working with youth at her church, Mrs. Macklin, a resident of Woodmere, said she counseled kids and gave presentations to students, explaining to them, “We’re all the same.”

Her son Earl, who was age 6 in 1973, boasted that his mom was a “policewoman,” in a newspaper article.

Mrs. Macklin said she remembers working in village administration in temporary offices at the former Pepper Lanes bowling alley for a time. She had to run down the street to use a copier, because there wasn’t one at Village Hall when she first began her tenure in 1967, she said.

She won’t miss the long meetings, including one that lasted until 2 a.m., she said. And she won’t miss typing up the minutes of countless Village Council, planning and various board meetings, she said, but she will miss the people she has worked with and assisted.

More than 150 people, including Woodmere Mayor Charles E. Smith, former Woodmere Mayor Yolanda Broadie, Orange Mayor Kathy U. Mulcahy and Beachwood Mayor Merle Gorden, attended a retirement party in her honor last month.

Over the years, controversy has swept Village Hall in numerous forms, but Mrs. Macklin never skipped a beat.

She got through those times with prayer, she said. Her job was to be a buffer for the mayor, but she provided information the public requested, she

said. “People have the right to know,” she said.”

“It was more than a job; it was my career. I didn’t take it lightly,” Mrs. Macklin said.

Active in her community and church, she has been married to Moses for 52 years. She will turn 74 on March 7.

Her list of accomplishments was posted in the 1984-85 edition of “Who’s Who in the Midwest.” Mrs. Macklin has been a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church for more than 65 years. She’s a past president of the BeachwoodWoodmere Democratic Club, 40-year member of the Cuyahoga County Mayors’ Secretaries and Assistants Association, where served also is a past president and received a 30-year-plus member pin. She has been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall affiliated — Queen Elizabeth Chapter No. 9 and was voted sister of the year in 1999.

From her roots as student council president at John Hay High School in Cleveland and on a journey of service to others, she is a legacy life member of the Cuyahoga County Section, National Council of Negro Women Inc. and was chosen as the president’s choice for 2011. Mrs. Macklin also is a member and past president of the Woodmere Women’s Civic League and presently is recording secretary.

She is involved in United Way Services, is a member and past recording secretary of the Forest City Chapter, International Association of Administrative Professions, and won the Spark Award for her volunteer services to high schools. She also won the citizen leadership award in 2004 from the Federation of Orange Communities.

Mrs. Macklin’s motto is, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” and, “If I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain,” she said.

Mayor Charles E. Smith was among those on hand to honor Elizabeth Macklin for her 44 years of service to Woodmere village.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Top student essays stand up against hate

By TONY LANGE One way to stand up against bullying, peer pressure and intolerance is to speak out. Students from Solon and Kenston high schools did just that by entering the fourth annual Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage “Stop the Hate: Youth Speak Out” essay contest.

More than 1,800 students from 126 schools entered 500-word essays aimed at sharing solutions for preventing prejudice and discrimination in their schools and communities.

Finalists placing in the top three for their grade-levels included Kenston ninth-grader Hailey Delphia, Solon ninth-grader Josh Chernomorets and Solon seventh-grader Arjun Ramachandran.

Hailey entered the contest as a part of her Holocaust class last semester.

“I learned a little bit about the Holocaust in the eighth grade and found it interesting, and I wanted to learn more about it, so I decided to take it,” Hailey said of the class, which includes guest speakers who survived the Holocaust. “That was definitely my favorite part of the class. It was just so interesting to hear them talk and how they experience the same thing, but their stories were so different and they both survived.”

Kenston’s Holocaust class has two sections per semester, with more than 100 students a year from grades nine through 12 who complete the course.

It’s taught by Joyce Gray, who holds a Ph.D. in English from Case Western Reserve University.

Students from Dr. Gray’s fall semester classes have been finalists every year since the essay started, she said.

“The Holocaust class is trying to teach students that we can make a difference in the world, and it’s trying to look at what happened historically when people didn’t use their voices and step up,” Dr. Gray said. “That’s why it seems to be perfect fitting into my

Lisa Comella, of Hunting Valley, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at the University of Mount Union in Alliance. The graduate of Beaumont School is a junior majoring in exercise science. *** Christopher Litzler, of Chagrin Falls, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. *** Nicola Zollinger, of Bentleyville, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Lafayette College, Easton, Pa. She is a 2011 graduate of Chagrin Falls High School. *** Tyler Shea, son of Richard Shea and Kimberly Craig is a member of men’s club Baseball at Ashland University.

The 2007 Chagrin Falls High School graduate is majoring in electronic media production. *** Athena Tarulli, of Moreland Hills, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at the University of Mount Union in Alliance. The Orange High School graduate is a junior intervention specialist major. *** Alexander Zanetti,

class.”

Josh entered the essay contest at the request of his parents for an out-ofschool project, and he’s happy he did after being named a finalist, he said.

“I have a couple of friends that two of them are overweight, and we used to mess with them, but one night I realized, and it hit me how much it hurts when you joke like that,” Josh said. “We were having a sleepover, and we were talking about some people, and they called him fat, and he didn’t really know the people, so he took real offense to it, and that night I saw him crying because of it, so I was so aggravated. I’ve never really known how painful a threeletter word could be to such an intelligent boy.”

While Hailey did not write her essay about a personal experience, she focused on teenage discrimination. She concentrated on certain instances of stores prohibiting young shoppers because of maturity stereotypes and her opinion of why that’s not right.

“I just wanted to be different in what I wrote about,” she said. “I was speechless and surprised when I got a letter in the mail that I was a finalist.”

By the end of each semester, Dr. Gray said, she wants her students to have consideration to the Holocaust and other 20th-century genocides.

“I want them to have a full understanding of the impact on each individual human being. I don’t just want them to see the big numbers, so that’s one of my goals,” she said. “My other goal is to make every student understand that each one of us can make a difference in the world. We can each choose what we do.”

Josh said his essay was much more than just about obesity. “I mean, it’s not just that, but it’s about bullying of all types,” he said. “Now that I think about it, I’ve probably seen it a lot more than I’ve acknowledged, and it makes me wonder how often people really don’t acknowledge it even if they see it.”

son of Shari Dennis, of Chagrin Falls, and Bill Zanetti, of Rocky River, earned term honors for fall semester at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. *** Cameron Wright, of Chester, received a B.S. in civil engineering during fall commencement at the University of Akron. *** Bridgette Drockton, of Chester, received a degree in biology, summa cum laude, during fall commencement at Walsh University in North Canton. *** Cameron Carmen, of Gates Mills, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at the University of Mount Union in Alliance. The Gilmour Academy graduate is a freshman majoring in political science. *** Madeline S. Horner, daughter of Douglas and Mary Adelle Horner, of Gates Mills, was named to the dean’s list for fall term at Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y. She is a graduate of Hathaway Brown School. *** Alexander Penler, daughter of Karen and Paul Penler, of Chagrin Falls, was named to the dean’s list for fall semes-

ter at St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind. *** Danielle T. Rose, of Bainbridge, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at John Carroll University. *** Megan Zenobi, of Russell, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at the University of Mount Union in Alliance.

The West Geauga High School graduate is a senior majoring in sport business. *** Madelaine Mavec, of Hunting Valley, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. *** Alyssa L. Margiotta, of Chagrin Falls, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. She is majoring in preprofessional health studies. *** Kaitlin Carmen, of Gates Mills, received a B.A. during fall commencement at the University of Akron. *** Christina DiCioccio, of Chagrin Falls, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Walsh University in North Canton.

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Family doctor made time for home visits

By SALI McSHERRY Family doctor Thomas Mettee was a constant. He was the family’s North Star, his brother Jack told hundreds of people at a memorial service last week at the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls.

The man who dressed like St. Nick in a full-length red velvet coat sewn by the Sisters of Notre Dame delivered gifts to his homebound patients at Christmas.

His childhood dream was to be a family practitioner, his family said, and he lived his passion for 25 years.

Joseph Hayes, a friend and patient who knew Dr. Mettee for 30 years, said he took care of three generations of his family. “It was the power he gave us to overcome our illnesses” that resonated, he said.

He practiced what he preached, getting up at 5 a.m. to work out, tending to his gardens at home and at the office and living life to its fullest, Mr. Hayes said.

“He touched our lives significantly and profoundly,” the Rev. Hamilton Throckmorton said. He was a rare breed who incorporated home visits to the homebound into his family practice in Chester, he said.

Mary Hogan, a registered nurse who

Dr. Thomas Mettee made 12,000 visits to homebound patients as a family practitioner over the course of his 25year medical career. worked with Dr. Mettee, said he attended 125,000 office visits and went on 12,000 home visits and 11,000 hospital visits during his career.

He proved that physicians can have a great practice out of a black bag, Mrs. Hogan said. He took the time to under-

stand his homebound patients’ worlds, she said, and he was a great teacher and role model.

One of Dr. Mettee’s stops each year was at Chagrin Hardware, where he gave members of the Kenneth Shutts’ family their annual flu shots in exchange for daffodil bulbs, his wife, Janet, said with a chuckle.

Dr. Mettee was co-founder of Homecare Education and Resource Teams, a community nonprofit that works to develop curricula in medicine, nursing and caregiving to be blended into community education with a target audience of family physicians, homecare nurses, social workers, allied health professionals, caregivers and students. The organization also is designing and creating an information center to coordinate community resources dedicated to supporting homebound people.

When he was at his office, Dr. Mettee took as much time as was needed with each patient, Mrs. Hogan said, and that meant it could be an hour or two for patients in the waiting room. One patient would call and ask how far behind schedule Dr. Mettee was, so she could judge what time she should arrive, Mrs. Hogan said. There weren’t many complaints, and patients took the

waiting in stride, because they loved Dr. Mettee, she said.

“Tom was, right to the end, a teacher,” Mrs. Mettee said. He used his illness, multiple myeloma, as a vehicle to teach his family about what he was going through, she said. It’s the kind of thing he did with families of his patients, she said.

One of five children, Dr. Mettee was born in 1941 in Boston, graduated from Middlebury College and the University of Rochester School of Medicine. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he completed residency training at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

He served as residency director at Metrohealth Medical Center for six years after moving to Cleveland in 1978.

He met his wife when they were 16 and attending the same high school. “He was very bright and stood out, because he always wanted to answer the questions and was curious,” Mrs. Mettee said. He was equally interested in sports and academics, she said. At a young age, he knew he wanted to practice medicine, she said, and he was especially drawn to “bedside medicine.”

The Mettees moved to Chagrin Falls in 1978 and 17 years ago moved to Russell. They have three children and five grandchildren.

Inspector makes late call on people living in barn

By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR. Chardon Township is zoned for single-family residential districts. So, when renters are found to be living in separate quarters on a residential lot, it’s the township zoning inspector’s job to enforce the zoning code.

Zoning Inspector Donald Mohney was doing that just last week as he presented renters in a barn at a residence on Hosford Road with a notice that they

had 30 days to vacate.

“You can’t have a detached, separate residence from the house,” he said.

He received two complaints about people staying in the barn and left notices on the door of the violation, he said. However, after receiving no response from the occupants, he had to pay a visit in the evening, he said.

Because of the late hour, Geauga County sheriff’s deputies accompanied him to the property.

Mr. Mohney said the barn was built to accommodate tenants. “It was built as nice as the house,” he said.

The initial encounter is not meant to be confrontational, and only a verbal warning is issued, he said. “I always take a light approach. That’s the name of the game.”

If the initial contact does not bring about the desired result, the matter is turned over to the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office.

Mr. Mohney said the owner of the property also is notified of the violation.

He said the issue with the Hosford Road property is not the first time the violation has occurred there. A couple years ago, he said, the property owner was told he could not have renters in the barn.

Mr. Mohney said, in the last six years he has served as zoning inspector, he has been called on about three or four times to deal with similar situations.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

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Going green natural for Ursuline sisters

By SALI McSHERRY Leading a simple life is the essence of sisterhood for the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, who make their home at the motherhouse in Pepper Pike.

Part of that mantra is reflected in the sisters’ green-sustainability goals.

One of the sisters’ goals, which will take a lot of educating and work, is to reduce, reuse and recycle at the Ursuline Motherhouse by 100 percent by 2020, said Sister Joanne Buckman, who is founder of the green team there. That might seem lofty, she said, but the goal is to have zero waste sent to the landfill.

Sisters Buckman, Ann Winters and Joan Peine, along with Cindy Johnson, as team members, are working to transform their world on a grand and green scale, she said.

Sister Buckman, who is a member of the leadership team, has a background in science and theology and experience in directing ecology centers.

The group participated in a six-part, faith-based sustainability-implementation process that culminated in the design of a plan for the sisters. The concept is to create a sustainable Ursuline culture, Sister Buckman said.

Sister Winters, who ministers in the Reiki clinic, is versed in spirituality and represents the group at educational gatherings. Sister Peine, con-

gregation treasurer, lends a business perspective. And Ms. Johnson, who is associate director of development and has worked on other green teams, is a valuable asset, Sister Buckman said.

With 64 sisters living in the Merici community and 29 residing at St. Angela Center nursing facility, laundry is a big issue. The sisters have outsourced their laundry needs to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified laundry facility, Evergreen Cooperatives, of Cleveland, which uses organic products and is advancing sustainable practices.

The Ursuline philosophy carries over to producing and purchasing locally grown vegetables, fruits and meat, using dinnerware and flatware that can be washed and reused and, when necessary, using only disposable products that can be used for composting.

The sisters had an energyperformance audit of the facilities done by their building management company, Ostendorf-Morris, of Cleveland. As a result, they have begun using lower wattage compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs and are modifying outdated heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment. The team also is researching green procurement processes as they relate to office and kitchen supplies.

The ministry of sustainability is “very integrated by

Ursuline Sisters Joanne Buckman (left) and Joan Peine are members of the green team at the motherhouse in Pepper Pike. nature,” Sister Buckman said.

The group is determining best practices in a variety of categories, including energy, education, transportation, policy, purchasing, recycling and maintenance, she said.

Even as group members

direct the sustainability effort, they continue to be individually transformed, Sister Buckman said.

Ms. Johnson, who has served on other green teams, said her involvement has heightened her awareness to

Local news, sports and events every week. Call 440-247-5335 to subscribe.

the point that she is impacted emotionally when she sees green efforts being made beyond the community.

Likewise, she said, she is disturbed by a lack of effort.

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Chagrin Falls Lenny May 440-247-5500, ext. 4022

SPEAKERS ON TO STATE The Chagrin Falls High School speech and debate team had a recordsetting weekend at the national qualifying tournament hosted by St. Ignatius High School.

Special congratulations to Dan Hoy, second alternate to nationals and finalist in dramatic interpretation; Dani Boucher, finalist and new state qualifier in original oratory; Ana and Alie Medina-Fetterman, semifinalists and new state qualifiers in public forum debate; and Ana Moran and Anna Witkin, semifinalists in public forum debate.

All of these students will compete in the state championship tournament March 2 and 3 at Massillon-Jackson High School.

LESSONS ON AFRICA Fourth-graders in Barb Graham’s library classes participated in the International Week highlighting Africa at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School.

Mrs. Graham read aloud an East African folk tale about “How the Giraffe Got a Long Neck and Why Rhino is so Grumpy,” retold by Michael Rosen.

Students examined the illustrations for African culture, clothing, wildlife, flora and dwellings. Other folk tale storybooks were borrowed by the students during library free choice time.

Students were encouraged to locate African books on the library computer catalog, too. In addition, students shared experiences making interesting connections to friends and family who have been to or live in Africa.

Handmade African jewelry made from recycled materials, wooden animal carvings, kissi stone carvings, water

color cards and woven baskets were displayed from a collection brought back from Africa by a member of Mrs. Graham’s family. Some fair trade objects benefiting the African people for their livelihoods also were included.

Technology was a part of the lesson using an interactive balafon (a xylophone-type instrument made from local bushes and trees) where the students played the instrument using the mouse to hit the keys.

NOW CITING SOURCES All seventh-grade students are learning how to cite sources for a research project using a modified Modern Language Association citation style.

Seventh-grade students also are enjoying learning about international folktales in library class in honor of the districtwide International Day celebration. Multicultural books featuring main characters of diverse global backgrounds are on display in the library.

VALENTINE DANCE SPECIAL Twenty-three members of the Chagrin Falls High School Key Club volunteered to help at the annual Hamlet Valentine’s Day dance. The students helped serve the guests and spent time talking and dancing with the residents.

Jean Hood, director of marketing at Hamlet Village, said about the students’ visit, “The Chagrin students are so well mannered. They have the social skills as well as the academic skills needed to achieve greatness. The students made so many people happy yesterday, and we so appreciate all their efforts.”

PANCAKES BENEFICIAL The Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation’s annual pancake breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 4 in the Chagrin Falls Middle School cafeteria located on the Chagrin Falls 7 through 12 campus, 400 E. Washington

Chagrin Falls High School Speech and Debate team members (left to right) Dan Hoy, Dani Boucher, Ana Medina-Fetterman, Alie Medina Fetterman, Anna Witkin and Ana Moran have all qualified for the state championships.

St.

Tickets are $8 at the door and $6 in advance. Children age 5 and under eat free. All-you-can-eat regular, blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes will be served as well as sausage and beverages.

For more information, call Beth Johnson at 440-336-2210. All proceeds will benefit the Chagrin Falls Education Foundation.

MATTRESS SALE RAISES FUNDS The Music Lovers third annual mattress sale will take place form 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 4 in the Chagrin Falls High School gym, 400 E. Washington St. Top brands, great discounts and pricing will be offered. An experienced and friendly staff will be on site. Delivery is also available.

All proceeds will benefit the Chagrin Falls Music Lovers. For more information, call Kim Welch at 440-247-2870.

Chagrin Falls High School senior Olivia Kuenzi (left), shown with Hamlet Village resident Jim Walker, has been helping at the annual Hamlet Valentine's Day dance for four years.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Top spellers Congratulations to Brady Middle School eighth-grader Truman Lester who won the title of Spelling Bee champion and will represent Brady at the countywide competition at the main campus of Cuyahoga Community College on March 3. The winner of that contest will proceed to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. this spring. Truman correctly spelled the word "yacht" to earn the first place title. Finishing in second place for the eighth grade was Kara Spain and in third place was Noah Charnas. Adam Wisnieski who correctly spelled "dreidel" won the seventh-grade contest. Second place finisher was Steven Kish and third place went to Karen Wu. Sixth-grader Joshua Cramer correctly spelled the word "repertoire" to win the sixthgrade title with second place going to Ryan Leach and third place to Divya Sasidhar.

Pictured (front row, left to right) are sixth-graders Divya Sasidhar, Joshua Cramer and Ryan Leach; seventh-graders Steven Kish, Karen Wu and Adam Wisnieski; and (back row, left to right) eighth-graders Noah Charnas, Truman Lester and Kara Spain.

A good read To prepare for Read Across America Day on March 2, Orange students are getting a jump-start on their reading skills. Pictured here (clockwise beginning lower left), third-graders Claire Pophal, Prestyn Malone, Gianna Romaso, Ava Cultrona and Anniyah Pore-Warner get comfortable in the Moreland Hills Elementary School Library to enjoy good books with good friends.

Orange Lou DeVincentis 216-831-8600, ext. 6626 Staci Vincent, 216-831-8600, ext. 6627

BOOSTERS HOST RACES The Orange Boosters will hold their third annual Saturday Night at the Races on April 14 at Northfield Park, 10705 Northfield Road in Northfield.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. with races beginning at 7 p.m.

The event will feature a buffet dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Racing will continue through 11 p.m. There will be an auction, sideboards and a private betting window.

To purchase tickets, contact Peggy Sugerman at 216-401-4819 or John Waggle at 216-410-6442.

DEBATER DISTINGUISHED Orange High School senior Stephanie Alden had an outstanding year for the OHS speech and debate team. Most notably, she took first place overall in Lincoln Douglas debate at the Berea Tournament last month. She also was among the top debaters in the recent Solon Tournament. Earlier in the season, she won awards for being among the top six Lincoln Douglas debaters three straight weeks in a row at tourna-

ments in Olmsted Falls, Chagrin Falls and Beachwood.

ARTWORK FEATURED Orange High School students Monique Biggers, Kalin Malouf and Rachel Tenney have artwork that is currently featured in the 2012 Scholastic Art Exhibition. Kalin and Monique received honorable mention awards in drawing and sculpture respectively, and Rachel received a silver key in ceramics. The award-winning work is on display at the Cleveland Institute of Art. MARMALADE WINNERS This week’s Orange Marmalade recipients are first-grader Sarah Friedlander Lindsey Russo’s class for being considerate and cleaning up a spill in the lunchroom without being asked; second-grader Morgan Dillard from Lindsey Moriarty’s class for being respectful and encouraging towards a friend; and fifth-grader Ashaunti Griffin from Kelly D’Amore’s class for helping clean up the magnet stations in science.

