Chesterland News 10-26-22

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West Geauga Schools Near Top of State Rankings

Staff RepoRt

This year’s Ohio Department of Education report card graded West Geauga with the 10th highest per formance index in Ohio.

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Seeking Sales Reps

Karlovec Media Group is hiring account representatives to sell print and online advertising in and around Geauga County.

Candidates must be able to manage time wisely, meet deadlines and have reliable transportation.

All of our staff must be willing to work in a team environment to help grow our newspapers. The ability to understand and live with a deadline-driven business is a must.

The ideal candidate would have at least two years of sales experience.

Markwardt

“Being in the top 10 was a goal I set back in 2015 when I joined the staff here,” Superintendent Richard Mark wardt said. “This accomplishment is the product of a team effort that reflects the direc tion of the West Geauga (Schools) Board of Educa tion, the support of our families, the quality of our students, and the skills and hard work of teachers and staff.”

Although West Geauga High School scored high in performance overall, Markwardt said the district needs to focus on raising scores on advanced placement exams in cer

Got Boxes? Need Boxes?

Staff RepoRt

The Cardboard Exchange Shed at the Chesterland Recycle Park is now open for business.

With so many purchases now shipped door-to-door, cardboard boxes are plentiful. Rather than re cycling the boxes — where it takes energy and resources to shred them and make new boxes — why not save them for re-use?

Have a Box? Need a Box? If so, come to the Cardboard Exchange Shed. This is a re-use recycling strategy and the basic idea behind the Cardboard Exchange. This ef fort was led by the Kiwanis Club of West Geauga with grant funding from the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District.

Wolverines Score Seven Goals On Way to Sectional Title

By alan KoRnSpan SpoRtS@KaRlovecmedia com

Although a year had passed, not much changed in the OHSAA sectional title game for the West Geauga Wolverines girls soccer team.

Last year, en route to a deep playoff run, the Wolverines defeated Crestwood 6-0 for the sectional championship. This year, the Wolverines defeated a strong Berkshire Badgers team, which was on a 14game winning streak, by a score of 7-3.

Like last year’s sectional title game, the Wolver ines started strongly, led by NCAA Division I Penn State commit Frankee Flesher. Flesher scored two goals, and Holly Jeunnette and Megan McGinnis each added one, to give their team a commanding 4-0 lead going into halftime.

“Tonight was a perfect example of our prepara tion all season long,” West Geauga Head Coach Kori Jesenovec said. “A lot of that (scoring) was just prepa ration. I think we played very together as a team. We had a lot of great combination plays and, I mean, real ly, we had some great corners that we took.

“Just as a team, we were together. We were just putting a lot of pressure on their back line. We knew that was something that we could exploit them with, just being able to put pressure on them, and so I think the girls executed the plan extremely well and they did a fantastic job tonight. They played West G soccer.”

Senior Holly Jeunnette added, “It was a really tough game. Both teams fought super hard; we just ended up with the win. We had a lot of drive tonight coming in. Especially us seniors, there’s 13 of us, we didn’t want our season to end, so we just pushed through it.”

Flesher got her Wolverines onto the scoreboard early with a goal three minutes into the game.

Submit resumes to editor@karlovecmedia.com

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

West Geauga celebrates after one of the team’s seven goals in the team’s 7-3 win over Berkshire in a sectional final tournament win.

Trunk or Treat

Oct. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Geauga County Sherriff’s Office will host Trunk or Treat at the Geauga County Safety Center, 12450 Merritt Road, Chardon. The event is free. For more information, call 440279-2070.

Free Halloween Treat

Oct. 29, 4-6 p.m.

Valley Villa Custard, at 8200 Mayfield Road in Chesterland, will offer a free ice cream cone to kids who go there dressed in a Halloween costume. Offer available weather permitting.

WGRC Trick or Treat Street

Oct. 29, 5-7 p.m.

West Geauga Recreation Council (WGRC) is hosting its second annual Trick or Treat Street at the WGRC campgrounds, 8611 Ce dar Road, Chester Township. Visit wgrc.org for information and to sign up to pass out candy. The free event is open to the public.

Chester Twp. Trick or Treat Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.

State of the Schools

Nov. 4, 8-9:30 a.m.

Superintendents of Geauga County public schools will share how their schools are set ting students up for success and how they have adapted to meet the unique needs of their stu dents at the next Geauga Economic Leadership (G.E.L.) breakfast at Kent State University –

Geauga, 14111 Claridon Troy Road, Burton.

Facilitated by Superintendent Jennifer Felker, of the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, the discussion will fo cus on growth, innovation, accomplishments and overcoming challenges specific to their school districts.

Breakfast and networking begin at 8 a.m. Free and open to the public.

Young of Heart Nov. 4, 11:30 a.m.

Geauga Young of Heart will meet at An selm Church in Chester Township. Bring a brown bag lunch. Snacks and beverage are provided. Musical entertainment will be pro vided by Steppin’ Out.

A Christmas trip has been planned for Dec. 8 and 9 to Clifton Mills for its fantas tic light display. Also included is lunch and a show, “White Christmas,” at the LaComedia Dinner Theater. The group will also stop at Castle Noel in Medina for the country’s larg est indoor Christmas attraction and lunch at Der Dutchman in Belleville. Cost is $310 per person, or $316 for nonmembers.

