Chesterland News 3-13-2024

Board Member Requests Curriculum Review

by brian doering brian@karlovecmedia com

West Geauga Schools Board of Education member Pam Claypool posed a question Feb. 26 about when the board will review the district’s curriculum after approving the West Geauga Middle School Program of Studies for the 20242025 school year.

School Assistant Superintendent Nancy Benincasa briefly explained the process for the program of studies, to which Claypool said the board’s responsibility is to approve the curriculum according to the Ohio Revised Code.

“I get the programs. I get what it is. At some point, I would think we would review the curriculum. It’s part of our responsibility,” Clay-

pool said. “Maybe we can discuss this at some point?”

In a follow-up interview Feb. 29, Benincasa said the program of studies is a representation of the curriculum.

“The program of studies lists the courses available to students,” Benincasa said. “Each course has a detailed curriculum, which is generated by our teaching staff based on the Ohio Learning Standards.”

School board President Christina Sherwood detailed the difficulties of reviewing the district’s curriculum.

“I don’t know exactly how that would go down, but I think the way you are envisioning it is because the curriculum is so nuanced between each grade level and each discipline within that grade level. I

don’t know if there’s enough time in a board meeting to do that,” Sherwood said.

The curriculum is always open, Sherwood added.

“We can go to the building at any point if I want to see what’s happening in sixth-grade English or science. There are those curriculum piec es that we can look at that are open,” she said. “They’re just not going to be packaged.”

feasible,” Sherwood said.

Benincasa added reviewing the entire curriculum would be impossible.

Claypool suggested the board have a special meeting to review the curriculum, but Sherwood again expressed her doubts on how it could be done.

“I just don’t know that that’s

“I think there are manners in which to do it. The difficulty is to Ms. Sherwood’s point, the volume piece is extensive,” she said. “However, we are certainly able to talk you through the process. Our curriculum is transparent, so anybody that would want to look at our curriculum, we would do so. We can make it very clear about our processes. We are happy to talk to you about state standards, processes of review and planning.”

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has allowed the Perennial Gardeners to see the space with a fresh set of eyes, en abling them to create a new design that will enhance the view, balance the bed, improve drainage and ir rigation and set a good foundation that will allow for expansion and di versity of plant species.

The corner garden serves as a welcome mat for the Chester Town ship, greeting all who pass by, and PGC is proud to care for it on behalf of the community.

Starting in April, work will be gin to put the garden back together. Club members hope to complete the space by the end of May with

Claypool

Girl Scout Cookies for Sale

West Geauga Girl Scout troops will be out in the community the weekends of March 1517 and 22-24 selling Girl Scout cookies. They will be at Patterson's Farm Market, Discount Drug Mart and Turney's Ace Hardware. They will also have a drive-thru booth at Chester Town Hall.

Young of Heart

March 15, 11:30 a.m.

Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Bring a brown bag lunch; snacks and beverages are provided. Dan Maloney will entertain with his Irish music for St. Patrick’s Day.

Upcoming trips include a visit to the Atlas Movie Theatre behind Eastgate on March 22 for a noon movie; a May 9 trip to Bucyrus for a tour at Copper Kettle Works and stops at Cooper’s Mill and Market and Crossroad Factory Store; and a July 16 visit in conjunction with the West Geauga Senior Center to

Town Crier

the Ohio Star Theatre in Walnut Creek to see “Ruth”, a Sight and Sound production. Call Kimber at 440-668-3293 for reservations and information. Everyone is welcome on Young of Heart trips.

CV Herb Society Meets

March 15, 12:30 p.m.

The Chagrin Valley Herb Society will meet at the Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road. After refreshments and mingling, a business meeting will follow. Linda Gilbert from the Geauga Park District will give a presentation on water gardens. To RSVP, email chagrinvalleyherbsociety@gmail.com Learn more about the organization at chagrinvalleyherbsociety.org or on Facebook.

LGRC St. Patrick’s Day

Dinner Dance

March 15, 7-10 p.m.

Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers Alumni Association is hosting its annual St. Patrick’s

Day dinner dance at Painesville Township Park Community Center, 1025 Hardy Road, Painesville.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Lillian Kingston at 440-205-2671.

Audubon Hikes Mentor Marsh

March 17, 9 a.m.

A naturalist from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will lead birders of all skill levels to walk along the otherwise restricted utility pipeline path at Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve. RSVP to blackbrookaud@aol.com. The walk leader will have binoculars to lend.

Bloodmobile

March 18, 12-6 p.m.

American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment.

West Geauga Kiwanis Meetings

Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m.