Each week staff is encouraged to nominate students for the Orange Marmalade Award. This is a positive recognition program where staff members identify students who are being especially helpful, cooperative, kind and polite.

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Kenston Katy McGrath 440-543-9677

CITIZENSHIP HONORED Kenston Intermediate School announces their Students of the Month for February.

Fourth-grade students selected for Student of the Month “Citizenship” honors were Isabella Billock, Heather Boyle, Sydney Brownfield, Madison Journey, Garrett Koenig, Laura Parsons, Luke Penton, David Rosinski, Matthew Roskinski and Abigail Skinger.

The fifth-graders chosen were Michael Adams, Juliette Callam, Joely Chinnici, Delaney Kramer, Joe Morell, Tanner Mulhern, Natalie Mullen, Gabrielle Powell and Anna Rini.

WINS SPELLING BEE The Kenston District Spelling Bee was held and eighth-grader Nicole Doran beat out a field of 20 to take the title.

The following students in grades four through eight competed: Charlie Boyle, Wesley Byrnes, Luke Caputo, Joshua DeCaro, Nicole Doran, Adam Farrell, Jakob Laverdiere, Payton Lawson, Annika Markoff, Rory McBrady, Jack McDonough, Tanner Mulhern, Andrea Rengers, Jessica Sciuva, Morgan Spehar, Samantha Strano, Aubrey Taylor, Austin Vanderhoof, Dante Washington and Sabrina Wynn.

Nicole will represent Kenston in the Geauga County Spelling Bee. STUDENTS OF MONTH Kenston Middle School’s Students of the Month include sixth-graders Will Britton, Miranda Jacobson, Ryan Kohn and Erin Mast.

Seventh-graders recognized for the honor are Joe Belsan, Grace Mullen, Zach Penton and Karlee Schultz.

Also named were eighth-graders Nick Fleming, Maggie Krause, Sarah Spehn and Morris Wein.

ARTISTS FETED Forty-nine Kenston High School students have had their artwork selected the annual Lake and Geauga County Secondary Art Awards. Categories rep-

resented include photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, painting, printmaking, drawing and mixed media.

Judges for this show were local artists and/or former art educators from the area. Artwork was judged using the following awards: scholarship/cash award, blue ribbon, gold seal and honorable mention.

Lakeland Community College Fine Art Faculty awards were given to Betsey Clark, a $500 talent grant and Lia Sfiligoj, a $300 talent grant. Cash awards were given to Kyle Kennedy and Mads O’Brien. Katie Benton was honored with scholarship by the Fairmount Fine Arts Center. Willoughby Fine Arts Center awarded Betsey Clark a scholarship. Katie Benton earned the “Best of the 12th Grade” judges award. Natalie Braun was awarded a cash award.

Blue ribbons were awarded to the top quarter of the gold seal, including Briana Bartolone, Betsey Clark, Adam Dawson, Graham DiNicola, Cassi Hoehnen, Kyle Kennedy, Kit Mizeres, Nicki Moon, Ben Most and Mads O’Brien.

Earning a gold seal for the top half in the honorable mention category were Brett Abele, Lindsay Banham, Mackenzie Barnwell, Graham DiNicola, Cara Fagerholm, Claire Horstman, Kyle Kennedy, Kassie Kobzowicz, Kit Mizeres, Ben Most, Andrew Most, Mads O’Brien, Kyle Pavilonis, Emma Schlagbaum, Lia Sfiligoj and Alexis Taylor.

Honorable mentions were awarded to Mackenzie Barnwell, Natalie Braun, Nick Cappelli, Betsey Clark, Jason Cordiak, Cara Fagerholm, Ali Henneghan, Claire Horstman, Brigitte Kolibab, Andrew Krause, Nikki Moon, Katie Robinson, Julia Savage, Erica Savin, Emma Schlagbaum, Lia Sfiligoj and Lauren Zucker.

BUS SAFETY UPDATE Kenston families and students are familiar with the law that requires drivers to use a hand signal for all students who cross the street at their bus stop. To maximize safety for all students, new legislation requires a hand signal for all students entering the bus including the right side. A similar hand signal will be

Award-winning team Kenston High School Science Olympiad Team earned sixth place at the Mentor Invitational Tournament held on Feb. 20. The team competed in a field of 45 teams from across Ohio as well as Pennsylvania and New York. In addition, team members earned awards in seven events during the day's competition. used by Kenston drivers when traffic has completely stopped and it is safe for students to board the bus.

LEARN ABOUT SCHOOL Discover what a “typical day” will be like for your child at the Kindergarten Parent Orientation meeting. The “new to the district” session will be held at 7 p.m. March 15, while the “alumni” version will be held at 7 p.m. March 22.

Both will be in the Gardiner Early Learning Center gymnasium, 9421 Bainbridge Road.

Important information about the curriculum will be offered, including an overview of the benefits of the half-day kindergarten program and the full-day program. Parents will have an opportunity to watch a slide presentation, tour the facility and review transportation information.

Registration packets, including necessary school forms and general information, must be picked up at the orientation meeting. Even if parents are not

sure whether their child is ready for kindergarten in the fall, they need to come to the orientation. After the orientation, if there are still questions, contact Principal Marilyn Kahle at 440-5432822.

MONIES AVAILABLE This year, Kenston Foundation will award over $20,000 in scholarships to Kenston High School seniors.

Applications for these scholarships are now available and must be turned in to the Kenston Board of Education by March 26.

HELPING WITH NEEDS Kenston Local Schools are committed to locating, identifying and evaluating all students with disabilities from age 3 through 22. Those who know of a child who may have special educational needs, between the ages of 3 and 22, and not in school, may call Rita Pressman, director of special education at 440-5433013.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

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Solon Tamara Strom 440-349-2914

SALE RAISES FUNDS, HOPES Solon Council of PTAs will be holding its Spring 2012 Budget Bin from March 15 through 20 at the Parkside Elementary School gymnasium, 6845 S.O.M.Center Road in Solon.

Budget Bin is a twice-a-year community consignment sale. The sale is a fundraiser for the Lois Gazely Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to graduating seniors at Solon High School. Last year the school awarded 36 scholarships of $1,000 each.

In addition, many members of the local community depend on Budget Bin to provide them with the opportunity to purchase good quality clothing and household items at a fraction of their retail pricing.

Sale items include new or gently used spring and summer clothing, shoes, toys, small household items, baby items, holiday items, craft items, books and videos, sports equipment and more.

Members of the community gather their saleable items and deliver them on consignment to Budget Bin. The consignor establishes the prices and the PTA sells the items for them throughout the week. The person who consigns the items receives half the profits and the other half goes to the scholarship fund administered by the PTA. Last year, almost 100 Solon seniors who applied for these scholarships.

After the sale is over, all the tags from each individual’s sold items are totaled and a check is mailed the week after the sale. A consignor can retrieve their unsold items after Budget Bin is closed. However, most donate goods that were not purchased. Approved charities are then invited to select unsold items that are needed by their organizations so that nothing is wasted.

Budget Bin requires many, many volunteers from each school to make this sale work. The council always needs volunteers to guide the consignors and help them check in, assist shoppers, fluff and fold clothing, attractively arrange household goods, baby items, sports equipment, toys and more, to separate sold tags and other tasks.

Consignment Day will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 14.

Sale days are held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 15 and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 16.

Bonus Days at 30 percent off are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 17 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 19. Bag Day will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. March 20.

To volunteer or consign, call the Budget Bin chair or PTA president for your child’s school or leave a message at 440-359-7757 ext. 5192. New consignors must register no later than March 12.

The Solon Council of PTAs is comprised of the organizations from Arthur Road, Lewis, Parkside, Roxbury and Orchard schools, along wth the middle and high schools.

West Geauga Sandy Tyler 440-729-6803

GRANTS HELP SCHOOLS West Geauga Local Schools, in its continuing effort to provide essential and sustainable opportunities for the children in the community, has pursued and is pleased to have been awarded two grants from the Fairmount Minerals Foundation of Chardon.

At Westwood Elementary, West Geauga Schools held a “Thank You” presentation to Fairmount Minerals of Chardon at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 23 for their generosity in the giving of a $67,000 grant used for the

Ace award winners Winners of Ace awards for the second quarter are (front row, from left) Nate Mikonsky, Nathan Kercher, Paige Trentanelli, Amanda Jarrett, Sophia Sugar, Leo DiPadova, Emma Horrocks, John Mikes, Sofia Romano, Julia Mansfield, Elizabeth Jazbec and D'Artagnan Green and (back row, from left) Alex Wasko, Christian Paros, Finn Pitcock, Courtney Whiting, C.J. Timm, Molly Petransky, Isaak Taiclet and Holly Jeunnette. Not pictured is Rebecca Sukol.

Winners of Ace awards Selected as Ace award winners for the second quarter are (front row, from left) Kyle Avis, Bobby Kaleal, Emily Allegretti, Julia Warholic and Molly Sterkel; (middle row, from left) Nick Wasko, Nathan Ferrone, Reno Marino, Maggie Renfro, Jordyn Justice, Patrick Garrett, Kaitlin Smith, Brooke Henriksen, Ashley Lujan and Alexa PistoneNascone; and (back row, from left) Jacob Meister, Zachary Slapnicker, Mason Kirchner, Anthony Eichele, Getty Murton-Hughes, Tyler Moriarity, Matthew Harbert, Kaitlin Magalski, Kylie Czikray and R.J. Jefferson. Not pictured is Anthony Waters. purchase of I-pads and a $2,100 grant for robotics equipment.

EXPLORING RESULTS West Geauga Middle School parents are able to receive the results of the Explore test which was given to all of the school’s eighth-graders in December. This test serves as a first marker for college and career readiness preparation. The test covers English, reading, math and science.

Individual conferences will take place from noon to 8 p.m. March 13. Parents are asked to check in at the middle school office when they arrive. No appointment is necessary.

SURVEYS RATE OPINIONS West Geauga students in grades three through 12 will participate in taking the online My Voice student survey during the week of Feb. 27 through March 2.

Based on over two decades of research, the My Voice student survey measures student perceptions of

“Eight Conditions That Make a Difference” - key factors to students’ academic success. Research indicates that the culture of a school has a powerful effect on academic achievement and student motivation. This survey will allow West Geauga to ensure proactive behaviors that support the student learning environment and provide an optimal vehicle for success in school.

Knowing that parent perceptions are an important part of understanding school culture, West Geauga parents also will be provided the opportunity to participate in the My Voice parent survey. Parents will be able to take the My Voice survey between March 5 and 19.

The My Voice student and parent surveys have been presented and endorsed by many organizations, including the Ohio Department of Education, Ohio School Boards Association, Counsel of Chief State School Officers, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the American Association of School Administrators.

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Live and Learn New University School leader Bruce Wilhelm has been named the next head of U n i v e r s i t y School’s Shaker campus.

Mr. Wilhelm, 46, will assume the position in July. He succeeds Clark Wight who served as head of the Shaker campus for Bruce Wilhelm four years and is continuing his career in education in Perth, Australia.

“Bruce impressed us with his personal qualities, including a calm, confident demeanor, a relentless work ethic, and a deep appreciation for the humorous side of a boy’s middle school years,” said Steve Murray, University School headmaster. “We are delighted to have him on board.”

A graduate of Washington Univesity, Mr. Wilhelm taught English at the Gilman School in Baltimore and at the Hale School in Perth, Australia. He also served as a teacher and coach at Buckley Country Day School in Long Island, N.Y. His most recent post was as middle school director of St. Paul’s School in Baltimore.

“University School has an incredible reputation in Ohio and across the country,” said Mr. Wilhelm. “I am very excited to work with such gifted administrators and educators as Steve Murray and middle and lower school directors, Brian Hart and Gail Stein. My wife and I are both Midwesterners, so we’re thrilled to be returning to our roots.”

Mr. Wilhelm grew up in Granville, in central Ohio, where his father was a professor of history at Denison University. He and his wife, Tracy, have three sons.

University School’s Shaker campus is home to 455 students in grades kindergarten through eight.

Earns NASA fellowship Kim Moore, Gilmour Academy Lower School math teacher, has been awarded an Endeavor Fellowship with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The fellowship earns Ms. Moore a spot in NASA’s Kim Moore Endeavor Science Teaching Certificate Project which provides live, online training for educators working to earn a science, technology, engineering and mathematics certificate from Teachers College, Columbia University, N.Y. In the program, teachers engage with education experts, NASA scientists and each other to carry back to the classroom a greater understanding of NASA discoveries. This effort to impact student learning in real-world contexts hopes to inspire the next generation of explorers, scientists, engineers and astronauts.

“Endeavor offers educators researchbased ways to bring relevant NASA and STEM discipline content to a school’s curriculum. The project helps educators to do this effectively,” said Shelley Canright, manager of elementary, secondary and electronic education at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C. “The 2012 cohort of educators from around the U.S. represents many of our nation’s future leaders in science, mathematics and technology education.”

The highly-competitive NASA Fellowship is a model for effectual improvements in teacher practice. The program collaborates with the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and promotes effective

by Amy Fahnestock

strategies for teaching and learning.

Gilmour Academy is located at 34001 Cedar Road in Gates Mills.

Reading party today On March 1, the staff and parents of Precious Resources Preschool will be getting the word out about the importance of children’s literacy. The National Education Association’s Read Across America program is a yearround literacy project that encourages readers, both young and old, to celebrate reading.

Located in Chagrin Falls, the preschool is getting into the reading excitement, too. The school will be hosting its third annual Dr. Seuss Reading Café from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 2:30 p.m. today (March 1).

Guests will include state Sen. John Eklund, South Russell Mayor Matthew Brett and several representatives from local police and fire departments.

This year Read Across America has adopted Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” as its national theme. School officials are particulary excited about this because the preschool is the only Eco Friendly-designated preschool in the Chagrin Valley.

The facility, learning materials, snacks and curriculum are “green,” designed by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified architects.

On NEA’s Read Across America Day, the school recommends joining in the fun “because you’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”

Precious Resources Preschool is at 524 E. Washington St. in Chagrin Falls.

Ready for school?

The Chagrin Valley Early Childhood Association is offering a free Kindergarten Readiness Seminar from 7 to 8 p.m. March 13 at the Chagrin Falls Library, 100 E. Orange St. in Chagrin Falls.

Are you concerned about what kindergarten looks like these days? Do you find yourself asking if your child is ready? Or maybe you’re wondering what type of preschool is best to prepare your child for kindergarten?

Parents can get answers to these questions and ask more questions at an information session with Melissa Wasinski of the Ohio Parent and Teachers Association. The program is geared toward all parents of preschoolage children.

Learn how to get your child ready for kindergarten by participating in discussions on Ohio’s Early Learning Content Standards and Kindergarten Readiness Checklists. Parents will learn activities to do with their children to better prepare them for the kindergarten experience.

This program is for parents only. To register, contact Teri Kernickie, CVECA coordinator, at 440-591-5391.

Expert discusses dyslexia The Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association is hosting a dinner and interactive evening featuring esteemed dyslexia expert, Gordon F. Sherman, Ph.D., at 6 p.m. March 8 at The Bertram Inn in Aurora.

Dr. Sherman is currently executive director of The Newgrange School in Princeton, N.J. Previously, he was the director of the Dyslexia Research Laboratory at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and a faculty member in neurology at Harvard Medical School.

“We are so excited to have Gordon Sherman as our keynote speaker. He was a leading researcher in brain development and dyslexia at Harvard University who has traded in his lab coat to return to the field and work with children and their parents. He is extremely knowledgeable and passion-

Secretarial service Junior high students at St. Helen School have the opportunity to offer service and show their leadership skills. Selected students assist the school secretary, Lesley Somrak, during lunch time by answering phone calls and taking messages in a professional manner. Although eighth-graders are officially trained each year, they in turn pass on their skills to a group of seventh-graders to prepare them to lead the following year. The following students have been giving service during the 20112012 school year: (top row, left to right) Emily Weigand, Alex Yokules, Michael Ricci, Mandy Spangler, Nina Berschig and Reva Morris; (second row, left to right) David Prots, Billy Martin, Amber Rulison, Vince Polito and Joe Kolenic; and (bottom row left to right) Nina Schulz, Molly Goergen, Meghan O’Reilly, Kayla Martin and Jessica Stefancin. ate about dyslexia — all while maintaining a delightful sense of humor,” said Vicki Krnac, NOBIDA vice president and symposium chairperson.

The following day. from 7:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m., hundreds of educators, interventionists, language pathologists, administrators and parents with gather at The Bertram for an all-day symposium featuring Sherman as well as local professionals. They will participate in sessions covering a variety of topics specific to dyslexia including vocabulary, math, technology and transitioning to college.

“This conference brings together parents, educators and medical professionals who are working to improve the lives and learning of the many children and adults who have dyslexia. Breakout sessions across the day will allow participants to learn more about particular aspects of dyslexia and means by which students with dyslexia can be more successful in learning to read, write and spell. Nearly 400 people are expected for this significant educational opportunity for northern Ohio,” said NOBIDA president Larry Orrach.

Attending conference Megan Kelly of Russell, a student at West Geauga High School, has been nominated as a national youth correspondent for the 2012 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University, which will be held July 8-13.

Megan has been awarded the opportunity to join a select group of 250 students from across the country to participate in an intensive weeklong study of journalism and media. She was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies.

Dogs help readers For children struggling with reading, the Paws for Reading program has proven successful in helping them build confidence in their reading skills.

Each child is paired with one dog for a half-hour session of reading. All the participating dogs have been specially trained and are calm and unobtrusive.

The children view the dogs as lovable and non-judgmental. The dogs are great listeners and act as an incentive for the children to read, giving them a sense of comfort while reading.

Three sessions of Paws for Reading will be held at the Burton Public

Library. On March 17, 24 and 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., children may come to the library for a half-hour session of reading with a therapy dog.

Appointments are required. Contact Beth Pettit at 440-564-7139.

Author at opening The Beaumont School Drama Department will present “Dead Man Walking” by Tim Robbins, based on the book by Sister Helen Prejean, March 8 through March 11 in the Spiritual Life Center Theater.

Sister Prejean, activist and acclaimed author of the books “Dead Man Walking” and “The Death of Innocents,” will attend the opening night performance and participate in an audience talk-back on March 8.

She is well known for her advocacy to end the death penalty in America.

She began her work in prison ministry in 1981 in New Orleans, La. The Roman Catholic sister has witnessed five executions in Louisiana and today educates the public about the death penalty by lecturing, organizing and writing.

As the founder of “Survive,” a victim’s advocacy group in New Orleans, she continues to counsel not only inmates on death row but the families of murder victims as well. She will soon release her third book, “River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey.”

The entire Beaumont community students, administration, faculty and staff — shared the experience of reading “Dead Man Walking,” discussing capital punishment in America. “Our purpose is to encourage our community to consider, discuss and explore the issues of capital punishment, examining all points of view as part of a spiritual and moral journey,” said Sister Erin Zubal of Beaumont’s campus ministry.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. March 8, 7:30 p.m. March 9 and 10, and 2:30 p.m. March 11.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and students. Tickets are available from the Beaumont School box office at 216-325-7344.

A portion of all proceeds will go to Sister Prejean’s Pull-the-Plug Fund.

This fund helps with two key projects, the Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project and the Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of the Death Penalty. These projects reach out to two groups who may have a critical impact in eliminating the death penalty in the U.S.

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Live and Learn Earhart story takes flight Local actress Carol Starre-Kmiecik will bring to life famed aviator Amelia Earhart at 7 p.m. March 7 at the Solon Public Library. Ms. Starre-Kmiecik will portray Earhart and reveal inside information about this daring adventurer.

The library is located at 34125 Portz Parkway. For more information and to register, call the Solon branch at 440248-8777.

Scoring medals Six University School students brought home medals from the Science Olympiad Invitational, which was held recently at Solon High School. The tournament annually draws close to 60 high school teams from Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Florida.

Nick Bobbs of Pepper Pike and Kevin Tan of Solon came in sixth place in the sounds of music event.

University School students also scored well at the Science Olympiad tournament last month at Kenston High School. Nick Bobbs and Steven Meisler of Pepper Pike finished third in sounds of music and eighth in thermodynamics. Nick Bobbs and Ryan Huang of Medina came in sixth in protein modeling, while Eric Ma of Solon finished eighth in towers.

Kids programs open Registration for the Solon Library’s April children’s programs begins March 5. For more information or to register, call 440-248-8777 or visit the library in person.

Girls in second and third grades and their mothers are invited to the Mom & Me Book Discussion at 7 p.m. April 2.

The group will discuss a good book, share a snack and try a fun project. The reading selection, “Lily’s Victory Garden,” will be available at the checkout desk on March 5. Registration is required.

Enjoy a hands-on Kids Cooking experience with Chef Sherry K at 11 a.m.

April 14. The class will learn how to make several delicious treats. The program features local expert Chef Sherry K. Letzelter of “Sherry’s Classic Cuisine.” Start a lifetime healthy habit by becoming a little cook. Parents must sign a release for children to participate; forms will be available just prior to the program. This class is for students in second through fifth grades and registration is required.

It’s A Guy Thing: Father/Son Book Discussion utilizes a good book, a fun project and food in this laid back, fun program for boys in second and third grades and their dads. The discussion will be held at 7 p.m. April 16. The reading selection, “Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci” by Joseph D’Agnese, will be available at the checkout desk beginning March 19. Registration is required.

Get ready to celebrate Arbor Day with tree-related stories and fun activities presented by the Holden Arboretum.

Holden Arboretum: Tree Tales will be

held at 10:30 a.m. April 20 for children ages 3 through 5and at 4:15 p.m. April 26 for those in kindergarten through third grade. Registration is required.

Story/Craft will begin at 10:30 a.m.

April 21. Easy crafts! Popular themes!

Favorite stories! Drop in for the monthly story and craft program for ages 2 through 5 and a caregiver. No registration is required.

Buzzing for adventure The Shaker Historical Society, 16740 South Park Blvd. in Shaker Heights, will host an Adventure Camp for children in grades two through four.

Bee the Buzz! Adventure Camp will be held from 10 a.m. to noon June 11 through 15. The Lunch Bunch, which is optional, will meet from noon to 12:30 p.m.

This is an interactive activity camp featuring the life and behaviors of the amazing and vital honeybee.

Participants will learn about the honeybee through hands-on lessons, un”bee”lievable games, crafts, exploration of a working beehive and investigation of antique and modern beekeeping artifacts.

The North Union Shakers once resided on the land that is now the Shaker Historical Society property. The Center Family, one of the three North Union families — Center, Mill and East — occupied the land where they had apple orchards a large vegetable garden, an herb garden, beehives and fruiting bushes. They supplied the North Union Shakers with all of their produce and honey and sold the surplus to the “worldly people” who lived nearby.

T he fee is $60 for the full session or $15 per day. Class size is limited. Call 216-921-1201 to register.

NDCL artists honored Thirty-five Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School artists’ works were accepted in the Lake and Geauga County Scholastic Art Awards Show. The show is on display through Feb. 26 at the Art Gallery at Lakeland Community College.

Senior Jared Geizer was awarded a $300 talent grant from the Lakeland faculty for his artwork entitled “The Report.” The Lakeland art faculty review the artworks in the show and select only 10 recipients for this distinction.

Students will be honored at an awards ceremony from noon to 2 p.m. on Feb. 26.

Earning a blue ribbon were Emily Courtney, Jared Geizer, Victoria Glunt, Mary Therese Kubek, Charles Pierce, Amanda Singleton, Emily Skinner, Richelle Trunk and Julie Tuason.

Winning a gold seal were Emily Courtney, Maura Dempsey, Jared Geizer, Eric Knapik, Eddie May,Michalena Mezzopera, Kelsey Rahill, Kaitlyn Rayl, Claire Slak, Emma Tomsick, Richelle Trunk and Nikolas Zalesky.

Chosen for honorable mention were Danielle Bonitati, Jackie Breier, Emily

Donations help food pantries (Left to right) Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School freshman Jacqueline Vanek, sophomore Chase Halter and senior Alex Beach help box some of the thousands of food items the students and staff donated during the Annual Campus that Cares Food Drive. The donated items were picked up by five food pantries affiliated with the Geauga County Hunger Task Force.

Courtney. Maura Dempsey, Jessica Dorsky, Rachel Galaska, Eric Knapik, Allison Kobosky, Rachel Krevh, Austin Linfante, Michael Mandac, Kendall Martis.

Also selected for honorable mention were Rose McDonnell, Michelle Pokorny, Kaitlyn Rayl, Joseph Rhodes, Anne Schnell, Amanda Singleton, Julia Tuason, Jacqueline Vance, Lillian Verba, Aubrey White, Nikolas Zalesky, Alex Zbiegien and Grace Zbiegien.

Heading to nationals Members of University School’s speech and debate team recently competed in the National Forensic League (NFL) District Tournament. Six students qualified for the national tournament, which will be held June 10-15 in Indianapolis.

Those heading to the national tournament include the team of seniors Bardia Rahmani of Pepper Pike and Ed Crotty of Cleveland Heights in public forum debate. This is the fourth time that Bardia heads to the national tournament. He won the national championship in public forum debate in 2010.The team of sophomore Sam Weitzman of Chagrin Falls and senior Chris Higley of Shaker Heights was named second alternate in public forum debate.

University School competed in more debate rounds and had more wins than any other school in the district. As a result, the school received the National Forensic League debate sweepstakes award and the Northcoast District debate trophy. In addition, University School won second place overall at the district tournament.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

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Veterinarian’s love for horses runs deep

By JOAN DEMIRJIAN Sean T. Allison, a 2003 graduate of Kenston High School, has always been fascinated with veterinary medicine.

Growing up in Bainbridge, he worked at the Hunt Club in Gates Mills, cleaning stalls and setting up at horse shows. At Kenston, he spent his two-week senior project working at Randall Veterinary Hospital Inc. “I fell in love with equine medicine there,” he said. “To me it was very exciting, and not everyone has the opportunity to do it, and it just felt right for me.”

After his mentorship, he continued to volunteer and worked at the hospital veterinarian Ronald Genovese.

He went on to attend Baldwin-Wallace College and graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, serving his clinical year at Michigan State University’s veterinary school.

Now, Dr. Allison works full time for the Cleveland Equine Clinic. He was hired as a veterinarian there last October.

“We are very pleased to have this talented young veterinarian join our practice,” Dr. Genovese said.

The clinic in Ravenna is a result of the merging of Randall Veterinary Hospital, Lake Equine Associates Inc. and Berthold Veterinary Services Inc. “It’s a challenging field,” Dr. Allison said of equine health care. “Horses can’t tell us what hurts, and it brings a different aspect to medicine in general. And it’s an ever-evolving field,” he said.

“Horses are smart. They are able to learn quickly and understand people. I’m partial to race horses, hunters and jumpers, but I cater to everything and especially sports medicine,” Dr. Allison said.

“I love coming to work,” he said. “You meet such interesting people with different backgrounds and from many places. It’s a fascinating career.”

Dr. Allison serves in the ambulatory division of the Cleveland Equine Clinic and makes farm calls. “I go out to farms, houses and race tracks,” he said. The tracks include Thistledown in North Randall and Mountaineer Race Track in West Virginia.

“The pace is very fast and high demand,” he said.

“I could see 20 to 30 horses in a day, especially at the track.”

The clinic also works for the Amish population.

Their horses are mostly Standardbreds, but the veterinarians see everything, from miniature to draft horses.

Growing up in a family involved with equestrian activities, Kenston High School graduate Sean T. Allison was drawn to a career as a veterinarian.

Dr. Allison said he was inspired by his father, Tom, who was originally an equine veterinarian at the Randall Veterinary Hospital. An accident caused him to change careers. He became an attorney and now works with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Dr. Allison’s family lives in Bainbridge. His mother, Sharon, works with hunters and jumpers. She is part of Lewis and Lewis Inc., an equestrian operation, and is an officer in the Ohio Professional Horsemen’s Association.

His grandfather is horseman Howard Lewis. “He is well known in the horse world, especially with hunters and jumpers, and is a former polo player,”

Dr. Allison said of his grandfather.

He said the clinic has become like a second home, and he has built a close relationship with the people there.

The clinic provides ambulatory and emergency medical, surgical and diagnostic care to the equine industry. In addition to outpatient sports medicine, lameness, health and wellness services, the clinic provides equine surgical and medical inpatient care.

This year, with a mild winter and as the economy picks up, they have been busy, Dr. Allison said. “A lot of people are buying horses, and there’s a large equine population in this area.”

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Brilliant concept is gone with the wind Early in Robert O’Hara’s “Antebellum,” a Southern belle attempts to explain the epic novel she is reading but fails miserably. She is unable to adequately relay all the romance, Civil War upheaval and assorted side stories packed into the pages of “Gone with the Wind” and is oblivious to its depiction of the social injustices that existed in the Confederate South.

The play itself, currently being staged by Cleveland Public Theatre, also defies simple description but places the theme of social injustice on the front burner.

“Antebellum” takes place in Atlanta in 1939, with the city’s world premiere of the film “Gone With the Wind” as its backdrop. Sarah and Ariel Roca, a young Jewish couple with long-established roots in the South, prepare themselves for the evening’s festivities by dressing in the period costuming reflected in the film. They are as indifferent to the antebellum ties of their wardrobe as they are to the Jim Crowe laws of their time.

“Antebellum” also takes place in Berlin in 1936, as the fledgling Nazi movement gathers momentum. Here we meet Oskar von Schleicher, a commandant of the Third Reich, whose favorite prisoner, a gay black cabaret singer named Gabriel, is used for scientific

by Bob Abelman THEATER experimentation, as well as the satisfaction of the commandant’s needs and desires.

The play bridges these parallel worlds and their respective forms of discrimination and inhumanity by offering an intriguing pretense. With seamless ease, thanks to Beth Wood’s astute direction, the Rocas’ historic plantation house becomes the study of Oskar’s detention center and back again, as characters from both timelines ebb and flow in and out of existence.

Gabriel becomes the link that not only connects these two worlds but, as the play progresses, is the conduit for these worlds converging. No, colliding. This is good stuff.

Another intriguing pretense, but one not nearly as successful, is that “Gone With the Wind” is more than mere window dressing for this play.

The playwright embraces the old

Southern sing-song speak and flowery verbiage of the film’s characters to inform the style of presentation and language of his own. This allows Sarah — played magnificently and, with the aid of Melanie Boeman’s costuming, with great humor by Laurel Hoffman — to resemble Scarlett O’Hara in both form and phrasing. It gives Ariel, played brilliantly by Mark Rabant, Rhett Butler’s silver tongue and, when called for, Ashley Wilkes’ self-deprecating tone.

Unfortunately, the playwright does not have at his disposal Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer-winning words, Victor Fleming’s Academy Award-winning vision or David O’Selznick’s capacity for editing. What is accomplished in one sentence on film — a “fiddle-de-dee” or an “I don’t give a damn” — takes him volumes to accomplish in this play. The clever dialogue that starts the play metastasizes into lengthy, preachy monologues as the two worlds merge into one and discrimination and genocide become the focus of attention. The play runs 2 1/2 hours as a result.

These weighty, emotion-laden monologues prolong the play’s dramatic tension and test the audience’s endurance.

A further test is being able to hear these monologues, since the cavernous

Gordon Square Theatre sucks sound away from earshot and the staging of the play — stadium seating on both sides of a narrow piece of flooring representing the plantation house-detention center — keeps actors with their sides or backs toward the audience throughout the production.

By addressing weighty issues headon, the characters in this play — who, at their core, are as simply drawn as those from “Gone With the Wind” — have added layers of complexity and emotional baggage. Dana Hart, as Oskar, and Nicholas Sweeney, as Gabriel, manufacture fascinating, believable characters and deliver absolutely riveting performances. Audrey Lovy, who’s Edna Black Rock has more than her share of complexity and baggage, does not.

The play concludes as if the playwright painted himself into a corner with no reasonable way out. CPT’s overly dramatic presentation of this reinforces the impression that “Antebellum” is based on a brilliant concept that is sustained for most of the evening but, in the end, is gone with the wind.

“Antebellum” continues through March 10 at Cleveland Public Theatre’s Gordon Square Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave. For tickets, which range from $10 to $25, call 216-631-2727.

Rockin’ exhibit to revolve around sculptures The “Cleveland Rocks” sculpture exhibit will be held March 30 through May 18 at the Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St. in Chagrin Falls. Opening reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m.

March 30 at the center.

The exhibit will show that “Cleveland Rocks” in more ways than one. The Valley Art Center will take a modern approach to the ageless art of sculpture. Dating back to prehistoric times, this three-dimensional art form has evolved over the centuries to

include the traditional free-standing pieces and sound, light, kinetic, stacked art and environmental sculptures, just to name a few.

The center invites the public to an exhibit of traditional “in the round” pieces using conventional and contemporary materials.

Whether it’s molded, carved, cast, hewed, chiseled, shaped or cut — as long as it can be viewed “going ‘round,” the substances used to create the piece can be as modern as plastic or classic as

stone.

Artists are invited to submit their work for the exhibit. All artwork entered in the contest must be original work done by the artist and all materials for sculptures are eligible. Any artwork that has previously been exhibited at the center is not eligible. The main focus of this exhibit is sculpture viewed “in the round.”

Artists may submit up to five sculptures. There is no entry fee.

Submissions must include the artist’s

name, business name (if applicable), address, city, state, zip code, phone number, e-mail address, digital images for each piece and a description/title.

The description should list the medium and/or material(s) used and the size (width, height and diameter) of the piece.

Submissions must be completed by March 2.

For additional information, contact Bridget Roush, gallery director, at 440247-7507.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

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Area children bring tale of Narnia to life at Solon Center SCA Spotlight Youth Theater students, grades 5 through 8, will be bringing C.S. Lewis’ captivating work “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” to life.

The production will take the main stage, in the Calvetta Bros. Floor Show Theater, with four performances of this enchanting tale. The shows will be held at 7 p.m. March 8, 7:30 p.m. March 9 and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 10.

In this adaptation of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”, dramatized by Joseph Robinette, audiences will stumble through the magical wardrobe with Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter into a parallel universe full of mystery and excitement ... the never-to-be-forgotten Narnia!

This heroic tale of love, faith, courage and giving explores the good versus evil struggle for Narnia and the true saving power of self-sacrifice which has inspired generations of all ages.

Director Dominick Chicotel leads the enthusiastic cast of fifth- through eighth-graders with help from assistant student director and stage manager Alison Wright.

Members of the talented cast include Jasmine Barroa, Sami Berman, Morgan Boland, Lily Borodkin, Kennedy Brooks, Olivia Chamberlain, Zoe Drasner,

ART PALETTE VALLEY ART CENTER, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls: “Ruby, Ruby ... All Things, Red,” a collection of “red-hot” art, through March 8. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Call 440-247-7507.

SOLON CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 6315 SOM Center Road, Solon: Ryn Clarke photography exhibition, through March 2. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Call 440-337-1400.

ORANGE ART CENTER, 31500 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike: Faculty show, preview party 6-9 p.m. March 16, exhibit March 17-23 and 26-28. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 216-831-5130.

FAIRMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 8400 Fairmount Road, Russell: “Rhythm of Stillness,” featuring works by award-winning painter Stanka Kordic, through March 31. Call 440-338-3171.

FEDERATED CHURCH, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls: Plein air oil paintings by Jeremy Tugeau, through March 28. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

HAMLET ATRIUM, 200 Hamlet Hills Drive, Chagrin Falls: “The Art of Ed Kagy,” through April 10. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Call 440-247-4676.

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE GALLERY EAST, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills: “Ursuline-Tri-C Art Therapy Exhibition 2012,” through March 8. Hours are 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Call 216-987-2038.

The cast of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”, from the story by C.S. Lewis and dramatized by Joseph Robinette, is made up of students in the fifth through eighth grades.

Riley Firehammer, Kyle Fisher, Andrea Friedberg, Juliana Greene, Katie Hammond, Chazz Hawks, Chester Hill, Ben Holub, Allie Hunter, Michaela Karlesses and Jillian Koski.

More cast members are Braylee LeClair, Olivia Leone, Dana Levine, Manny Liotta, Zachary Luciano, Kyle Maiorana, Meredith Maiorana, Jackie Manno,

‘Hairspray’ tryouts set Auditions for the Willoughby Fine Arts Association’s production of “Hairspray” will be held at 6 p.m.

March 9 and 4 p.m. March 10 at the Fine Arts Association’s Corning Auditorium, 38660 Mentor Avenue in Willoughby.

The auditions will be for adults and teens, ages 12 and up. All roles require singing and some dancing, and the role of Edna Turnblad has already been cast.

No Actors’ Equity Association contracts are available for this production.

Call Ann Hedger at 440-951-7500 x103 for an appointment. Auditions will be in groups of five for 30 minutes.

Callbacks, by invitation only, will be March 11.

Come prepared with a one-minute contemporary monologue and a short period or appropriately styled musical theatre song, along with sheet music in the proper key. The accompanist is provided. Be dressed to dance and be familiar with the script and characters.

Due to paperwork, plan to arrive early.

Rehearsals will begin April 23. They will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays and 6:30 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

The director is James Mango, music director is John Krol and choreographer is Pierre-Jacques Brault. The production will run from June 1 through 17.

Dana McNamara, Emma Moughan, Alicia Nimrick, Judson Nimrick, Chad Ressler, Jake Ressler, Graham Roman, Danielle Stanek, Jessica Uguccini, Samantha Weiskind and Madison Wu. Solon Center for the Arts is located at 6315 SOM Center Road. Tickets are $8 for reserved seating and can be purchased by calling SCA at 440-337-1400.

Chamber concert features Schubert Several talented musicians will perform a chamber music concert on March 18. The music will begin at 4 p.m., with a welcoming reception at 3:30 p.m. at Orange Village Hall, 4600 Lander Road in Orange. The beautiful and unusual location provides semi-circular seating in a distinctive rotunda.

This program of chamber music celebrates one of the most beloved composers of all time, Franz Schubert, with a lively program of familiar and rarely heard vocal and instrumental masterpieces. Share the joy and enthusiasm of rising musical stars playing music they love in a charming location.

Featured musicians are Jung Eun Oh, a soprano on staff at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Boris Allakhverdyan, a clarinetist,

frequent player with the Cleveland Orchestra and currently associate principal clarinet with the Kansas City Orchestra. They will be joined by the Cleveland Institute of Music’s international piano stars Javier Gonzalez of Cuba, Satoko Hayami of Japan and Felipe Calle of Colombia, violinists Michelle Abraham and Alena Merimee, cellist Schuyler Slack and guitarist Gideon Whitehead.

The group will play a robust selection of Schubertian masterworks including “The Shepherd on the Rock,” virtuosic piano duets, the “Piano Trio No. 2,” “Arpeggione,” arranged for violin and guitar, and much more in a fast-moving program.

Seating is limited and previous programs have sold out.

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

by Joan Demirjian efit the Geauga West Library at 13455 Chillicothe Road (Route 306) in Chester, next to the West Geauga High School. The phone number is 440-7294250.

Couple marks milestone Paul and Marlene Early, formerly of Chagrin Falls, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Feb. 24. They were married Feb. 24, 1962 in Marshalltown, Iowa.

The couple moved to Chagrin Falls in 1966 where they raised five children: Maureen (Jim) Beckley, of Cincinnati; Kathy (Scott) O’Brien, of Chagrin Falls; Dan (Ann) Early, of Milwaukee, Wis.; Annie Winovich, of Chagrin Falls,; and Megan (Andy) Hart, of Chicago, Ill. They have nine grandchildren: Jacob Beckley, Isabella O’Brien, Kylie and Keegan Early, Hope and Ben Winovich, Mason and Nolan Hart and the late Hannah Winovich.

Mrs. and Mrs. Early are enjoying retirement and currently split their time between St. Simons Island, Ga. and a house on Chautauqua Lake in New York.

The family celebrated the milestone with a private family gathering.

Book sale planned The annual spring book sale sponsored by the West Geauga Friends of the Library begins March 7 with Members’ Preview (memberships are available at the door) from 4 to 6:30 p.m. followed by the open public sale from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Hours are: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 8; 9 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. March 9; and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 10, which is $3 bag day.

Interesting and collectible books on automobiles, sets of books by Charles Dickens and many oversized art books will be for sale, as well as a book of local interest, titled “Halle’s: Memoirs of a Family Department Store, 1891 to 1982, signed by Anne Halle Little.

Hospice is topic Solon Women’s Club will present Roberta Baioni, volunteer services manager at VITAS, as the club’s monthly meeting 7:30 p.m. March 6 at the Solon Senior Center, 35000 Portz Parkway.

VITAS was founded in 1978 in Florida as the nation’s first hospice program. They were instrumental in integrating hospice care into the health care system.

They provide human services, products and case management to the terminally ill and their families.

Paul and Marlene Early are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

A gift table includes adult and children’s books, puzzles and other gift ideas. There are many cookbooks, craft books, books about decorating, building and collecting, games and puzzles, books on tape, music and movies.