West Geauga Kiwanis meets every Tuesday at the Chesterland Baptist Church, 12670 Chillicothe Road. Join for a free dinner and learn how Kiwanis serves local students and the community. Learn more at wgkiwanis.org.

GGP Annual Meeting

March 20, 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP) will hold its annual business meeting at Generations Event and Reception Center, 12809

Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. Join to reflect on GCP’s achievements, discuss the future and highlight the impact of GGP’s relationships with members and partners.

Featured speakers from Bricker Graydon LLP will highlight economic development growth opportunities for Geauga County and Northeast Ohio.

For information and to register, call 440564-1060 or visit www.geaugagrowthpartnership.com

Third Thursday Business Social

March 21, 8-9 a.m.

Join West Geauga Chamber of Commerce at Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township, as it hosts staff from Geauga Growth Partnership discussing economic development efforts happening throughout the county. Visit wgchamber.com to register.

Outreach Spaghetti Dinner

March 21, 6-7 p.m.

Christ Presbyterian Church offers free drive-thru spaghetti and meatball dinners the third Thursday of each month. Salad and dessert are included. The church is located at 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

Lions Club Meeting

March 26, 7-8 p.m.

Chesterland Lions Club holds meetings the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Lions Shed located on the east side of the West Geauga Board of Education building. The club always welcomes new members.

Free Community Lunch

March 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All are welcome to attend a free community lunch presented by the Women’s League at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11900 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township.

LCGS Meeting

March 28, 10 a.m.

The Lake County Genealogical Society (LCGS) will meet on Zoom. Join for Following a short business meeting, speaker Bill Eddleman will present "This Indenture Made This... Finding Ancestors in Deeds."

Visit www.lcgsohio.org for more informaSee Town Crier • Page 3

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tion and the invitation to the Zoom meeting. One does not need to be a member to attend the monthly meeting.

For more information, call Cynthia at 440951-0914.

Red Wagon Spring Dinner

April 10, 4:30-8 p.m.

The Christ Child Society of Geauga County is holding its 31st annual Red Wagon spring fundraiser dinner, raffles and auction at St. Noel Banquet Center in Willoughby Hills. Guest emcee is Jen Harcher, Channel

8 meteorologist.

The event supports the many programs and activities of the Society that has served at risk children in Geauga for over 40 years.

Tickets are $50 per person. Email Jeanette Bussoletti at jbussoletti@yahoo.com or call 216-401-8190 for more information and reservations.

Help for Mental Illness

NAMI Geauga offers mental health support groups and classes for families and persons affected by mental illness. There is no charge to participants. All offerings are 100% peer led and meet in person or on Zoom.

Check out NAMI’s calendar online for the latest listings: www.namigeauga.org

Letters to the Editor

Delicious Pastries and Breads

The best kind of happiness takes people by surprise. That is what I noticed when I entered a new store in Chesterland. What a delight to see strangers socializing like they had been invited to a wonderful party.

I kept hearing comments about how good everything tasted. I bought a scone, an English muffin and a croissant. I sampled a slice of the bread. I thought I was back in England and Italy. I could not have been more pleased.

I met the owners, both of whom attended the renown Johnson and Wales Culinary Institute. That explained their exceptionally delicious pastries and breads.

I treasure the memory of a curious group of diverse individuals coming together to welcome a new store and its staff.

By offering a community an architectural jewel along with delicious food, Victoria's Bakery brought out the best in people.

Eileen Marie Russell Township

Arts and Entertainment

Fairmount Speaker Series

March 24, 3-4 p.m.

Fairmount Center for the Arts continues its “Pull Back the Curtain” speaker series with “In Conversation: Lauren Heroux” at the center located at 8400 Fairmount Road in Russell Township. The glass artist will discuss glassmaking, her artistic practice and the work of the Glass Asylum. Light refreshments will be served. Advance reservations are recommended for the free lectures by calling 440-338-3171 or visiting fairmountcenter.org.

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Gardening

CV Herb Society Meets

March 15, 12:30 p.m.

The Chagrin Valley Herb Society will meet at the Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road. After refreshments and mingling, a business meeting will follow. Linda Gilbert from the Geauga Park District will give a presentation on water gardens. To RSVP, email chagrinvalleyherbsociety@gmail.com. Learn more about the organization at chagrinvalleyherbsociety.org or on Facebook.

Home Gardeners’ Workshop

March 16, 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Lake County Master Gardener Volunteers (LCMGVs) and The Ohio State Uni-

versity Extension present their annual Home Gardeners’ Workshop in the Arthur S. Holden Center at Lake Erie College in Painesville. The workshop includes several speaker sessions, breakfast and lunch and a variety of garden-related items available for purchase. For information and registration, call 440853-2625 or visit www.lake.osu.edu.