An entire room is devoted to children and young adult books, games CDs, DVDS and videotapes.

Books are priced at 25 cents for adult and children’s pocket-sized paperbacks, 50 cents for children’s hard-back books and $1 for adult hard backs and oversized paperbacks.

Special books, such as collector books, first editions and recent best sellers are priced individually. For information on specific books, call Mary Ann Moczulski at 440-729-7683.

Funds raised from the book sale ben-

Fish, shrimp served Solon VFW Post 1863 will hold dinners of fish and shrimp fries each Friday, Feb. 24 through April 6 at the post hall, 6340 Melbury Ave. in Solon.

Fish dinners and shrimp dinners are $10 each.

Dinners include two deep-fried pieces of cod or eight deep-fried shrimp, French fries or baked potatoes, coleslaw, roll and butter and coffee.

Dessert and beverages are available at an additional cost.

Dinners to go are each $1 extra. The number at the post is 440-349-1863.

Artist is featured The display of work by local artist and painter Jack Kruyne continues at the Chagrin Falls Branch Library’s art series with a presentation of his contemporary paintings. The show runs

during the months of March and April during library hours.

There is a meet-the-artist reception today (Thursday) from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library. There will be light refreshments and everyone can admire the art work.

Born in Wisconsin, Mr. Kruyne found an interest in art at an early age.

Since college, he has been developing his style of painting and art and sharing his gift with others.

Time for Tree Tappers Geauga Park District’s Tree Tapper’s Ball will be held 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

March 10 at the Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market St. (Route 422) in Parkman Township.

It is the most fun dance west of the Appalachians, according to Bob Smakula, a professional instrument repairman, who has called 22 of the past 24 Tree Tapper’s Ball.

Buddy Sap and the Sour Notes will provide the old-time string band music for the whole family on fiddle, clawhammer, banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass.

Steps will combine square and line dances, but not Western-style costumed square dancing or modern country line dancing.

Old-time string descends from British, Scotch and Irish traditions with regional variations in North America, however, the Tree Tapper’s Ball tends to be a bit more southern in flavor, according to senior naturalist Dan Best.

Registration is open for the free event, limited to eight per registering party, by calling 440-286-9516. Dancing is upstairs at the community house, which is not equipped with a ramp or elevator. Dress is casual.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Ursuline faculty muse on plans, trauma, evil

By SALI McSHERRY The architecture of the Roman Emperor Maxentius, trauma in human existence and two contrasting Christian responses to evil are the topics to be highlighted at Ursuline College’s Faculty Lecture Series this month.

Lectures will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m.

March 6 and 28 and April 19, in the Mullen Academic Center Little Theater (Room 113), 2550 Lander Road in Pepper Pike.

The March 6 lecture by Elisha Dumser, will explore “Building Power: The Architecture of the Emperor Maxentius in Rome.” She will discuss the emperor’s prominent building commissions, which included Rome’s largest temple and the world’s most expansive cross-vaulted interior space.

The innovative architectural forms testify to the skill and creativity of the lateantique architects working under his command. The presentation takes the audience through his turbulent reign and discusses his skill at manipulation of large-scale public benefactions.

Dr. Dumser is assistant professor in the Ursuline Studies Program and the department of art where she received the Teaching Excellence Award in 2011.

Her research focuses on ancient Roman architecture and urbanism. She earned her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005. The talk presents material from her forthcoming book on the architecture of the Emperor.

“Trauma in Human Existence: Psychotherapy, Healing and the Cartesian Mind” is the topic of the March 28 lecture by Ursuline professor Thomas Frazier. Some theorists believe the Western mind suffers from the “Cartesian split,” a fragmentation in which mind is separate from body, he said. This may be interpreted as a split between intellect and feeling.

Developmental and relational emotional trauma may further this split and cause unendurable emotional states.

When people are most vulnerable they may dissociate from consciousness.

This lecture will explore how trauma is more common than we believe and will

STAGE LINES CHAGRIN FALLS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 400 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls: Ground Works Dance Theater, 7:30 p.m. March 24, tickets $20-$28, students $5. Call 440-247-9700.

SOLON CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 6315 SOM Center Road, Solon: SCA Spotlight Youth Theater presents C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” 7 p.m. March 8, 7:30 p.m.

March 9, 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 10, tickets $8 reserved. Call 440-337-1400.

HAMLET VILLAGE ATRIUM, 200 Hamlet Hills Drive, Chagrin Falls: Red Hackle Pipes and Drums and Crooked River Fifes and Drums concert, 6 p.m.

March 15, free and open to the public. Call 440-247-4676.

GEAUGA THEATER, 101 Water St., Chardon Square: Geauga Lyric Theater Guild presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m.

Sunday March 2-18. Call 440-285-2255.

MAYFIELD CIVIC CENTER, 6622 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village: Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory presents “The Music Man,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday matinees through March 4, tickets $15, students $11, seniors $13. Call 440-338-3171.

FAIRMOUNT TEMPLE, 23737 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood: Playmakers Youth Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” 7 p.m.

Thursday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.

Sunday through March 4, tickets $10, JCC members, seniors and students $8, at $2 at the door. Call 216-831-0700, ext. 1230.

AURORA COMMUNITY THEATRE, 115 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora: “Red White and Tuna,” benefit show, March 2-3 and 9-10.

Call 330-562-1818.

discuss the psychological and physiological mechanisms that “shut down” as a result and decrease the quality of life, Dr. Frazier said. The broad outlines of therapeutic recovery also will be discussed.

Professor of psychology at Ursuline, Dr. Frazier has been in private practice in psychotherapy for 30 years. His areas of interest include issues related to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and the impact of early relational trauma on human development. Dr. Frazier has also served as a consultant to clergy and religious throughout his professional career.

On April 19, George Matejka, Ursuline professor of philosophy and ministry, will give a lecture entitled, “Painting St. Michael and St. George: Two Christian Responses to Evil.” St. Michael is spoken of in the Book of Revelation as the defender/protector of heaven from the encroachment of evil, he said, and typically is depicted with a shield and drawn sword, but is usually not portrayed as actively slaying an evil angel. By contrast, Dr. Matejak said, St. George is typically depicted with a pike and/or sword actively piercing a dragon to kill it. Dr. Matejka asks the question, “Are Christians called to kill evil, or are Christians to protect themselves from evil?” He will use several paintings of both saints to demonstrate these contrasting positions in the face of evil.

Dr. Matejka has served as the chairman of the philosophy department since 1999. In addition to his doctorate from Duquesne University, George also holds a licentiate in sacred theology with a specialization in Biblical theology from the Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. He also teaches in the graduate program in ministry at Ursuline.

“The thirteenth annual Faculty Lecture Series showcases the research and expertise of the college’s experienced faculty,” said JoAnne Podis, vice president for academic affairs.

The lectures are free and open to the public and are followed by a reception.

For more information, call 440-684 6069.

‘Tuna’ show spouts humor

The Aurora Community Theatre is helping itself to a third helping of tuna - that’s “Red White & Tuna,” the third installment in the Tuna Quadrilogy by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. The play will open for a limited engagement at 8 p.m. March 2 at the theatre. Additional performances will be held at 8 p.m. March 3, 9 and 10.

“Red White & Tuna” is a comical and affectionate look at small-town Southern life. It originally was producted by Charles Duggan.

Award-winning Barbara L. Rhoades directs the quick wit, wacky antics and physically demanding performances of two ACT favorites, Kevin Horak and Brian Diehl, who will play all 20 characters in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy. Jennifer L.S. Teller is the producer.

The over-the-top caricature of one hilarious day in Tuna, the third tiniest town in Texas, takes place on the Fourth of July, where it’s time for the annual high school reunion. On a blank stage with just one desk and two chairs, the production demands a wealth of behind-the-scenes talent to enable the lightning fast constume, hat and wig changes that transform the two actors into a full cast of multiple ages and genders. Linda Balwinski, Laurie Lessard, Daniel White and Greg Fetzer, with Jean Myers as alternate, will serve as dressers to make it all happen.

Scott Jarvis serves as stage manager with Mr. Fetzer in charge of lighting.

Bob Schellhammer and Dave Shively handled set construction. Jean Arbuckle decorated the set while Marianne Paul found the many costumes.

Tickets are $16, and $11 for children age 18 and under. The theater is at 115 E. Pioneer Trail in Aurora.

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Food discussion returns Geauga Park District will continue its series, “Food: What Do Farms Have to Do With It?” Jim and Penny Timmons, of Farview Farm in Burton Township, will lead a discussion. Their award-winning family farm, a dairy and grain operation since 1978, now produces corn, wheat, soybeans, hay and maple syrup.

The discussion will be held 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road (Route 87), in Russell Township.

Chairs are set in a circle so featured guests can share information with the group, strengthening the ties between everyone involved and often resulting in excellent questions and conversation.

Naturalist Dottie Mathiott designed the quarterly food program with Amalie Lipstreu, former senior program manager for Sustainable Agriculture at the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Ms. Mathiott said she is focusing her late winter featured farm on maple sugaring. The Timmons family award-winning in that category. They are also hay and grain farmers, which has not been featured yet.

They are lifelong residents of Geauga County. Their Farview Farm involves Jim, Penny, daughter Kelly and son Jim. After 27 years of dairy and grain farming, the family’s focus has shifted.

They said they have retired from dairy farming. Operations now encompass 1,100 acres of corn, wheat, soybeans and hay, all rented fields within a fivemile radius of their farm home.

As part of their advocacy, the Timmons family has hosted tours on their farm to enlighten groups about farming in Geauga County.

Jim and Penny have been active in the community, serving on several state boards and 4-H and have earned several state-level Conservation Leadership Awards for Jim’s innovative farming practices, as well as numerous hay and grain show awards from the Geauga County Fair. In 2010, Jim and Penny were inducted into the Geauga County Maple Syrup Producers Hall of Fame.

Registration is not required for the free program, which is wheelchair and stroller accessible and suitable for those 12 years old and up. For more information, call 440-286-9516.

Dinner, auction is benefit A dinner and silent auction will benefit the Geauga County Dog Shelter and the Geauga County Sheriff’s canine unit.

The event, by advance sales only, is set for 6 to 9 p.m. April 20 at Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St. in Chardon. Hosts are the Totally Dogs 4-H Club and Geauga County Recorder Sharon C. Gingerich.

Everyone will help raise money for the Geauga County Dog Shelter and for a special project for the sheriff’s canine unit.

Participants will enjoy a delicious meal of chicken or salmon prepared by the Totally Dogs 4-H Club. They will bid on a variety of items donated by sports organization, local merchants and more.

They will bid on a dog dish made specifically for the event by art students at West Geauga High School and on three hours of student clean-up services.

Everyone is asked to bring dog food and or dog toys to donate to the shelter.

For tickets or to donate an item for the silent auction, call Sandy Cox at 440-285-0779, Dalene Becka at 440286-4329 or Sharon C. Gingerich at 440-834-4317.

Coupons are swapped Chagrin Falls Library will host the Coupons and Conversation Club 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 6. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings held on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Participants swap manufacturer coupons and share ideas for saving money. Everyone is asked to bring coupons to share and scissors.

Donations of unwanted coupons are accepted anytime throughout the month for the club. For more information, call the library at 444-247-3556.

Garden with native plants Garrett Ormiston, GIS and stewardship specialist with the Natural Areas Division of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as well as a professional landscaper, will lead a seminar about landscaping with native plants at the Chagrin Falls Branch Library, 7 to 8:45 p.m. March 8.

Participants will learn about the threats of invasive plants pose to parks and natural areas, the many benefits of native plants for wildlife and how to make responsible plant choices in gardens. Registration is requested for the free program by calling the library at 440-247-3556.

Visitors are welcome Geauga County Dog Shelter and Dog Warden’s office are open to all. The shelter is on Merritt Road, off Ravenna Road (Route 44). Merritt Road is a few miles past Mayfield Road (Route 322) when traveling south from Chardon.

Those interested in adopting a dog can stop in during regular hours or call to have someone meet them at the shelter.

The hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. If the times are not good, the office number can be called and a message can be left. Shelter workers will try to work out another time.

The phone number is 440-286-8135.

Monetary donations are the most needed to take care of the medical needs of the dogs. Strays come in with many medical needs. All dogs are

spayed or neutered and brought up to date on shots.

Checks can be made payable to Geauga County Dog Shelter and sent to 12513 Merritt Road, Chardon 44024.

The shelter can always use the following: Sensible or Easy Walk harnesses, Advantage, Frontline or Capstar flea medications, any leftover canine medications, rawhides to chew, 6-foot leashes, collars, laundry soap, paper towels, blankets, sheets and towels, printer cartridges, (HP 22 tri-color or HP 21 black, printer paper and copy paper, Lysol, dry erase markers (fine tip), Scotch tape and duct tape.

Spring Affair is benefit Lowe’s Greenhouse’s Spring Affair 5 to 8 p.m. March 8 will benefit Friends of CASA for Kids, a nonprofit organization that serves abused and neglected children in Geauga County.

Each year, Friends of CASA supports victims of abuse and neglect by paying for extras not afford to them, including summer camps, braces, athletic shoes, music lessons and pool passes.

The Lowe’s event will feature a strolling fashion show, wine and cheese, catering by CIBO, Big Meals Small Spaces and more.

There will be auctions, raffles, fashions, food, fun and friends.

Lowe’s is at 16540 Chillicothe Road (Route 306) in Bainbridge. There will be 25 percent off any one item in the store and 10 percent of the evenings sales will go to Friends of CASA for Kids.

Luncheon is planned Cleveland East Christian Women’s Connection, affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries, will meet for lunch and a program 11:45 to 1:30 p.m. March 21 at Chagrin Valley Country Club, 4700 SOM Center Road (Route 91) in Moreland Hills.

Entertainment will be provided by “The Singing Innkeeper” Larry Wilgus, owner of the Lamplight Inn. Luncheon speaker will be Lisa Haley, who will speak on “How to stay afloat when life capsizes you.”

For reservations, call 440-338-3384 or 440-248-4914. Optional valet parking and complimentary child care are available. Parents should bring a bag lunch for their children.

Reservations are required for lunch and child care by March 14. Cost of lunch is $16.

Library features art Gates Mills Branch Library’s 2012 art series continues with the paintings of Jamie Morse. His landscape and stilllife paintings are in the impressionist tradition.

“My work is about place, moment and feelings,” he said. “In all my paintings I seek truth and simplicity, whether is a beach scene, a study of flowers, or an imagined, idealized landscape.”

The art show will run now through April 15. A special artist reception will be held 5 to 7 p.m. March 2. Light refreshments will be offered, and visitors can meet the artist and discuss his work. For more information, contact the library at 440-423-4808.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Ryan - Petche

Lodge - Robinette

Audra Ryan and Matthew Petche were married Sept. 24 at Meadow Ridge Events in Windsor, Ohio. The Rev. Michael Stotts officiated. A reception followed.

The bride is the daughter of Denise Ryan, of Bainbridge, and Dennis Ryan, of Mayfield Heights. The groom is the son of Robert and Ellen Petche, of Chester.

Jeannine Plavcan served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Andrea Ryan, Angela Shorr, Whitney Ickes, Michelle Emigh, Jen Monroe, Jeanne Collett and Bethany Shandell. Caelan Ryan was the flower girl.

Michael Petche served as best man.

Groomsmen were Justin Ryan, Ryan Shorr, Christopher Ickes, Matthew Emigh, John Varanese, Kurt Klier and Tristan Funk. Owen Ryan was the ring bearer.

The bride, a 1999 graduate of Kenston High School, received a bachelor of science in sport sciences in 2003 from Ohio University. She is employed with International Excess in Richmond Heights.

Mr. and Mrs. John Lodge, of Chagrin Falls, announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelsey, to Paul Robinette, son of Bill and Nancy Robinette, of Salem, Va. The bride-to-be, a 2005 graduate of Chagrin Falls High School, earned degrees in broadcast media and corporate communications in 2009 from Elon University, Elon, N.C. She is a producer for WFMY News 2 in Greensboro, N.C. The future groom, a 2005 graduate of Salem High School in Virginia, received a bachelor of science in environmental studies in 2009 from Elon University.

He is an electric drafting-GIS technician for the city of Danville, Va. A July wedding is planned in Chagrin Falls.

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Petche The groom, a 1992 graduate of Brush High School, received a bachelor of education in 1997 from the University of Toledo. He is the distribution manager at Arborwear in Newbury.

Following a wedding trip to Belize, the couple reside in Bainbridge.

Kenney - Cannelongo Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cannelongo, of Bainbridge, announce the engagement of their son, Philip A. Cannelongo, to Kara Michelle Kenney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Kenney, of Marco Island, Fla. The bride-to-be, a 1997 graduate of Turpin High School in Cincinnati, received a bachelor of arts in journalism from Indiana University in 2001.

She is an investigative reporter for the ABC affiliate in Indianapolis.

The future groom, a 1998 graduate of Kenston High School, received a bachelor of science in journalism from Ohio University in 2002. He is a news producer in Indianapolis at the ABC affiliate.

A June wedding is planned in Indianapolis.

The following students from Chester received degrees during fall commencement at Kent State University: Jennifer Doles and Regan Kazel, master of education; Christianne Russell, bachelor of business administration; Michael Sulak, Ph.D.; and John Zayicek, associate of science. *** Erin Striegel, of Russell, was named to the dean’s list for fall quarter at DePaul University in Chicago.

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Paul Robinette and Kelsey Lodge

Schoenfeld - Bell Dr. Gordon and Kathy Bell, of South Russell, announce the engagement of their son, Michael, to Amy Schoenfeld, daughter of Thomas and Kay Schoenfeld, of Mission Hills, Kan. The bride-elect, a 2001 graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School in Shawnee Mission, Kan., received a bachelor of science in journalism from the University of Kansas in 2005. She works in public relations at Edelman in Chicago.

The future groom, a 2001 graduate of Chagrin Falls High School, received a bachelor of science in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in 2005. He is an investment consultant with Towers Watson in Chicago.

A May wedding is planned in Mission Hills, Kan.

Michael Bell and Amy Schoenfeld

Wedding announcements Philip A. Cannelongo and Kara M. Kenney

*** Victoria Chaitoff, of Solon, was named to the dean’s list for spring 2011 semester at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va. *** Four students from Solon were named to the dean’s list for fall semester at the University of Toledo: Shirley Mei, biology major; Nuta Ngangana, sociology major; Leah Picone, professional sales major; and Mariah Smith.

Wedding and engagement announcements are published by the Times, free of charge, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Engagement announcements must be submitted at least three months prior to the scheduled wedding date, which must be included. Wedding announcements will not be accepted more than six months after the wedding date. Blackand-white photos will reproduce better than color. Please include a daytime telephone number to contact in case of questions.

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

MUSIC NOTES Joyce J. Davis Joyce J. Davis (nee Watson), 83, of Aurora, died Feb. 21 at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights.

The daughter of Adam and Hazel Joyce (nee Munkley) Watson, she was born on April 20, 1928 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She attended St. James Collegiate Institute and Angus School of Commerce in Winnipeg.

She worked for Trans-Canada Airlines before moving to California in 1949. She was then employed by the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles.

Mrs. Davis became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1954. She enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom for her three children, then returned to work when her children were all school-aged, working as a secretary for the Roland Heights School District until her retirement.

She had recently relocated to northeast Ohio to live near her daughter and family. She was a deacon in East Whittier Presbyterian Church, a 30-year volunteer at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier and a member of Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Solon.

She was married to Ken Davis on June 28, 1952; he preceded her in death in 1998.

She is survived by her children, Scott (Heidi) Davis, of Bakersfield, Calif., Kerri (Jeff) Peterson-Davis, of

Solon, and Randy Davis, of Irvine, Calif; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service was held Feb. 25. Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Solon. Donations may be made to The Joyce Davis Memorial Fund, c/o Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church, 35100 Solon Road, Solon 44139 or The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, 1600 S. Wayne, Auburn, IN 46706.

Margaret Mary Fay Margaret Mary Fay (nee O’Brien), 79, of Chagrin Falls, died Feb. 8.

She was born June 18, 1933.

Mrs. Fay is survived by her husband, Robert Joseph; children, John Joseph (Karen) Fay, Marianne (David) Sanders, Patricia (Sean) Foehr and Meghan (Matthew) Roddy; three grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Duggan and Patricia Doyle; brothers, Neil, Joseph and Daniel O’Brien.

She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Edward and sister, Marie Toohig.

A mass of Christian burial was held Feb. 11 at St. Joan of Arc Church in Chagrin Falls. Burial was in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve or St. Joan of Arc Helping Hand Fund, 496 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls 44022.

ORANGE VILLAGE HALL, 4600 Lander Road, Orange: “All Franz Schubert — With Many Variations,” chamber music concert featuring soprano Jun Eun Oh and clarinetist Boris Allakhverdyan, 4 p.m. March 18, tickets $20, patrons $40, students $10.

Call 216-702-7047, reservations recommended.

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Easter Campus Auditorium, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills: Tri-C East Orchestra presents a European sampler, 3 p.m. March 10, free admission.

Pancake breakfasts WEST GEAUGA KIWANIS CLUB: Sundays, March 4 to 25, West Geauga High School. All-you-can-eat blueberry, buttermilk and buckwheat pancakes, French toast, maple syrup, sausage and beverage.

Cost is $7, children 6 to 11 $3.50, 5 and under free. Serving time is 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

AUBURN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: Sunday, March 4, Auburn Fire Station. All-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and beverage. Cost is $6, seniors $5, children $4. Serving time is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 440-343-0064.

CHAGRIN FALLS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION: Sunday, March 4, Chagrin Falls Middle School cafeteria. All-you-caneat regular, blueberry and chocolate-chip pancakes, maple syrup, sausage and beverage. Cost is $8 at the door or $6 in advance, children 5 and under free. Serving time is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 440-336-2210.

BURTON-MIDDLEFIELD ROTARY: Sundays, March 4 to 25, Berkshire High School. All-you-can-eat pancakes with Geauga County maple syrup. Cost is $8,

children 4 to 10 $5, omelets $3. Serving time is 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

BURTON ATWOOD-MAUCK AMERICAN LEGION POST: Sundays, March 4 to 27. All-you-can-eat pancakes, maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes and beverage. Cost is $8, children $5. Serving time is 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call 440-3431478.

HAMBDEN GRANGE: Sundays, March 4 and 18, 9778 Old State Road. Pancakes with maple syrup, corn fritters, sausage, bacon and beverage. Cost is $6, children 10 and under $3. Serving time is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CHARDON EAGLES LADIES AUXILIARY: Sundays, March 4 to April 22 (except Easter, April 8), 317 Water St., Chardon.

Plain, apple or blueberry pancakes and syrup, eggs cooked to order, sausage or bacon, home fries, toast and beverage.

Maple Festival weekend, April 28-29, pancakes and sausage only. Cost is $6-$7, children $3-$3.50. Serving time is 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 440-286-9921.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Post tells WWII story

classes and the church school, leading to more in-depth and formal Bible study classes offered at the church.

The community is welcome to participate in the reading of “The Story” and join in the discussions at the church.

For more information on either program, call the church office at 440-2477406. The church is at 6295 Chagrin River Road in Bentleyville.

The Lord of Light Lutheran Church in Bainbridge hosted the “Four Chaplains” service on Feb. 25. Mantua American Legion Post 193 presented the moving World War II story of four chaplains who gave up their life jackets to save four soldiers when the USS Dorchester was torpedoed and sunk.

Post Commander Robert Gharky of Garrettsville was in charge of the presentation, with assistance from the Legion Auxiliary Unit 193 of Mantua.

Concert sings praises

Open for reflection Valley Lutheran Church will be open to the community for reflection and prayer from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays through April 6.

During Lent the congregation is focusing on Christ’s journey to the cross based on the “Journey to Hope” sermon series.

The church’s Lenten worship services will explore the trials of Jesus at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through March 28.

Like a courtroom drama, a series of witnesses will come forward to give testimony about their experiences with the accused, Jesus Christ. Services include dramatic monologues, hymns, prayers and children’s messages.

“The Voice of Judas” was performed on Feb. 29. The rest of the schedule is “The Voice of Anna” on March 7, “The Voice of Caiaphas” on March 14, “The Voice of Peter” on March 21 and “The Voice of Herod” on March 28.

The church is at 87 E. Orange St. in Chagrin Falls.

Weekday services held Beginning this week and for the season of Lent, St. Luke the Evangelist Orthodox Christian Church is having special weekday Lenten services at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Wednesday evenings will focus on the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

Friday evenings will be about Little Compline with the Akathist Hymn.

All services are at 31 S. Franklin St. #6 in Chagrin Falls. Call 440-591-1030 for more information.

Talks on faith “Communities in Conversation” is a simple idea for a program with powerful potential. The conversations focus on the Abrahamic faith traditions — Judaism, Christianity and Islam — and expand the conversations beyond the halls of academe and the centers of organized religion into the community.

A conscious effort is made to keep the venue neutral and the facilitators are non-clergy, so that all may be comfortable to participate and share their own experiences.

The conversations will take place at

Photo by Itamar Gat

Mantua American Legion Post 193 led the Four Chaplain Program at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Bainbridge on Feb. 26. Mike Rowe, of Hiram (left) and Jesse Crate, of Garretsville, participate in a prisoners of war/missing in action remembrance. the Chagrin Falls Library from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on consecutive Thursdays, March 1 through 29.

The program is free, but advanced registration is required. For further information, contact the library at 440247-3556. A free study guide will be provided upon registration.

Lenten programs open St. Martin’s Episcopal Church is hosting a special Lenten program lecture series. The focus is on following Christ and being faithful stewards of Christianity.

Each Friday during Lent, a supper that includes soup and salad will be served from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the lecture from 7 to 8 p.m. A different speaker will be featured each week.

This is a free event and is open to the public.

The church also is embarking on a journey through “The Story,” which is the Bible presented in the narative form of a novel, continuous from creation though Revelations.

“The Story” consists of 31 chapters following the text of the New Internationa Version of the Bible.

Versions have been created for adults, teens and three levels for younger children so that everyone in the parish can read together the same story as one church, one story.

The first chapter was started on Ash Wednesday, and the book will continue to be read one chapter each week. It will be discussed within families, in small group sessions, adult education

Mayfield United Methodist Church will hold its annual Lenten concert at its 11 a.m. service on March 4.

Through studied scripture and classical repertoire, the Chancel Choir and Wesley Bell Choir will present a musical and dramatic interpretation of the Stations of the Cross as the congregation meditates on the last hours of Christ’s life. Beginning with the condemnation of Jesus Christ, participants may explore the journey he endured and join in praising him through song for his everlasting gift.

The church is at 7747 Mayfield Road (at Caves Road) in Chesterland. Call 440-729-4006 for information.

Purim celebrated The public is invited to celebrate Purim at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, 23737 Fairmount Blvd. in Beachwood.

The PurimSpiel for grown-ups, Occupy Shusan!, will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 7. Ditch the groggers for political parody in a musical spiel, followed by heaps of hamantaschen.

At 10:30 a.m. March 11, the PurimSpeil for families is titled Elvis Goes Ga Ga for the Ladies of Rock. With a cast of very talented and enthusiastic Fairmount Temple members, the story of Esther and the King is told through tunes attendees will recognize.

Fairmount Temple’s annual Purim carnival will be held from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. March 11. It will include games, moonwalk, bungee run, a petting zoo, a velcro wall, food and prizes.

Healing service set The Federated Church will hold an evening of Healing on March 7.

The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. for those who whish to come for fellowship in the narthex and the chapel will be available for quiet prayer and meditation.

A healing service will begin at 7 p.m. in the chapel. Afterwards, a gathering on the indoor labyrinth will be in Fellowship Hall for Taize singing, annointing, reike, prayers for healing and communion.

The church is at 76 Bell St. in Chagrin Falls.

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Pilgrimage is focus Cuvilly House, the Sisters of Notre Dame Center for Young Adults, is sponsoring a special Lenten series, Pilgrimage of the Heart.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other young adults, learn the essence of pilgrimage and receive some guidance for making their own pilgrimage during Lent.

The film, “Trade,” a story of a young teen who is trafficked and the journey her brother makes to save her will be shown at 7 p.m. March 9.

“The Way” is a film of a story of Tom, a grieving father who makes a pilgrimage to the Pyrenees in honor of his late son and experiences a major epiphany during his journey. The film will be shown at 7 p.m. March 23.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Sister Kate Hine at 216-486-5555.

‘Barr’els of fun Congregation Kol Chadash will begin a new monthly early childhood Shabbat experience: BARRels of Fun with cantor Laurel Barr.

The first program will be in celebration of Purim at 6:30 p.m. March 9.

Participants should come dressed in costume and join Ms. Barr in an interactive Purim celebration geared to young people ages 5 and under. This Laurel event is free and open to Barr the community.

Congregation Kol Chadash is located at 6545 SOM Center Road in Solon. For more information, call 440-263-5571.

Agnon series continues As part of the 2011-2012 Agnon Adult Learning Series, Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk of Fairmount Temple will lead a class titled “Pesach, Omer & Shavuot: From Freedom to Revelation.”

This is one of 13 classes offered by Agnon during the 2011-2012 school year. This learning series is dedicated to bringing Rabbi important Judaic, parentRobert ing, ethics and education Nosanchuk information to the community.

The class will be held at 8:30 a.m.

March 14 at The Agnon School, 26500 Shaker Blvd. in Beachwood. This adult education class is free and open to the community.

For more event information, contact Laura Simon, director of admissions, at 216-464-4055, ext. 106.

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Friday CITIZENS ADVOCATING RESPONSIBLE ENERGY holds an all-you-can-eat fish fry fundraiser from 5-7:30 p.m. at Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison Road.

Admission is $9 per adult, ages 6 to 12 are $4 and under 6 are free. No reservations are needed, and carry-out is available. Proceeds fund CARE’s mission of preservation and conservation of natural spaces and productive farmland. Call Jim Galm at 216-346-0782 or Brian Ross at 440-715-3670.

ORANGE SENIOR CENTER, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike, offers Cardio and Core at 9:15 a.m. and drop-in bridge at 12:30 p.m. Call 216831-8601, ext. 5700.

SEEDS PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE is from 10 a.m.-noon at 10621 Auburn Road, Chardon. The open house is free and open to the public for this nonprofit preschool. Call Nancy Jensen at 440321-7158.

Saturday GEAUGA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS offer the “Art and Science of Pruning” from 9-11 a.m. in the Geauga County OSU Extension Office, Patterson Center, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road in Burton. Learn the proper pruning techniques and when, how, where and why of pruning all your landscape plants and trees. Fee is $15. Light refreshments are served, and handouts are provided. To register, call 440834-4656.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE is at: Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Parkway, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Advent Lutheran Church, 7985 Munson Road, Mentor, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

To donate blood, call 800-733-2767.

CHAGRIN VALLEY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY meets from 7:30-10 p.m. in the lodge at Sunnybrook Preserve, 12474 Heath Road, Chester. Open to all with an interest in astronomy.

Call 440-286-9516.

BEDFORD RESERVATION offers a guided onemile hike to explore Viaduct Park from 10-11 a.m.

View the Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek, a 200-foot drop over two miles with a steep-walled gorge.

Coffee and cocoa served upon return. Meet at Willis Picnic Area. Call 216-341-3152.

BIG CREEK PARK of the Geauga Park District, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon, presents “Living History: John Muir” from 1:30-3 p.m. in the Cherry Room. Naturalist John Kolar channels Mr. Muir in this indoor-outdoor program of stories and a short hike to discover Geauga’s natural wonders. Free and open to all ages with no registration required.

Call 440-286-9516.

NORTH CHAGRIN NATURE CENTER, off SOM Center Road in Mayfield, hosts a program on coyotes from 1-2:15 p.m. Learn about their habitats and how to live with them. A short hike follows an indoor presentation. Free and open to the public.

Call 440-473-3370.

Sunday SOUTH CHAGRIN RESERVATION hosts naturalist Mindy Murdock and the Naturepiece Theatre puppets to welcome back spring during “Good Morning, Robin” from 1-2 p.m. in Look About Lodge, 37374 Miles Road, Bentleyville. Suitable for children age 6 and under with an adult, the program explains why birds sing, explores bird eggs and nests, and children make a craft to take home. To register, call 440-247-7075.

FRIENDS OF BURTON PUBLIC LIBRARY book sale is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Enter through the white door at the back of the building. Call 440-8344466.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN hosts state Sen. Michael J. Skindell, D-Lakewood, to serve as moderator for a panel discussion including industry experts and concerned area citizens on the safety issues concerning hydraulic fracturing in Ohio titled, “What the Frack?” from 3-6 p.m. in Harris Hall at United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls, 20 S. Franklin St. Call 440-247-5848.

NORTH CHAGRIN NATURE CENTER, off SOM Center Road in Mayfield, hosts an easy, two-mile walk for adults and families in search of spring birds from 9-11 a.m. Some binoculars are available to borrow. Free and open to the public. Call 440-473-3370.

SHAKER HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 16740 S. Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, presents a program on the Shaker Farm Historic District at 4 p.m. Free and open to the public, the program coincides with the society’s exhibits on the history of Shaker Heights. Call 216-921-1201.

Monday WEST GEAUGA SENIOR CENTER offers a sixweek Healthy U class at the Weils of Bainbridge beginning today. Learn techniques to manage your chronic diseases and health. Call the Weils to register at 440-543-4221.

BURTON PUBLIC LIBRARY, 14588 W. Park St., on Burton Square, hosts a program for fishing enthusiasts at 7 p.m. Dan Pribanic, of Chagrin River Outfitters, presents an hour of fishing instruction with some tips and methods. Free and open to the public. To register, call 440-834-4466.

ORANGE SENIOR CENTER, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike, offers the following programs: Cardio and Core, 9:15 a.m.; drop-in bridge, 9:30 a.m.; line dance, 1:30 p.m.; and Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 2 p.m. Call 216-831-8601, ext. 5700.

Tuesday CHARDON SENIOR CENTER, 12555 Ravenwood Drive, Munson, hosts Holly’s Hearing Aid Center to provide free hearing screenings and hearing aid checks from 9:30-11:30 a.m. To schedule an appointment, call 440-279-2137.

WEST GEAUGA SENIOR CENTER Red Hat group and guests will carpool to Lake Farmpark to view the quilt show. Leave the senior center at 10 a.m. and lunch while there. Lunch and entrance fee on your own. Register by calling 440-7292782.

ORANGE SENIOR CENTER, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike, offers the following programs: morning painting, 9 a.m.; ball exercise, 9:15 a.m.; Tai Chi, 1:30 p.m. Call 216-831-8601, ext. 5700.

Wednesday GEAUGA COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT children and adolescent immunization clinic is from 911:30 a.m. at 470 Center St., Building 8, Chardon.

Free for Geauga County residents; nonresidents pay $5 per child per visit. Bring immunization records with you. Call 440-279-1950.

MIDDLEFIELD SENIOR CENTER, 15820 Ridgewood Drive, hosts Holly’s Hearing Center to perform free hearing screenings beginning at 9:30 a.m. Appointments are required. Call 440632-0611.

ORANGE SENIOR CENTER, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike, offers the following programs: Cardio and Core, 9:15 a.m.; handwork, noon; and Zumba Gold, 1:30 p.m. Call 216-831-8601, ext.

5700.

Thursday GEAUGA COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT children and adolescent immunization clinic is from 3-6 p.m. at 470 Center St., Building 8, Chardon. Free for Geauga County residents; nonresidents pay $5 per child per visit. Bring immunization records with you. Call 440-279-1950.

2012 HEALTHY SOLON WELLNESS EXPERIENCE PROGRAM is held from 6-8 p.m. at the Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Parkway.

Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic, activities, wellness screenings and health talks are free and open to those 18 and older. Solon Community Center membership is not required. Program is “Boot Camp Circuit.”

WEST GEAUGA SENIOR CENTER, 11414 Caves Road, Chester, hosts Bob Debevits, of the Geauga Department on Aging, to talk about the chore and home-maintenance program and how to stay safe in your home. Call 440-729-2782 for details.

SWINE CREEK RESERVATION, 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield, hosts “Timbertots: Maple Sugar Time!” for ages 3 to 5 with adult from 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. Collect sap with small buckets and visit the sugarhouse to learn how maple syrup is made. Dress for the weather. Snow boots are encouraged. Call 440-286-9516.

THOMPSON SENIOR CENTER, 8091 Plank Road, hosts the card making club at 9 a.m.

Donation is 50 cents per card. Call 440-298-3822.

NORTH CHAGRIN NATURE CENTER, off SOM Center Road in Mayfield, hosts a guided nighttime 1.75-mile trek on the Castle Valley and Hickory Fox trails under the Worm Moon from 7:30-9 p.m.

Suitable for adults and older children. Call 440473-3370.

HUDSON LIBRARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY presents “Memory Difficulties: Beyond the Changes With Normal Aging” at 7 p.m. Memory specialist Kathryn Kilpatrick gives a discussion about recognizing memory changes due to normal aging and those who need further assessment. Free and open to the public. Call 330-6536658, ext. 1010.

WEST WOODS NATURE CENTER, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell, hosts the “Food: What do Farms Have to do With It?” series from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jim and Penny Timmons, of Farview Farm in Burton, discuss their award-winning family farm, dairy and grain operation since 1978, now producing corn, wheat, soybeans, hay and maple syrup. The program is free and open to the public, ages 12 and older. Sharing of local foods is welcome. Registration is not required. Call 440-2869516.

ORANGE SENIOR CENTER, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike, offers the following programs: blood-pressure screenings, 9:30 a.m.; strength and stretch, 10:15 a.m.; and Food Addicts in Recovery, 2 p.m. Call 216-831-8601, ext. 5700.

Next Friday CITIZENS ADVOCATING RESPONSIBLE ENERGY holds an all-you-can-eat fish fry fundraiser from 5-7:30 p.m. at Montville

Community Center, 9755 Madison Road.

Admission is $9 per adult, ages 6 to 12 are $4 and under 6 are free. No reservations are needed and carry-out is available. Proceeds fund CARE’s mission of preservation and conservation of natural spaces and productive farmland. Call Jim Galm at 216-346-0782 or Brian Ross at 440-715-3670.

ORANGE SENIOR CENTER, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike, offers the following programs: Cardio and Core, 9:15 a.m., drop-in bridge, 12:30 p.m.; and Lunch Bunch, 1:30 p.m., at First Watch in Solon. Call 216-831-8601, ext. 5700.

SOUTH CHAGRIN RESERVATION presents Eye on the Environment Film Series: “Play Again” at 7 p.m. at Look About Lodge, 37374 Miles Road, Bentleyville. Witness today’s disconnect between children and nature and see what happens when six teenagers are unplugged and taken on their first wilderness adventure. Free and open to ages 14 and over. Call 440-247-7075.

Coming Up WEST WOODS NATURE CENTER, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell, presents an update on the Orchard Hills restoration vernal pool and stream research from 2:30-3:15 p.m. March 10.

Suitable for school-age children and older, registration is not required. Call 440-286-9516.

GEAUGA LYRIC THEATER GUILD, 101 Water St., Chardon, present a stage combat demonstration from 1:30-3 p.m. March 10. Actors demonstrate stage combat, both unarmed and with weapons, and show how they perform fights realistically and safely. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Call 440-285-7701 for information or tickets.

CHAGRIN FALLS LIBRARY, 100 E. Orange St., welcomes Bill Rowe to present and discuss Thom Hartmann’s book “Unequal Protection: How Corporations Became ‘People’ and How You Can Fight Back” from 10 a.m.-noon March 10.

Sponsored by Patriots for Change, the event is free and open to the public. Call Jana Theis at 440-247-6740.

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT “Tree Tappers Ball” is held from 7:30-10:30 p.m. March 10 at Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road.

Celebrate the maple season with the annual oldfashioned square dance. Dances are taught in fun fashion and all levels are invited. Buddy Sap and the Sour Notes provides old-time string band music. Steps combine square and line dances.

Dress casually. Registration is required for this free event. Call 440-286-9516. Also, “Maple Madness Tour” is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 10, 11, 17 and 18. Maps are available for this drive-ityourself tour of local maple sugaring operations.

Free and open to all ages. For tour information, call 440-834-1415.

SOUTH CHAGRIN RESERVATION hosts a three-part art workshop for ages 14 and older, “The Elements of Nature: Part 1, 2 and 3,” from 9 a.m.-noon today, March 17 and 24 at Look About Lodge, 37374 Miles Road, Bentleyville. Take a close look at the natural environment and learn different techniques for rendering these elements in a variety of artistic media. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all three parts. Fee is $20 for supplies for all three sessions, and registration is required by March 7. Also, “Nature Journaling Through the Seasons” is from 1-3 p.m.

March 10 at Look About Lodge. Reflect and record in a nature journal your observations of the subtle and not-so-subtle changes in the seasons.

Fee is $20 for first-time participants, and registration is required by March 7 for this program suitable for ages 12 and older. Bring a camera and binoculars, if you choose. To register, call 440247-7075.