All About Daylilies

March 27, 7 p.m.

The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland is hosting a free community presentation with Cynthia Druckenbrod, a degreed horticulturist, who has been growing daylilies at her home for over 20 years. The free presentation will be held at the Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Road, Chester Township. Enter at the second blue awning.

Master Gardener Volunteer Classes

Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) are offering a variety of free classes in the spring. Each class will be held in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. Registration is required; call 440-834-4656. For more information and class descriptions, visit geauga.osu.edu.

“Composting and Vermiculture” is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 20.

Held in partnership with Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, participants will learn composting basics and benefits and a step beyond with vermicomposting. Learn how to avoid common composting problems. Participants will have the chance to win a free kitchen compost pail.

The Gardening 101 series continues with “Seed Selection and Planting Plan” on March 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. MGV Kelly Morgan will cover the basics of selecting and starting seeds, what works best directly planted in the garden and when to start planting.

Then, on April 6 from 10 a.m. to noon, join MGV and botanist Judy Barnhart for “Common Yard & Garden Weeds.” She will discuss and identify unwanted weeds, several of which can become aggressive, noxious or invasive. An ID matching activity will be included.

Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals

The Geauga County Department on Aging is in need of Home Delivered Meal drivers in Russell Township on Tuesdays. The meal routes start at the West Geauga Center, 8090 Cedar Road in Chester Township.

The Home Delivered Meal program delivers warm, nutritious lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, to homebound senior citizens in the community. Area agencies, organizations, church groups and individuals 18 years old or older, with a valid driver’s license, may volunteer. Training includes filing department on aging Home Delivered Meal volunteer paperwork and a short orientation about the program. Volunteers can deliver meals on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or as needed/ substitute basis.

To sign up or for any questions, contact Nathan Gorton at 440-279-2138 or email at NGorton@co.geauga.oh.us

Abundant Life Ministry

March 16, 23 and 30, 7 a.m. to noon

Enjoy all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancake breakfasts with real maple syrup at Abundant Life Ministry Center, 13724 Carlton St. in Burton.

There will also be plain, blueberry or banana pancakes, along with sausage for $10. Add a side of eggs for $1. Check out the book sale with elementary library books and desks.

Presidential Scholars Program

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors for their accomplishments in many different areas. Of the 3.6 million high school seniors graduating in the class of 2024, only about 6,000 are candidates for the program. The process to apply is by invitation only and extensive. West Geauga has two students - Samuel Taurasi and Andrew Elias - recognized as 2024 candidates for the prestigious award.

Later this spring, the list will be narrowed down to a group of semifinalists, followed by the final selection of 161 students named U.S. Presidential Scholars. Being selected is one of the highest honors the nation's high school students may receive. West Geauga is proud of Sam and Andrew for their accomplishments and wishes them continued success throughout the remaining selection processes.

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renewable scholarship for four years if they choose to attend an Ohio college or university. Congratulations to Lina DiFranco, Andrew Elias, Mikayla Herbst, Kurt Liedtke, Myra Utterback, Bridget Bellett, Samuel Taurasi, Natalie Taiclet and Paige Trentanelli on their academic achievements and eligibility. They were recently recognized at the board of education meeting.

West G STEM Fair

The annual West Geauga STEM Fair drew 66 students from the high and middle schools to compete in an array of events from

Middle School Individual Projects: Mikaela Iskra, first; Caleb Wright, second; and Logan Titchnell, third.

Middle School Math Competition: Lincoln Shirey. How Do I Fare: Darren PrinceWright and Henry Duxbury, first place team; Quinn McNamara and Kelsie Fink, second; and Molly Moidell and Lena Wright, third.

Junk Box Wars: Evan Muhvic, Andrew Muhvic and Robert Vash, first place team; Tiger Yang, London Caputa and Jadyn Brendy, second; and Mason Towey, Emily Wierzbicki and Patrick Hensel, third; and Design Award - Henry Bartlett, Josh Nemunaitis and Aidyn Koshar.