SWINE CREEK RESERVATION, 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield, hosts “Timbertots: Maple

Danielle Gibson, of Bainbridge, has been accepted to Ashland University and awarded an ambassador scholarship. She is a senior at Kenston High School. *** Joseph McVeen and Garrett Warren, of Bainbridge, were named to the dean’s list for fall semester at the University of Toledo. *** The following students from Auburn received degrees during fall commencement at Kent State University: Jennifer Fear, B.S. in nursing; Teri Gordon, associate of arts and sciences with distinction; James Heiman, M.B.A.; Sarah Matsko, master of education; and Kelsey McConnell, B.S. in education, magna cum laude. *** Benjamin Austin and Anna Rungwerth, of

Sugar Time!” for ages 3 to 5 with adult from 10-11 a.m. March 10. Collect sap with small buckets, visit the sugarhouse and learn how maple syrup is made. Outdoor program so dress for the weather. Registration is required. Also, “Sap’s-a-Risin’” is held from noon-4 p.m. March 11. Visit the sugarhouse, sugarbush and lodge, help gather sap in the sugarbush, enjoy historical interactions and costumed interpreters, see sap boiling and taste test, then warm up with live music and maple treats in the lodge. Free and open to the public with no registration required. Call 440-286-9516.

FRIENDS OF BURTON PUBLIC LIBRARY book sale is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 11. Enter through the white door at the back of the building. Call 440-834-4466.

NORTH CHAGRIN NATURE CENTER, off SOM Center Road, in Mayfield hosts “Birds and Coffee” from 9-11 a.m. March 11. View birds visiting the feeders and sip on hot coffee. Learn how to attract birds to your own backyard and discuss bird behaviors. Registration is required, call 440-4733370.

SHAKER HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 16740 S. Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, presents a program, “Connecting Cleveland to Shaker Heights: The Building of the Shaker Rapid and Terminal Tower” at 4 p.m. March 11. Free and open to the public, the program coincides with the society’s exhibits on the history of Shaker Heights. Call 216-9211201.

MIDDLEFIELD SENIOR CENTER, 15820 Ridgewood Drive, offers free tax preparation by appointment only beginning at 9 a.m. March 12.

Call 440-632-0611 for appointments. Also, the free Diabetic Support Group meets at 12:30 p.m.

March 13 for a discussion on coping skills led by a speaker from University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.

ORANGE SENIOR CENTER, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike, offers the following programs March 12: podiatry, 9 a.m.; drop-in bridge, 9:30 a.m.; and Food Addicts in Recovery, 2 p.m. On March 13, low vision is at 1 p.m.. Call 216-8318601, ext. 5700.

GEAUGA COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY hosts Sandra Mueller to present “Memories of Crystal Beach” following the business meeting at 7 p.m. at Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St. An author of a book on the Vermillion, Ohio, park, she is the granddaughter of the founders. Open to the public. Call Eileen Zavarella at 440-729-0536.

CHARDON SENIOR CENTER travels to Kent State University Geauga Campus for a health fair on March 13. Transportation from the senior center is limited. Lunch at Zeppe’s in Newbury. For details or reservations by March 6, call 440-2792131. Also, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at O’Reilly’s Pub on March 16. After a traditional lunch of corned beef and cabbage, Geauga Renaissance presents a program of familiar Irish songs. Reservations for lunch must be made by March 6. Call 440-279-2130.

CONCORD-LEROY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE luncheon is from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

March 14 at Quail Hollow Resort in Concord.

Marketing communications experts from McKinney-Cerne Inc. advertising and public relations present strategies to help businesses grow in today’s environment. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers, and reservations are due March 7. Call 440-319-1105.

THOMPSON SENIOR CENTER, 8091 Plank Road, monthly breakfast is at 9 a.m. March 15.

Cost is $3 per person for potato pancakes and more with an Irish flair. Reservations are due March 6. Call 440-298-3822.

GEAUGA DEPARTMENT ON AGING “Healthy Counties” initiative hosts a fun afternoon of activities for the body — Hoops and March Madness on March 16 at Chagrin Falls Senior Center gymnasium, 7060 Woodland Ave., Bainbridge. Lunch is $5. For reservations, call 440-247-8510.

Chagrin Falls, were named to the dean’s list for fall quarter at DePaul University in Chicago. *** The following students from Chagrin Falls were named to the dean’s list for fall quarter at the University of Cincinnati: Ian Appelbaum, Evren Aricanli, Samantha Clyde, Melissa Davis and Christian Lange. *** Parker T. Kuivila, son of Thomas and Janet Kuivila, of Chagrin Falls, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Duke University, Durham, N.C. The 2009 Chagrin Falls High School graduate is majoring in electrical and computer engineering and computer science and has been selected to intern at the management level this summer at Microsoft in Seattle. ***

Randall Toth, son of Cindy and Tim Toth, of Auburn, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Gannon University, Erie, Pa. The 2011 Kenston High School graduate is majoring in humanities, education and social sciences. *** Mia Manfredi and Andrew Tucker, of Chagrin Falls, were named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Denison University in Granville. *** Brenda Anekwe, of Solon, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Baldwin-Wallace College. *** Jason Kovach, Robert Sickling and Rebecca Soja, of Bainbridge, were named to the dean’s list for fall quarter at the University of Cincinnati.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

The following students from Chester were named to the dean’s list for fall quarter at the University of Cincinnati: Michael Buettner, Charles Ebersbacher, Mary Lodwick, Ashley Messina, Rachel Saiger, Lori Sobolewski, Sara South, Zachary Stone, Stacey Szczepanik, Jamie Todd, Jessica Werbeach, Brianna Ziganti and Kathleen Zucco. *** Taylor Klassman, of Pepper Pike, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Denison University in Granville. *** Ryan Coyne, of Chagrin Falls, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa. He is a junior

majoring in theology. *** Amanda Hess, of Bainbridge, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Baldwin-Wallace College. *** The following students from Chester were named to the dean’s list for fall semester at the University of Toledo: Dayna Boes, astronomy major; Clint Hardman, pre-business major; Caitlyn Keil, recreational therapy major; Leah Marous, early childhood education major; and Julia Waite, chemical engineering major. *** Kaila Parker, of Solon, was named to the dean’s list for fall quarter at DePaul University in Chicago. ***

ADOLESCENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL programs and treatment, Ravenwood Mental Health Center, Geauga County. Early Warnings intervention and education for adolescents with first-time alcohol or drug-related charges and parents, conducted monthly. Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program for adolescents with diagnosed addiction to substances, 3:30-7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. Call 440-286-1631 for registration or intake.

AL-ANON beginners meet at 7:30 p.m., meeting at 8 p.m. each Monday at Fellowship Bible Church in Bainbridge. Call 216-621-1381.

AL-ANON OF CHAGRIN VALLEY meets Wednesday at 8 p.m., beginners at 7:30 p.m., at the Federated Church, room 320, in Chagrin Falls. Call 216-621-1381.

AL-ANON NEW DAWN GROUP meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Fellowship Bible Church in Bainbridge. Beginners meet at 9:30 a.m.

Babysitting available. Call 216-621-1381.

AL-ANON SOLON CHARITY meets at 10 a.m. each Thursday at Solon Community Church.

Babysitting available. Call 216-621-1381.

AL-ANON SUNDAY NITE discussion group meets from 7-8 p.m. each Sunday in the basement of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Bentleyville.

ALATEEN meets each Monday evening at BRC, 8312 E. Washington St. in Bainbridge. Call 216374-7522.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION support groups meet at the following times and locations: 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the Liberty, 12350 Bass Lake Road, Munson; 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Lord of Life Church, 17989 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge; 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester; 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Stratford Commons, 7000 Cochran Road, Solon; 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St.; 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the Church of St. Mary, 401 North St., Chardon; 6:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at Arden Courts, 8100 E. Washington St., Bainbridge. Call 440-974-7785 or 800-272-3900.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 383 meets second Wednesday of the month at Chagrin Falls Eagles Club at 7:45 p.m. Call Alan Pearch, 440-2476320.

AMERICAN SEWING GUILD Maple Stitchers meets from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at the Munson Community Room.

Sews Group meets from 6-8 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Maple Heights Library.

Call Lois Fabian at 440-352-0813.

BAINBRIDGE MEN’S CIVIC CLUB meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month, except July and August, at Bainbridge Town Hall. Call 440-543-5991.

BAINBRIDGE WOMEN’S CLUB meets at the Burns-Lindow Building at 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month September through May. Call Jodi Shankweiler, 440-543-2267.

BARIATRIC SURGERY SUPPORT GROUP for both pre- and post-surgery patients meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month at Solon United Methodist Church, 5540 SOM Center Road. Call 440-668-8832.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 150 meets Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Federated Church, Chagrin Falls.

Contact Karl Axthelm, 440-338-7824.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 428 meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at St. Rita’s School family room in Solon.

Call Jack Wyban at 440-349-4444.

BROKEN WHEEL SQUARE DANCE CLUB hosts lessons from 7-9 p.m. each Monday at Kirtland Middle School for ages 10 to 90, solo dancers, as well as couples. The cost is $4 per lesson, $10 per family. Call 440-285-8477.

B SLIM 4 HIM CLASS, an ongoing support group for all types of eating disorders, meets from 12:15-1:15 p.m. every Sunday at Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester.

BUSINESS REFERRAL CONNECTION meets from 7:30-8:30 a.m. each Tuesday at Lakeland Community College to assist small-business own-

Joshua Siegal, of Orange, was named to the dean’s list for fall quarter at the University of Cincinnati. *** Katherine Fitzgerald, of Chester, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Denison University in Granville. *** The following students from Solon received degrees during fall commencement at Kent State University: Jessica Esborn and Theresa Horvath, B.S. in education, cum laude; Katelyn Holliday, B.S. in nursing, magna cum laude; Derek Spencer, B.A., magna cum laude; Heather Thomas, B.S., cum laude; Louis Bobnar and Chet Walker, B.S.; Nancy Mocsiran,

ers, entrepreneurs and professionals in Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties in growth and development.

CHAGRIN VALLEY ALATEEN meets at 8 p.m. each Monday at Fellowship Bible Church in Bainbridge. This is a closed, accessible meeting.

Call 216-374-7522.

CHAGRIN VALLEY COIN CLUB meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Advent Lutheran Church in Solon. Call 440-3492206 or 216-328-8549.

CHAGRIN VALLEY JOB SEEKERS meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month from 7:30-9 p.m. at Pioneer Memorial Church, 35100 Solon Road, Solon. Call Greg Reynolds, 440-2482181, or Jim Grant, 248-6042.

CHAGRIN VALLEY QUILTERS GUILD meets the second Monday of each month at the Chagrin Falls Library, 100 E. Orange St., 6:30 p.m. hospitality, 7 p.m. program. No meetings in July and August. Call 440-526-2765.

CHAGRIN VALLEY TOASTMASTERS meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Chagrin Falls Library. Guest are welcome. Call Fred Current at 216-378-0545.

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION Lake-Geauga chapter, Christ’s Crusaders, meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Hambden Town Hall. Call Rich Svoboda at 440286-3349.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CLUB-CLEVELAND EAST meets from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Chagrin Valley Country Club. The cost is $16 for the program and luncheon. Call 440-248-4914 or 440-338-3384 for reservations.

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Molly Chittenden chapter meets the third Saturday of the month at Hamlet Village Club House in Chagrin Falls. Call 440-729-3221.

DAUGHTERS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Westminister chapter meets the fourth Thursday of the month in Lyndhurst. Call 440-248-7298.

DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP for those separated or divorced meets at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of the month at the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls. Call 440-247-6490.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB meets every Tuesday at the Solon Valley Party Center, lesson at 10:30 a.m., game at 11 a.m. Call Rosemary Kleis, 440-248-8735.

EASTLAKE COIN CLUB meets at 7:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the JFK Eastlake Senior Center. Visitors welcome. Call 216-8611160 or 440-205-1199.

ELDERLIFE meets at 2 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls. Elders exercise is at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Bridge is at 1:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesday; signup required. Call 440247-6490.

FOOD ADDICTS IN RECOVERY ANONYMOUS meets at the following times and locations: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Hillcrest Hospital Medical Building auditorium, 6780 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, call 216-308-0005 or 216-440-8889; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. Friday and 2 p.m.

Sunday, Church of the Resurrection, 32001 Cannon Road, Solon, call 216-406-2531, 216288-7612 or 216-321-0817; 7 a.m. Tuesday, Church of the Good Shepherd, 23599 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst, call 216-235-4397 or 216-4408889; 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11519 Wilson Mills Road, Munson, call 216-280-6898, 440-227-4879 or 330-819-5028; 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, South Pointe Hospital, Building B, 20000 Harvard Ave., Warrensville Heights, call 216-751-1592; 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Temple Tifereth Israel, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, call 216-513-1253 or 440-247-1592.

FORMER SCOUTS meet at 9 a.m. to last Wednesday of each month to swap stories at Hamlet Atrium in Chagrin Falls. Call Art Kvacek at 440-6222.

GEAUGA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM programs include: Knit and Crochet Group, 10:30 a.m.-noon first and third Saturday of the month at the Chardon Library; Knit and Crochet, 10-11:30 a.m. the second and fourth Thursday at Geauga

master of library science; and Molly Kravitz, M.S. *** The following students from Solon were named to the dean’s list for fall quarter at the University of Cincinnati: Rachel Bell, Luke Coan, Isabelle Deconingh, Sean Fischer, Benjamin Koontz, Lori Kowit, Chelsea Kranz, Spencer Nelson, Matthew Robbins, Brian Shellhaas and Dominique Williams. *** Amanda Layman, of Bainbridge, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at the University of Mount Union in Alliance. She is a 2011 graduate of Kenston High School. *** Robbie Vacik, son of Bob and Nelda Vacik, of

Auburn, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Malone University in Canton. He is an resident assistant and a history major. *** Douglas Pilawa, son of Donna Pilawa, of Chester, and Dennis Pilawa, of Chardon, earned term honors for fall semester at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. *** Jessica Zollinger, of Bentleyville, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at Elon University, Elon, N.C. The 2008 Chagrin Falls High School graduate is a senior majoring in human services and public health. *** Katie Shirilla, of

West Library; Knitting-n-Crocheting Club, 10 a.m.noon the second Saturday at the Middlefield Library. Call 440-286-6811.

GEAUGA COUNTY MEMORY LOSS Support Groups meet at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 17989 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge; 6:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday at Arden Courts, 8100 E. Washington St., Bainbridge; 7 p.m. the third Wednesday at the Geauga Multi-Purpose Senior Center, 12555 Ravenwood Drive, Munson; and 7 p.m. the second Wednesday at Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester. Call 440-942-7651 or 800-272-3900.

GEAUGA FAMILY FIRST COUNCIL meets at 2 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Geauga County Board of Mental Health offices, 13244 Ravenna Road, Munson, or Geauga County Job and Family Services, 12480 Ravenwood Drive, Munson. Call 440-285-1201.

GREATER CLEVELAND CHAPTER OF SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL meets every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Independence Methodist Church. Call 440-232-3849.

GROW NEO PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP meets at 5 p.m. each Thursday at the Landerwood Crossing Building, 31099 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike, third-floor conference room. Guests welcome. Call Rose Ferraro at 440-336-1753.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY is building in the Chardon area and needs volunteers. Call 440564-5848.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER hosts Israeli folk dancing from 8-10:20 p.m. Wednesday. Call 216-831-0700.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION offers an overcoming powerlessness group and a support group for abused women on a regular basis. For more information Call Jennifer Roth, 216-378-3406.

KIWANIS CLUB OF CHARDON meets the first, third and fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the New York Deli in Chardon and at Big Creek Park in the summer. Call David Browne, 440-285-8655.

KIWANIS CLUB OF LANDER CIRCLE meets every Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Garfield Memorial United Methodist Church, Pepper Pike. Call Franklin Coy, 440-247-4592.

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF GEAUGA meets from 10 a.m.-noon the second Thursday of each month at the Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. Call 440-358-1632.

LANDER CIRCLE AA meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m., every Friday at 7:30 p.m. and every Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at Garfield Memorial United Methodist Church in Pepper Pike. Call 216-8311566.

LANDER CIRCLE BOY SCOUT TROOP 309 meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m., and Cub Scout Pack 309 meets on designated days at Garfield Memorial United Methodist Church, Pepper Pike.

No meetings in June, July and August. Call 440247-0269 or 216-831-1566.

LIFE AFTER LOSS SUPPORT GROUP meets every two to three months at Care Corp., 831 South St., Chardon. Call Ann Jardine at 440-2862273 for more information.

NAMI GEAUGA CONNECTION Recovery Support Group run by and for people who live with mental illness meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Murray Center, 208 N. Hambden St., Chardon. Call 440-285-3945.

NEIGHBORING offers support groups and education on mental illness from 1:30-3 p.m.

Thursdays at Wilson Mills Road and Route 6 in Chardon. No drop-ins, and program requires screening and paperwork procedures. Call Steve Roos at 440-942-1398.

NEW CLEVELANDERS CLUB for women who have moved to the eastern suburbs meets the first Thursday of each month. Call 440-349-0889.

NON-DIET METHOD of behavior modification with Ilene Savin meets from 7:30-9 p.m. every Monday. Call 216-464-5547.

NORTH COAST COIN CLUB meets at 7:15 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Orange Library. Call 440-543-9757.

B11

Solon, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at the University of Mount Union in Alliance. She is a graduate of Solon High School. *** Alicia Blatt, of Chagrin Falls, received a B.S. in education during fall commencement at the University of Akron. *** Michael Muenster, of Gates Mills, received a degree in managementhuman resource during fall commencement at Walsh University in North Canton. *** James Black, of Chagrin Falls, was named to the dean’s list for fall semester at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

He is majoring in mechanical engineering.

ORANGE SENIOR CENTER — Monday: open bridge, ladies duplicate. First and third Monday: For massage as a stress solution with Jim Bartram, call for rates and appointments. Second and fourth Monday: podiatry services by appointment only, 9 a.m.-noon, fee $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Tuesday: painting class. Second Tuesday of the month: low-vision support, 1 p.m.; caregiver support group, fee $2. Thursday: free blood-pressure screening and ask-a-nurse service, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Friday: duplicate bridge at 12:30 p.m., call for reservations. For blood-pressure screening and ask-a-nurse service, call Fred Eberlin for reservations at 440-461-5729. General information, call 216-831-8601, ext. 5700.

PATRIOTS FOR CHANGE progressive political organization meets monthly at various times and places. Call 440-893-9308.

RENEWING HOPE, a grief-support ministry, meets at 4 p.m. the third Sunday of each month at Valley Lutheran Church, 87 E. Orange St., Chagrin Falls.

RETIRED SCOUTS meet at 9 a.m. the last Wednesday of each month at Hamlet Atrium in Chagrin Falls. Call Art Kvacek at 440-247-6222.

ROTARY CLUB OF HILLCREST meets at noon every Tuesday at Mayfield Village Civic Center.

ROTARY CLUB OF SOLON meets at 7:15 p.m. the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Freeway Lanes, 33185 Bainbridge Road, and 6:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at Signature of Solon, 39000 Signature Drive. Call Matthew Liebson at 216566-5653.

SINGLELIFE WIDOW, WIDOWER SUPPORT GROUP meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday at the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls.

Call 440-247-6490.

SOLON COMPUTER CLUB meets at 2 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Parkway. Call 440-349-6363.

SOLON HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 33975 Bainbridge Road, is open from 2-5 p.m. the second Sunday of the month and by appointment.

Call 440-248-6419.

SOLON KIWANIS CLUB meets every Monday at 6:30 p.m. for dinner at various locations. Call Doug Holub at 440-248-1244.

SOLON SENIOR CARD PLAYERS gather on Thursday evenings at the Solon Senior Center.

Call Rose Gentile at 440-248-4164.

SOLON TOPS — Take Pounds Off Sensibly — a nonprofit support group, meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Advent Lutheran Church. Call 330-963-7220.

SOLON WOMEN’S CLUB meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month, except July and August, at the Solon Senior Center. Call 440-2488592.

TAI CHI LONG FORM CLASSES, led by Sifu Edward Niam, are held from 10-11:30 a.m. each Monday for the Federated Church Elderlife group in the fellowship hall, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls.

Call 330-564-7558.

TIM’S HOUSE offers peer support groups for those who have lost loved ones to suicide from 67:30 p.m. each Thursday at 150 Court St. in Chardon. Call 440-286-4673.

TOASTMASTERS CHAGRIN VALLEY CHAPTER meets the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6:45-8:45 p.m. in the Chagrin Falls Library. Guests welcome. Call Clay Hogg, 440247-7493.

TRI-COUNTY COIN CLUB meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11519 Wilson Mills Road in Munson. Doors open at 7 p.m. Call 440-564-7142.

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS COIN CLUB meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Advent Lutheran Church, 5525 Harper Road in Solon. Guests welcome. Call 440-349-2206 or 440-247-2789.

WIDOWED SUPPORT GROUP meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of evach month in the Federated Church lounge in Chagrin Falls.

Call 440-247-6490.

WOMENSAFE support group for battered women meets at a confidential location. Call 440-2867154.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

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Chagrin Valley Times / The Solon Times

Hawks win 14th title

Swimming dynasty best in Ohio history

By TONY LANGE Winning a 14th consecutive state swimming championship last Friday, the Hawken School girls swim team now has more uninterrupted titles in one sport than any other team in Ohio high school history.

The Lady Hawks passed Lakewood St. Edward’s wrestling program, which won 13 straight titles from 1997 to 2009. Overall, it was the Lady Hawks’ 22nd state swimming championship.

Head coach Jerry Holtrey said the state title record belongs to 14 different teams. “It’s not the record of the 2012 team. They contributed one year,” he said. “The record belongs to all the teams, starting in 1999. Every team that swam from that point on deserves to get recognized.”

During the Division II state meet at Canton McKinley’s C.T. Branin Natatorium, the Lady Hawks scored 360.5 points, which bested runner-up Cincinnati Indian Hill’s 178 points.

Gilmour Academy was fifth with 131 points. Orange was 21st with 23 points.

The consecutive-title mark, however, wasn’t the only record broken. The Lady Hawks also broke two individual state records and two relay records.

Hawken’s Sarah Koucheki broke her own 100-yard butterfly record both during the preliminary session on Thursday and finals on Friday. As a sophomore last season, she set the state record with a time of 55.22. This year, Please turn to next page

Photo by Joe Maiorana/ImpactActionPhotos.com

Hawken teammates (from left) Morgan Cohara, Sarah Koucheki, Carrie Bencic, and Jordan Bitterman celebrate another state title at the OHSAA state swimming finals, C.T. Branin Natatorium on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012. The foursome won the 400-yard freestyle relay and set a new state record with a time of 3:28.56.

Comets, Lancers keep rolling Chagrin Falls nets nail-biting playoff win

By TONY LANGE Now that the easy games are out of the way, it’s time for the Solon girls

basketball team to get down to business.

The Lady Comets won their first two games of the playoffs, 101-17 and 9138, as a part of the 11-team Division I Bedford District.

Meanwhile, the Chagrin Falls girls survived a nail-biter against West Geauga during their opening round in Division II, and Gilmour Academy cruised past its first two opponents in Division III.

DIVISION I SOLON

Chagrin Falls freshman Hannah Thome learns as she goes during the Lady Tigers’ playoff run.

The Lady Comets soared to a 91-38 triumph against Garfield Heights last Saturday and advanced to play Maple Heights at 7:30 p.m. March 1 at Bedford High School in the district semifinals.

With the win, the top-seeded Comets improved to 19-3. Maple Heights is 10-10.

Maple Heights beat John Hay, 57-54, before Solon played Garfield Heights, which allowed the Lady Mustangs to scout the Comets.

Those are things you can’t control, Solon head coach Trish Kruse said.

“You just have to play your game

and hope that what your kids do is better than the other team. So, at this point, it’s just whether or not you execute better, and, hopefully, we’ll do that,” she said. “I think we just need to worry about our philosophies and what we do really well and kind of continue to get better with that and make teams adjust to us.”

During their game against Garfield Heights, the Lady Comets owned a 5414 lead at halftime before cruising to victory in the second half.

“I told them we just need to continue to get better and execute on offense without turnovers, and we did that,” Kruse said of her halftime speech. “I mean our kids work extremely hard, and wherever we end up this season, they’ve all worked really hard to get there.”

Leading Solon, Kristen Confory and Martha Thompson scored 17 points each, while Natalie Chambers had 13 and Amanda Bevington had 11. By the end of the game, 10 Comets scored buckets.

“It’s really good. I mean we get our younger kids in there to get some varsity experience, and our varsity kids did Please turn to next page

Photos by Kristi Leffler

Solon senior Jaime Gluesing leads the top-seeded Lady Comets through the district tournament.

C2

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Hawks swim she swam a 55.00 during her preliminary race and a 54.66 during the finals.

“I was pretty happy about that,” she said. “I knew that I had wanted to be in the 54 range at the end of this season, when I started. That was my goal. And to be able to achieve that is great.”

Koucheki also won the 200 individual medley with a 2:03.41. It was her second year winning that event and third year winning the butterfly. As a freshman, she placed fourth in the 100 freestyle.

Also setting a new state mark, Hawken’s Marissa Cominelli bettered her 2011 record of 55.49 in the 100 backstroke. She swam a 55.19 in this year’s preliminaries and a 54.75 in the finals.

Meanwhile, Hawken’s Carrie Bencic raced to the wall first in both her 200 and 500 freestyle races. She finished at 1:49.38 in the 200 and 4:52.66 in the 500.

“I was extremely happy, because I knew of all the tough competition that was going to be around, including my own teammates,” Bencic said. “So I just decided to give it my all and trust the training that Jerry Holtrey has given me, and I just went after it.”

Also winning two individual events, Gilmour Academy’s Macie McNichols took the 50 freestyle with a time of 23.41, and the 100 freestyle in 51.07. As a freshman last season, she was runnerup in both of those events.

“I’m so thrilled that I was able to do that,” McNichols said. “I’m just so ecsta-

From previous page tic that I was able to win the 50 and the 100, and I don’t know. I’m just so excited right now.”

During McNichols’ 50 freestyle, which she won by 0.2 second, she did not know if she had out-touched her nearest opponent immediately after the race, she said.

“I was hoping I had,” she said. “I remember seeing her on the flip turn, and she was so close to me, and I was just like, ‘I’ve got to go faster, I’ve got to go faster,’ and into the wall, it was a close finish. When I touched, I knew I had done at least in the top two. But I wasn’t entirely sure that I had won until I pushed off the wall to see the scoreboard.”

Hawken School won two of the three relay events and broke records in both.

In the 200 medley relay, Cominelli, Lizzie Aronoff, Bencic and Caroline Vexler clocked a 1:45.16. In the 400 freestyle relay, Koucheki, Bencic, Jordan Bitterman and Morgan Cohara clocked a 3:28.52.

“It was phenomenal,” Koucheki said.

“Our team has worked so hard on those relays, and to go out there and be able to get the record again was great.”

To be thought of as at the same level as some of Hawken’s past swimmers who have won championships since 1999 is amazing, Bencic said.

“Some of them are the best in the country, the best in the world, and now you get to be able to say that you helped add to the victories that they started,”

she said. “It’s amazing to be able to think that they started it and moved on to such great things, and it’s possible for us to do it also.”

Below are state places, events and times of swimmers from Hawken School, Gilmour Academy and Orange who advanced to the state championship top-eight finals and top-16 consolation finals: 200 medley relay: 1. Hawken (Cominelli, Aronoff, Bencic, Vexler) 1:45.16; 13. Orange (Jordan, Kinkopf, Joseph, Bluso) 1:52.47.

200 freestyle: 1. Carrie Bencic (Hawken) 1:49.38; 3. Morgan Cohara (Hawken) 1:52.19; 8.

Jordan Bitterman (Hawken) 1:54.61; 14. Maureen Rakovec (Hawken) 1:58.15.

200 individual medley: 1.

Sarah Koucheki (Hawken) 2:03.41; 4. Marissa Cominelli (Hawken) 2:05.44; 6. Caroline Vexler (Hawken) 2:08.49; 7.

Kiley Eble (Gilmour Academy) 2:09.01.

50 freestyle: 1. Macie McNichols (Gilmour) 23.41; 12.

Mackenzie Harris (Hawken) 24.54.

Diving: 20. Maddy Pesec (Hawken) 224.70.

100 butterfly: 1. Sarah Koucheki (Hawken) 54.66; 2.

Kaitlyn Cerne (Hawken) 56.09; 9. Kiley Eble (Gilmour) 57.65; 14. Caroline Vexler (Hawken) 59.86.

100 freestyle: 1. Macie McNichols (Gilmour) 51.07; 7.

Morgan Cohara (Hawken) 52.72; 13. Jordan Bitterman (Hawken) 53.37; 14. Mackenzie Harris (Hawken) 53.43.

500 freestyle: 1. Carrie Bencic (Hawken) 4:52.66; 6. Kaitlyn Cerne (Hawken) 5:06.30; 7.

Maureen Rakovec (Hawken) 5:10.32; 13. Monica Flocken (Gilmour) 5:13.44; 16. Haley Schubert (Hawken) 5:19.27.

200 freestyle relay: 2. Hawken (Koucheki, Harris, Vexler, Cohara) 1:36.45; 3. Gilmour Academy (Eble, Mirando, Flocken, McNichols) 1:37.00; 14. Orange (Bluso, K King, Schenkel, S. King) 1:41.76.

100 backstroke: 1. Marissa Cominelli (Hawken) 54.75; 11. Meggie Pernsteiner (Hawken) 1:00.19; 15. Kathryn Jordan (Orange) 1:00.79.

100 breaststroke: 6. Lizzie Aronoff (Hawken) 1:05.45; 16, Jalyn Joseph (Orange) 1:08.84.

400freestyle relay: 1. Hawken (Koucheki, Bencic, Bitterman, Cohara) 3:28.76; 2. Gilmour Academy (Eble, Mirando, Flocken, McNichols) 3:33.52; 14. Orange (Bluso, Schenkel, Joseph, S. King) 3:44.73.

Photos by Itamar Gat

ABOVE: Hawken School head coach Jerry Holtrey reacts during the state swimming finals last Friday.

LEFT: Hawken’s Marissa Cominelli broke the state record in her 100-yard backstroke race during the finals at Canton McKinley’s C.T. Branin Natatorium. She clocked a 54.75 beating her nearest opponent by one second.

Girls basketball a really good job for three quarters with doing the things we asked,” Kruse said.

“We also had a chance to scout Maple Heights before our game, so we feel like we have a pretty good idea of what they do and some of their strengths. So we’ll find out on Thursday.”

DIVISION II CHAGRIN FALLS For the third time this season, the Chagrin Falls basketball team had to face West Geauga last Saturday as a part of the 11-team Division II Andover District.

The Lady Tigers were seeded No. 4, and West Geauga was No. 6 entering the matchup.

Chagrin Falls had beaten the Lady Wolverines, 34-31 and 48-41, during the regular season, but beating a team a third time in the same season is really tough, Chagrin Falls head coach Brittany Anderson said.

“When we had a tournament draw meeting and drew West Geauga in the first round, I just kind of groaned and looked at my assistant coach and thought, OK, here we go, because it’s so tough to beat a team three times in a season,” Anderson said.

“On one hand, you know them so well. You know their players’ tendencies, you know what offense they run, you know what defense they run, but, on

From previous page the other hand, they know the same stuff about you. So it’s just who’s going to execute their stuff the best, and that’s the team that’s going to win.”

The Lady Tigers prevailed, 55-52, and improved to a 16-5 record, while the Lady Wolverines ended their season at 8-12.

Chagrin advanced to play secondseeded Lake Catholic (15-7) at 7:30 p.m.

March 1 at Pymatuning Valley High School.

The Lady Cougars are coming off a 50-29 win against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.

During Chagrin’s game against West Geauga, Hallie Thome led the Tigers with 13 points and nine rebounds, while her freshman twin sister, Hannah Thome, scored nine points.

While Chagrin Falls lost, 54-50, to Lake Catholic during the regular season, Anderson said the Lady Tigers will be better prepared for their playoff matchup.

“This West Geauga game was great preparation for us, because Lake Catholic does the exact same thing where there’s a lot of pressure up front.

They play really tight defense on you, so you have to be comfortable getting around the pressure by driving or by making the quick pass,” she said.

“The other thing that they like to do

offensively is they like to drive. They have one really good shooter, but the rest of them really look to take it to the bucket hard, so we’re going to have to work on cutting that off and making sure we’re getting to the help side.”

DIVISION III GILMOUR ACADEMY After beating Trinity, 65-26, during their first-round matchup, Gilmour’s Lady Lancers continued to roll with a 59-31 triumph against Wickliffe last Saturday.

As the top seed in the 12-team Division III Cleveland District, Gilmour advanced to play fourth-seed Brooklyn at 7:45 p.m. March 1 at St. Joseph Academy.

Gilmour head coach Bob Beutel said he wants his players to play one game at a time but also look ahead at the same time.

“As I tell the kids, we want to play one game at a time, but we don’t want to miss out on the enjoyment and the fun of the whole tournament atmosphere and looking ahead and scouting and all the other stuff that comes with it,” he said.

“That’s all part of the fun. The teams that truly, truly do play it one game at a time, the kids miss out on a whole bunch of fun.”

After beating Wickliffe, the Lady

Lancers improved to a 19-3 record, and, if they beat Brooklyn on Thursday, they will hit the 20-win mark for the third season in a row.

During the Wickliffe game, Gilmour led, 34-14, at halftime before substituting its reserves in the second half.

“We wanted to try to continue to play defense. That’s been one of our slogans all year long that we’re a defensive team that likes to score. So we don’t want to get lazy at the defensive end,” Beutel said about the second half.

“And in 32 years, I’ve never taken a bye for the playoffs, because your second group gets a lot of minutes. So, at halftime, we talked about the second group being ready and having the opportunity to play. So that helps down the road.”

Leading the Lady Lancers in scoring against Trinity and Wickliffe, Jess Janota had 18 points in both games.

If Brooklyn tries to stop Janota, Abbey Deckard, Calla Telzrow, Rachel Staton and Dominque Edomwande will rack up some monster points, Beutel said.

“That’s why I think it’s tough playing us. There’s not a target to concentrate on,” he said. “I think that’s what makes us a No. 1 seed.”

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

C3

Preppers pool together University School wins fourth state title

By TONY LANGE Heading into the Division II state swim championships, Dayton Oakwood was seeded to beat University School by 41 points.

After the Preppers won the title the previous three years, they held a new position — underdogs.

Since boys swimming in Ohio split into two divisions four years ago, University School has always been heavily favored to win, until this season, head coach Brian Perry said.

“Being the underdog was a new spot for us,” he said. “So we looked at it and said, hey, our state championship is going to be what we do in the prelims, because, if we don’t swim well in the preliminaries, we won’t have a chance to win.”

After the preliminaries, the Preppers put themselves back on top in the finals seedings to win the meet by three points.

“Our preliminary session was the best I’ve ever seen in my coaching career. We had everyone swimming lifetime bests,” Perry said. “We made up 44 points in preliminaries, which was a significant jump for our boys, and we were in a position to win the state title again.”

By the end of the finals, University School edged Dayton Oakwood, 237.5 to 231 points, and the Preppers won their fourth straight title. Meanwhile, Chagrin Falls placed third with 137 points, Hawken School was fifth with 130 points, and Gilmour Academy took 13th with 66 points.

University School’s Kevin Stang said the triumph was a complete team effort.

“It was one of the most craziest experiences I’ve ever had,” he said. “No meet has really compared to this.

Everyone pulled together, and we won it somehow. It was a crazy feeling to look up and see University School be put ahead of Dayton Oakwood on the scoreboard.”

Nine of the 10 University School swimmers who qualified for the meet scored points, which gave the Preppers the boost they needed for the triumph.

The highest placing swimmer for University School was Russell Stack, who was runner-up in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 21.34 and third in the 100 freestyle at 46.53.

Stang placed fifth in the 200 individual medley with a 1:52.94 and third in the 100 backstroke with a 50.28. During the preliminaries, Stang swam a 49.97

Photo by Joe Maiorana/ImpactActionPhotos.com

University School swimmers (from left) K.J. Stang, Lyle Anderson, Kingsley Bowen, and Josh Wang show their school pride following the Preppers state championship win at the OHSAA State Swimming Finals, C.T. Branin Natatorium on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012. The foursome placed third in the 400-yard freestyle relay with a time of 3:13.06.

“It was overwhelming. I didn’t quite catch the scoreboard at first,” Staley said. “I first looked across my lane and spotted my teammates jumping up and down, so I had assumed I had won, and then, to look at the scoreboard and see under 50, it was great, because then I knew that the whole season had paid off.”

Staley also placed sixth in his 100 butterfly race with a 50.83.

Also standing on the top-eight winners podium during the finals, Staley’s teammate Austin Quinn was runner-up in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:30.90 and fourth in the 200 individual medley with a 1:51.44.

Leading Hawken School, Micah Simpson had a pair of runner-up performances in the 200 freestyle, 1:40.65, and the 100 freestyle, 46.38.

While close swim meets usually go down to the final event, the 400 freestyle relay, University School’s 200 medley relay, the first event of the meet, was the biggest difference maker, Perry said.

The Preppers were seeded fourth heading into the finals, while Dayton Oakwood was second. The Preppers, however, were able to drop 1.80 seconds and move up to first place with a winning time of 1:35.22 in the finals, which dropped Oakwood to third place in the event.

That was a 10-point swing, and University School ended up winning the meet by less than that margin.

Perry said he made a game-time decision to Photo by Joe Maiorana/ImpactActionPhotos.com switch the anchor of that Chagrin Falls teammates Bennett Vandertill (left), and Daniel Wolfe celebrate at the OHSAA State relay to senior Nicholas Division II Swimming Finals, C.T. Branin Natatorium on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012 after teammate Davis Gill, who dove in the Staley touches in second place during the 400-yard freestyle, which clocked a 3:12.81. Austin Quinn water 0.23 second behind also was a member of the runner-up relay team. in the backstroke, which set a new state record.

“That was one of the craziest feelings. I didn’t even expect it,” Stang said. “I was thinking I probably had gone about a 51. And then I remember my teammate Alex Ivkovic, who swam next to me, turning and he goes, ‘Hey, dude. You got the record.’ I looked back up there, and I saw the 49, and it was one of those crazy moments. I was just kind of stunned.”

That mark, however, lasted less than 24 hours, as Chagrin Falls’ Davis Staley reclaimed the record the following day during the championship finals with a 49.93 swim. The top Division I swimmer this year clocked a 50.53.

Dayton Oakwood for the freestyle leg and was able to come from behind to win it.

“That was a turning point in the finals,” Perry said. “That really gave us a cushion that we were able to maintain throughout the meet.”

Below are state places, events and times of swimmers from University School, Chagrin Falls, Hawken School, Gilmour Academy, Orange and West Geauga who advanced to the state championship top-eight finals and top16 consolation finals: 200 medley relay: 1. University (Stang, Wong, Stack, Gill) 1:35.22; 2. Chagrin (Staley, Rann, Vandertill, Quinn) 1:35.41; 4. Hawken (Senkfor, Spiro, Simpson, McHale) 1:37.69; 11.

Gilmour (Renner, Resch, Korman, Mirando) 1:40.52.

200 freestyle: 2. Micah Simpson (Hawken) 1:40.65; 9. Josh Wang (University) 1:46.47.

200 individual medley: 4. Austin Quinn (Chagrin) 1:51.44; 5. Kevin Stang (University) 1:52.94; 10. Alex Ivkovic (University) 1:59.00.

50 freestyle: 2. Russell Stack (University) 21.34; 5. Jack Nee (Orange) 21.54; 7. Gabe Nock (West Geauga) 21.79; 8. David Mirando (Gilmour) 21.84; 13. Lyle Anderson (University) 22.18.

Diving: 4. Noah Stone (West Geauga) 408.95; 5. Noah Sterling (University) 404.30; 14.

Austin Penlar (Chagrin) 341.05.

100 butterfly: 6. Davis Staley (Chagrin) 50.83; 14. Zach Korman (Gilmour) 54.25. 16. Ben Vandertill (Chagrin) 54.45.

100 freestyle: 2. Simpson (Hawken) 46.38; 3.

Russell Stack (University) 46.53; 7. Jack Nee (Orange) 47.93; 12. Josh Wang (University) 48.80.

500 freestyle: 2. Austin Quinn (Chagrin) 4:30.90; 4. Senkfor (Hawken) 4:42.11; 9. Nick Ranallo (Hawken) 4:47.55.

200 freestyle relay: 3. University (Stack, Gill, Anderson, Wang) 1:26.14; 6. Gilmour (Renner, Korman, Hostoffer, Mirando) 1:29.35; 8. Orange (Wang, Nee, Hee, Taylor) 1:30.23; 15. West Geauga (Nock, Gleske, Wenrich, Keta) 1:31.50.

100 backstroke: 1. Davis Staley (Chagrin) 49.93; 3. Kevin Stang (University) 50.28; 8. Alex Ivkovic (University) 53.93; 9. Kingsley Bowen (University) 53.43.

100 breaststroke: 6. Henry Senkfor (Hawken) 59.60; 7. Gordon Wong (University) 1:00.12; 16.