St. Anselm

Community Meetings

Chester Township: March 21, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; March 22, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: March 20, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District; March 21, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; March 27, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

West Geauga BOE: March 18, 7 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks of Feb. 19 & 26, and March 4, 2024, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Brian C. Soder, 11856 East Hill Drive, to Frank M. and Jourdyn M. Lasalvia, $393,000. (2.80 acres)

Patricia A. Klavora and Scott W. Simpson, 12452 Bentbrook Drive, to Thomas A. and Maria Dale, $560,000. (5.00 acres)

Armand R. and Maria J. DiNardo (trustees), 8251 Mayfield Road, to REO Investments LLC, $1,100,000. (2.10 acres)

Teresa Shotliff, 11904 Clearview Road, to U.S. Bank N.A. (trustee), $183,400. (1.46 acres)

Michael Stark, 12906 Cherry Lane, to Robert and Melissa Ann Morgenroth, $225,000. (1.00 acres)

Kobella Properties LLC, 11630 Chillicothe Road, to 11630 Chillicothe LLC, $1,320,000. (6.05 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Roberta S. Laps, 14675 Russell Lane, to Hannah Klein Katz, $400,000. (1.50 acres)

Richard S. Gates (TOD), 13941 Sweetbriar Lane, to Gene P. Veronesi, $314,000. (1.58 acres)

Timothy W. Nilsen and Patricia A. Maroney, 15140 Hemlock Point Road, to John V. and Victoria J. Koslosky (co-trustees), $620,000. (8.80 acres)

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions for the month of March, unless otherwise noted. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

sters and then fired them in the kiln. Students have many opportunities to be creative in art class each week.

AUTOS & PARTS

Tires: Kumho Majesty Solus, low profile, 225/40 R18, set of 4; $200. Bridgestone Blizzak, snow tires, 195/65 R15, w/steel rims, set of 4; $40. H.F. transmission jack; $25. 440-725-6978.

FOR RENT

Warehouse or storage building, Washington St, Auburn. 32X56 with 12X12 overhead door, concrete floor, electric, parking. $790 per month. 12 month lease. 440552-0228.

Office Space in Chardon: second floor, Main Street, approx. 535 square feet. $600/month, includes HVAC and water. Call 440-285-2247.

4BR Ranch, Chesterland. References. 1st, last, and security deposit; $1,250/month. 440-247-5597.

FOR SALE

Meyers Snow Plow: with lights and wire harness, $700. Snow Tires: Four(4), like new, with heavy duty aluminum Chevy rims, P245/75R16, $400. 440622-9201.

Firewood: Seasoned Hardwood. Average length 17”. Free delivery within 10 miles of Chardon. 4’x8’x17” $120. Fresh cut firewood discounted now. 440-6875404.

2017 Kubota Riding Mower: T2080 20-HP 42” deck, well maintained, maintenance by Kubota every year, immaculate condition; $2,000/OBO. 440-668-4773.

John Deere Lawn Tractor: Model 314, 14-HP, hydraulic 3-blade 46” cutting deck, w/snow plow and trailer; $1,200. 440-564-1172.

Solid Cherry Corner Desk: like new, 78” tall, 48” depth, 64” wide, paid $2,250, asking $1,480/OBO. Antique French round marble table w/4 chairs, $1,600/OBO. 440-338-3563.

Taking orders for Maple Syrup! Will fill your quart jars for $9/each. Call 440-632-9651.

50’s, 60’s vinyl albums, antique stoneware, crocks, humidor pipe holder, upholstered chair, sofa, vintage tv. 440-729-1082.

HELP WANTED

Caregiver Needed for bed ridden senior citizen in Chesterland. Part time hours, flexible, days or nights. May become full time. Work references required. 440-3390519.

PETS & ANIMALS

For Sale: Miniature Poodle Puppies: a variety of colors, had shots and dewormer, 1-year health guarantee; $400/each. 440-313-3542.

Sammy needs an indoor home! Large, handsome, black & white 6-yr old cat. Very sweet. Loves being petted & brushed. Neutered, vaccinated. Rebecca 440321-2485.

MISCELLANEOUS

Marijuana causes poor concentration at work. Dangerous in many jobs. Test your employees!

REAL ESTATE

$79.9k .34 acre lot, a part of sought-after Lake Lucerne. Gas, Electric, Sanitary Sewer, Well Water all available. Listed on Zillow. 440-596-2608.

SERVICES

Did you know Karlovec Media Group prints business cards? Prices start at only $30 for 500 (B&W, 1-sided, no bleed). Call 440-729-7667 or email ads@karlovecmedia.com.

Newbury Cares, Inc. (a non-profit domestic corporation) serving Newbury township residents. Look here for additional info to come.

Experienced Caregiver will do elder care in your home. Certified with references. 440-313-1804. Albert’s complete tree service, land clearing, firewood, excavation and sewer work. 440-687-5404. Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining. 20+ years experience. Professional and insured. Call Dan 440-342-4552.

Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440-813-4272. No answer, leave message.

WANTED TO BUY

Buying all Stanley Bailey planes and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.

4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119.

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.

Motorcycles wanted to buy, running or not. Call Steve 440-488-7924.