Elijah Spiro (Hawken) 1:01.51.

400 freestyle relay: 2. Chagrin (Quinn, Wolfe, Vandertill, Staley) 3:12.81; 3. University (Wang, Stang, Bowen, Anderson) 3:13.06; 5. Hawken (Senkfor, Karickhoff, Ranallo, Simpson) 3:15.09; 10. Gilmour (Mirando, Badertscher, Renner, Hostoffer) 3:18.71; 11. Orange (Wang, J. Hee, D. Hee, Taylor) 3:20.45.

C4

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Wrestlers set for big dance Solon, Kenston, Orange, Chagrin fit for states

By TONY LANGE While Solon had a number of heartbreaks at the Division I Mentor District tournament last Saturday, the Comets still managed to advance three wrestlers to the big dance in Columbus this weekend.

Brandon Thompson, 113 pounds, and Anthony Collica, 145 pounds, are returning after claiming state titles in lower weight classes a year ago, while Justin Kresevic, 160 pounds, will make his first trip.

Also out of the Mentor District, Kenston’s Matt Olson will be representing the Bombers at 170 pounds.

Meanwhile, in the Division II Alliance District, Orange’s Hunter Auletta, 195 pounds, will represent the Lions, and Chagrin Falls’ Ricky Kochert, 160 pounds, will represent the Tigers.

DIVISION I Solon finished fifth overall at last Saturday’s 47-team district tournament, with Thompson and Collica claiming championships and Kresevic finishing as runner-up.

Kenston was 17th overall, with Olson placing third.

Division I wrestlers are scheduled to begin their preliminary rounds at 5:45 p.m. March 1 in the auxiliary gymnasium of Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center.

Solon head coach Tony DiGiovanni said, while the Comets advanced three wrestlers, they were hoping to get a handful more to the state tournament this year.

“We definitely had some disappointments, and that’s what happens all the time,” he said. “You want to get your borderline kids, and this year we didn’t get any borderline kids. And that hurts a little bit.”

Thompson, Collica and Kresevic, who did advance to the state tournament, are as naturally talented as wrestlers get, DiGiovanni said.

Thompson pinned his opponent, and Collica had a 9-1 major decision against his opponent to claim district titles, while Kresevic finished as runner-up.

“Well, when you take thoroughbreds to states, you can do a lot of damage,” DiGiovanni said. “And we’re taking three thoroughbreds.”

Last season, Solon took three wrestlers to states, including Thompson and Collica, who claimed titles at 103 pounds and 130 pounds, and the Comets finished sixth overall in the state.

“We’re always there to take out the

Photos by Itamar Gat

Solon junior Anthony Collica (left) listens to his head coach, Tony DiGiovanni, during the Division I Mentor District tournament last Saturday. Collica went on to win the 145-pound weight class and qualified for the state tournament in Columbus this Thursday through Saturday. Last year, Collica won the 130-pound state championship. interest on all the time, effort, heartache and pain,” DiGiovanni said. “Everything we’ve done this year is like putting money in a bank, and this weekend we’re going to withdraw and collect.”

Kresevic, who was injured all last season as a junior and was a state alternate as a sophomore, will be making his first trip to the tournament.

“After I won my semifinals match at districts, it was a great feeling, but, at the same time, I didn’t feel surprised,” he said. “I knew I had to put in a lot of extra time, and it just feels good to see it all paying off. I was under the radar all year, and a lot of people underestimated me, so it just feels good to keep shocking the wrestling world, and I hope to continue to keep doing that.”

During the sectional tournament, Kresevic lost, 3-2, to Boardman’s Nico

Graziani in the semifinals, and, during districts, Kresevic lost, 5-3, to Graziani in the championship bout.

Collica was in that position last season as he got pinned by Mayfield’s Mike Carlone in the district finals but went on to beat Carlone, 7-6, in the state championship bout.

“My coach said it best,” Kresevic said. “He said losing that match at districts could be the best thing that’s ever happened to you, because I learned what beats me and what I have to do to beat that kind of style.”

Meanwhile, Kenston senior Olson, also will be wrestling at his first state tournament.

“After qualifying, now I want to place — really badly,” he said. “I want to place high in the tournament.”

At the district tournament, Olson finished third after losing to Mayfield’s Connor Murray in the semifinals bout.

“Well, it was a close match. I was down my three points in the third period, and right at the end I tried a move to try and win the match, and I ended up giving up more points,” Olson said.

“The kid was strong. I guess it was a bit of an eye-opener, but I know I had to come off that loss and just keep fighting through.”

Earlier this season, Murray wrestled at 182 pounds before cutting weight to 170 pounds for the postseason.

“It’s like a reality check that I got beat. It makes me stay focused and keeps me knowing what I’m working hard for, so I just have to work hard to beat kids like that,” Olson said. “Being able to represent Kenston feels really good. I feel proud that I’m able to do that. I’m happy Kenston’s Matt Olson (wearing blue) and his opponent, Mayfield’s Connor Murray, dive out of that I’m able to do it, because bounds during their 170-pound semifinals bout at the Mentor District wrestling tournament last the school has given a lot to Saturday. Olson lost the bout, but rebounded with a 6-1 win against Barberton’s Sam Hymes in the wrestling team.” the third-place match and qualified for the state meet.

DIVISION II Chagrin Falls’ Kochert, 160 pounds, and Orange’s Auletta, 195 pounds, will begin their Division II preliminary rounds at 4:15 p.m. March 1.

During the district tournament, Kochert finished fourth overall after losing his third-place bout to Ravenna’s Tylor Brokaw.

At state, which includes 16 wrestlers in each weight class, Kochert, who has a 30-8 record, will take on Hillsboro’s Kordell Ford, who has a 40-3 record, in the opening round.

Meanwhile, Auletta, who has a 37-6 record, will face Norwalk’s Jake Alexander, who has a 36-4 record, in the opening round.

At districts, Auletta finished as runner-up after getting pinned by Lake Catholic’s Jimmy Szep (28-6) in the championship bout.

Prior to that, Auletta pinned his way through sectionals without giving up a point and won his first three district matches, 4-0, 5-0 and with a pin, before he got pinned himself.

“Before that loss, I was not scored on during the whole postseason,” he said.

“The fact that I got scored on and I lost in the district finals match, it gave me a reality check that I’m not going to waltz by everyone. I’m going to have to go through a tough road to get to that state title, and you know what, this silver medal is just going to burn inside of me until I get to the state and achieve my goals.”

Auletta is the first Orange wrestler to qualify for states since 2001.

“It’s great for my school, because it’s the first time Orange had a qualifier in a long time, and it’s just great to bring that to Orange, and I hope to bring a title to Orange,” he said. “People say your first time at states you get awe-struck, but one thing about me is I’m totally fine with it. I’m up for it. There’s only one way I can lose, and that’s if I beat myself.

I feel like I’m prepared for thousands and thousands of people screaming in the arena, and it will not faze me.”

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

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State bound Photo by Itamar Gat

Solon’s Brandon Thompson (left) beats St. Ignatius’ Tommy Zeigler during his 113pound semifinals bout at districts to advance to the state tournament.

Chagrin Falls’ Ricky Kochert (top) finished fourth in the 160-pound weight class at the Division II Alliance District last Saturday.

He will wrestle at the state tournament in Columbus on Thursday.

Photo by Itamar Gat

Solon’s Justin Kresevic (left) beats Stow’s Connor McMahon in his 160-pound district semifinals bout to qualify for the state tournament.

Photo submitted by Chagrin Falls

Solon swimmers get last go at states Sivan Mills finishes sixth in diving competition

By TONY LANGE

next year by improving my dives and adding some bigger ones with more Sivan Mills led Solon’s swimming degree of difficulty.” and diving teams with her podium finMeanwhile, Solon’s Doug Karn finish at last Saturday’s Division I state ished 12th overall in the boys diving meet at Canton McKinley’s C.T. Branin competition with 406.85 points.

Natatorium.

In the swimming portion of the tourMills entered the competition seeded nament, the Solon boys team had three 10th with 427.10 points from her dis- individuals and a relay compete, while trict performance but bettered that effort the Lady Comets had two relay teams. with 442.45 points at states, which was Ryan Carson and Mark Lippert good enough for sixth place during the advanced to the consolation finals in 11-dive competition. As a sophomore their races. last season, she finished 19th overall Carson, who entered the preliminarwith 269.85 points. ies seeded 19th of 24 swimmers in his “I was so happy, because it was a 100 backstroke, finished 16th in his pretough meet with the 16 finishers over liminary race with a 53.32 and then fin400, which is really good,” Mills said. “I ished with a lifetime best 52.46 in the was really happy with how I performed, finals, which was good enough for 12th and it was a good meet. It was nice to be place. able to stand on the podium in the top “I actually was ecstatic. That was a eight.” really great swim for me. I was just Finishing ahead of Mills were four super excited,” Carson said. “It was all seniors and a sophomore. mental. It’s about keeping composure “Next year, I would like a shot to win and not getting too arrogant and not letit or finish in the top two,” she said. ting the pressure get to you, and I just “I’m just hoping to compete to win it tried to have fun with it. There’s so much energy that you can’t help but be excited to swim at states, even if you don’t do well.”

In the 500 freestyle, Mark Lippert finished 16th in the preliminaries with a time of 4:43.45 and then dropped down to a 4:41.68 in the finals and finished 14th overall.

Solon junior Mark Lippert competes in the Division I prelimi“I had a bad nary 500-yard freestyle at the OHSAA State Swimming swim in prelims, Championships at C. T. Branin Natatorium in Canton Friday. and I was a little Carson qualified for the finals with a 4:43.45.

Photos by Joe Maiorana/ImpactActionPhotos.com

Solon junior Ryan Carson competes in the Division I preliminary 100-yard backstroke at the OHSAA State Swimming Championships at C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton Friday. Carson qualified for the finals with a 53.32. disappointed in that. I think I had a decent swim in finals. It was very exciting. It was kind of an unusual meet format. I don’t do a whole lot of meets with prelims and finals, and then I’ve never had a meet where the prelims and finals have been on separate days,” Lippert said.

With preliminaries on Friday and finals on Saturday at the state competition, many swimmers in the 500 clock slower times because of exhaustion or lack of mental preparedness, Lippert said.

“You definitely have to get in the mind-set and mentally prepare yourself on that day and just make sure you’re keeping rested and you’re not exerting yourself during that day between prelims and finals,” he said. “It definitely

motivates me to try harder in prelims next year, because that’s the only way you can get into the championship finals and get on the podium.”

Solon’s Alex Polishchuk finished 20th in his 100-yard butterfly race with a time of 53.50 and 22nd in his 200 freestyle with a 1:46.82.

In the 200 medley relay, Carson, Polishchuk, Grant Pinchot and Patrick Tippen finished 10th with a 1:37.39.

Meanwhile, the Lady Comets finished 14th in their 200 freestyle relay with Anna Wong, Rebecca Hoffman, Allison Hoffman and Kelsey McRill swimming a 1:39.56.

In the 200 medley relay, Wong, McRill, Dana Lautenschleger and Rebecca Hoffman finished 16th with a 1:52.09.

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THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

Gilmour vs. University Lancers, Preppers freeze foes 7:30 p.m.

March 2 Kent State Ice Arena LEFT: Gilmour Academy senior Joey Lencewicz (right) is one of the Lancers’ most experience players who has led the defensive effort during the playoffs.

RIGHT: University School ice hockey player Andrew Domonkos is one of the penalty-killing defensemen for the Preppers this season who continue to shutdown their opponents’ power-play opportunities.

Photos by Chris Meier

By TONY LANGE The Gilmour Academy and University School hockey teams conquered the ice during their Division I Kent District quarterfinal matchups last week.

Second-seeded Gilmour beat Solon, 9-0, Friday, and top-seeded University School beat Kent Roosevelt, 10-0, Saturday.

During University’s game, the Preppers went up, 2-0, in the first period and just continued to build on that lead, head coach Bill Beard said.

“It was a good effort on our part. We played solid and limited their chances.

I think they had four shots. We were happy with the effort we put on defensively,” he said. “We had four goals in the second, and we had four more in the first five minutes of the third. So we were just rolling along.”

Only up by two goals after the first period, Beard said, he told his players to stay consistent.

“We just told them to keep doing what they’re doing but to bear down on the offensive end and finish the plays off. We were creating enough chances.

We just weren’t finishing them at that point.”

Leading the Preppers, Evan Krueger scored three goals, Jake Weingold netted two, and Conner Judson, Brad Marshall, Matt Wipper, Andrew Musser and Cameron Poffenberger each scored one.

With its shutout defense, University School’s starting goalie, Sam Althans, only had the opportunity to make three saves.

“Of course you’re worried about him getting rusty. That’s why at practice you’re doing a few extra things to make sure he’s seeing enough work during the week,” Beard said. “Having seven guys score is a great sign, because you want some balance in there, and, obviously, that hopefully gives us some confidence as we move on.”

Althans, however, didn’t appear to be deterred as the Preppers went on to beat Hudson, 5-2, Tuesday in the semifinals. Judson netted two goals that game, while Tyler Dalton also had two and Kevin DeGulis scored one.

With the win, University School advanced to the district finals and will play Gilmour Academy at 7:30 p.m.

March 2 at Kent State Ice Arena.

Meanwhile, Gilmour had a similar quarterfinals matchup during the Lancers’ victory against Solon.

The Lancers’ biggest advantage against Solon was depth, Gilmour head coach John Malloy said.

“They’ve got some good talent, and they’re a very well-coached team. It was only 1-0 after the first period,” he said.

“They were running two lines, and we’re running three. That makes a difference. As the game wore on, so did they, and we just got more and more chances.”

Leading the Lancers’ scoring effort, senior captain John Tobbe netted three goals after not having any goals during Gilmour’s opening 11-1 triumph against North Canton Hoover. Nick Aleva scored two, and Ryan Curtin, Jordan Robinson and Alex Aleva scored one each.

“It’s a pretty nice feeling,” Tobbe said about his hat trick. “I was disappointed with my shots, because I didn’t score any goals in the first game against Hoover, so I kind of went into this game a little more determined to score some goals, and it worked out. We’ve had a struggling offense all year, and the past two games we’ve scored 20 goals. So it was nice to get some offensive production.”

At the other end of the ice, senior captain Joey Lencewicz helped lead the Lancers’ defensive effort for the shutout.

“We came out hard but had a little trouble scoring early on, but then we opened up the floodgates, and I think our defense did a nice job,” he said.

“We were holding the line a little bit better after the first period and kept the puck out of our end, and, from that regards, we were able to give our offense more opportunities to get those nine goals. So that was big, and I think it’s going to help us the next couple games.”

Starting goaltender Oliver Flesher, who was coming off being sick with strep throat, had eight saves before Matthew Ray subbed in and tallied 12 saves.

The Lancers went on to face Walsh Jesuit in the semifinals Monday evening.

During that match, Gilmour led 3-0 early on before the Warriors battled back to tie the game at 3-3.

The Lancers went up 4-3 and then the Warrios tied it at 4-4 before Gilmour finished on top at 5-4.

Tobbe scored two goals in that game, while Robinson had three assists.

Friday at 7:30 p.m., Gilmour will play University School in an attempt to reach the state final four for the second consecutive year.

Photos by Chris Meier

Hudson’s Tyler Stockwell (left) and Brendon Nenni (right) swarmed Kenston’s Ben Kinney during the Explorers’ 8-3 triumph during the Kent District quarterfinals last Saturday. Hudson’s playoff run, however, was short lived as the Explorers faced University School Tuesday in the district semifinals and lost 52. During that game, the Preppers outshot Hudson 43-19.

University School’s Kevin DeGulis (14) has been a scoring threat for the Preppers’ opponents this season. During University School’s 10-0 win against Aurora, he scored three goals. But the Preppers’ don’t live or die by his scoring, as seven of DeGulis’ teammates netted goals during another 10-0 win against Kent Roosevelt last week.

THE TIMES, MARCH 1, 2012

C7

Comets hope to rebound in playoffs

By TONY LANGE

took place in the first season really doesn’t matter anymore.

Solon’s boys basketball team ended We’ve got another opportuniits regular season on a four-game losing ty, and, if we play well, I think streak last Friday, falling, 54-36, to we’ve got some games that we Hudson. can win.”

With the loss, the Comets dropped to In the first round of the 7-13 for the season, including a 2-8 playoffs, Solon drew Berea for Northeast Ohio Conference River a Feb. 29 game at Broadview Division mark. The Explorers improved Heights High School as a part to 12-8, including a 4-6 NOC mark. of the 12-team Division I The Comets just have to move past Brecksville District. Berea the loss and get into playoff mode, first- ended its season at 8-12 with a year head coach Bob Patton said.

54-43 win against Midpark “Look, we have an opportunity for a last Friday. second season here,” he said. “So what Solon was seeded No. 7 and Berea No. 9 when the district bracket was decided Feb. 11.

Both teams had 7-10 records at that time.

The victor of the matchup moves on to play Midview at 6 p.m. March 3 at Broadview H e i g h t s .

Midview is seeded No. 2 in the district and finished its season at 17-3.

During the loss against Hudson, the Photos by Kristi Leffler Comets’ biggest Solon head coach Bob Patton directs traffic from mismatch of the the sideline last Friday as the Comets finished night was offentheir regular season 7-13. Solon’s lack of sive rebounds. rebounding allowed Hudson to score at least 30 “We figured second-chance points, he said. like 30 out of their 50-some“We’ve got to do some things better thing were second-chance baskets, whether it was defensively, specifically rebounding the offensive rebounds, loose ball. I don’t think our initial defense was balls, but most of them all that bad tonight,” Patton said. “Even offensive rebounds, so, some of the threes that they hit, they yeah, we just kind of got were second-chance opportunities. You beat up around the basket can’t do that. You’re not going to win. inside,” Patton said. “We You’re putting too much pressure on had it at 14 in the first your defense giving up that many half. Fourteen out of their rebounds, especially with the way we 24 were second-chance shot the basketball.

“For the last couple games, we played points. My guess is they doubled that and then against teams who play the zone, and this past week, unfortunately, we just some in the second half.”

The Comets trailed, 24- haven’t been shooting it great from the 16, at halftime, before perimeter,” he said.

Heading into the playoffs, the Comets Hudson added another 10 points to its lead by the have to put their losses behind them, game’s end. Ny Redding Patton said.

“We talked about it in the locker led Solon with 10 points, while Nate Brillhart had room. This game is over,” he said. “So seven, Josh Glass six, and you’ve got to move past it, and you got to Darren Young and AJ get ready to go with practice Sunday, Solon’s Darren Young (right) works inside against Johnson five each. Kareem Monday and Tuesday and get ready to go Hudson’s Kevin Zullo during the Comets’ 54-36 loss Oldham led the team with for Wednesday night against Berea.” last Friday. Young finished the game with five points. six rebounds.

CYO track and field Registration for track and field at St. Joan of Arc School in Chagrin Falls is open for boys and girls in grades three through eight. Practices and meets will be held from mid March through mid May. Running events range from 100 to 1,600 meters, relays and low hurdles.

Field events include long jump, standing jump, high jump and shot put.

Participants must be a parishioner, attend SJA or public school religion at SJA, Holy Angels or Resurrection. For more information, call Jeff Roush at 440836-2345.

Solon indoor triathlon The Solon Recreation Department will hold its third annual indoor triathlon from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on March 18 at the Solon Community Center. From the novice to the seasoned triathlete, all levels are welcome to compete in all three events as an individual or team. This year, there's a new family team division. The competition includes a 15-minute swim, a 20-minute bike and 20-minute run. Performances are measured by distances covered in each leg of the race. The top performers are awarded. T-shirts and refreshments will be provided to all participants. To register for the event, visit the community center or call Jen Luca at 440-2485747 ext. 2125 for more information.

Registration closes March 11.

Solon foil fencing classes The Solon Recreation Department and Tom Nagy, the head coach of the On Target fencing team, will sponsor a foil fencing class Thursday evenings from April 19 through May 24 at the community center. The class is open to boys and girls from 8 to 12 years old and all necessary equipment will be provided.

Students will learn fundamentals and techniques including the proper aspects of stretching, footwork, lunges, attack, strategy, tactics, bouting and parryriposte. Foil fencing has a positive effect in that it improves eye-to-hand coordination, agility, dexterity and stamina.

Education, safety and fun are key elements of the class.

Bell qualifies for states Solon freshman Olivia Bell qualified for the state gymnastics tournament last Saturday after finishing in the top 17 at the Division I Painesville District. Bell scored an 8.625 on the balance beam and was the only Lady Comet to advance to states. She will compete in the individual competition starting at 12:00 p.m. March 3 at Hilliard Bradley High School near Columbus.