For reservations, call Nancy at 440-729-9684. Everyone is welcome on Young of Heart trips.

Housing Coalition Chili Cookoff Nov. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Geauga County Housing Coalition is holding its eighth annual fundraiser at Met zenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Road in Ches ter Township. Proceeds will be distributed to local agencies to help homeless and at-risk individuals and families in Geauga County.

Christmas Gathering Boutique

Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Molly Tanner will welcome guests to her restored 1842 home for the annual Christ mas Gathering Boutique and Tea that begins the holiday season at the Chesterland His torical Village.

Decorated in her holiday finery, each room offers a unique shopping experience. Gifts and decorations are handcrafted in-house. Tea will be served in the parlor.

Two new features will be pottery by Erica Coogan and a Kid’s Korner, where children may shop for special people on their gift list.

An open house will also be held Nov. 6 from 2-4 p.m. All of the buildings will be open for tours.

The village is located at 7800 Mayfield Road at intersection of Caves and Mayfield roads in Chester Township.

Numerous county agencies will have their special chili recipes for attendees to taste and judge. The event also includes a Chinese auc tion, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and wine pull, along with information about local agencies and services.

Tickets are $15, which includes appetiz ers, chili tasting, homemade desserts, door prize entry and one auction ticket.

To purchase tickets or make a donation to the Coalition, contact Teresa at 440-2852282 or tslater@geauga.org.

Christmas Boutique

Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Anselm Women’s Guild annual Christ mas Boutique will be held at St. Anselm School, 13013 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. There will be items from more than 70 vendors as well as a snack bar, bake sale and prize raffle. Admission is $1.

Join the Boutique Bounce by getting a card stamped at St. Anselm on Nov. 5 and then bring the card to get stamped on Nov. 12 at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Chester Township and Old South Church in Kirtland to be included in a free drawing for a chance to win one of three gift baskets.

For more information, call Shirley Cham bers at 216-832-5158.

Good Deeds Program

Nov. 5, 10 a.m.

Geauga County Probate Court will pres ent the Good Deeds Program in the small gym of the Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Road, Chester Township.

The free informational program is de signed to inform individuals about how they title their assets now will determine whether their family will need to go through probate

Town Crier See Town Crier • Page 3

Crier from

Genealogical Society Meets

Nov. 8, 7 p.m.

karlovec group

Shelley Bishop will present “The Case of the Missing Will” via Zoom at the next meeting of the Geauga County Genealogical Society.

Phone 440-729-7667

8389 Mayfield Road, Suite B5 Chesterland, Ohio 44026 court upon their death. Learn less expensive alternatives in titling assets to avoid the pro bate process.

An asset checklist will be provided. Volunteer attorneys will be available to dis cuss individual estate needs.

For more information or to register, call 440-279-1840.

FGP Explorers Series

Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m.

Join Foundation for Geauga Parks for a 1.1 mile walk with commentary and obser vations by professional naturalist through Whitlam Woods, 12500 Pearl Road, Hambden Township.

Preregistration is required; visit founda tionforgeaugaparks.org or call 440-564-1048.

The Boutique Bounce

Join the Boutique Bounce to be eligible to win one of three grand prizes by stopping at St. Anselm Church, 13013 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township; Old South Church, 9802 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland; and St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11900 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

Pick up a card at the first stop on Nov. 5 and have it stamped and then turn in the card at last stop on Nov. 12. The drawing will take place Nov. 13, when the winners will be notified.

The boutique at St. Anselm Church runs Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $1.

St. Mark Church will host a preview party for adults only Nov. 11 from 7-9 p.m. Admis sion is $5. The sale continues Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission.

Old South Church will also host a bou tique on Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission.

Geauga Skywatchers Club

Nov. 7, 6;30 p.m.

Join Geauga Skywatchers Club for an as tronomy presentation by a member of The Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society at the Chardon Public Library.

Visit www.GeaugaLibrary.libcal.com to register.

Registration is required. Visit gcgsoh.org and click on Programs and Links.

Woodland Wednesdays Nov. 9, 4-6:30 p.m.

The Woodland Wednesdays series contin ues with “Maple Madness! From Our Trees to Your Table” at Seldom Seen Farm, 10055 Madison Road, Montville Township. Learn more about maple syrup production, other agroforestry opportunities and the impor tance of managing a sugarbush for forest health. Featured speakers are Kevin Holy, of Seldom Seen Farm, and Jason Grossman, ma ple specialist for H2O Innovation.

Registration is required for the free pro gram by Nov. 7; call Geauga SWCD at 440834-1122.

Holiday Boutique and Brunch Nov. 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Maple Leaf Community Residences will host a holiday boutique and brunch at the Club of Hillbrook Club in Chagrin Falls. Brunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. and guests will enjoy a special appearance by the Cleveland Ballet.

Tickets are $60 for adults and $25 for chil dren 10 and under. Ticket sales close Nov. 4.

For more information, visit www.MLCR. org or call 440-279-4444.

Maple Leaf provides housing for adult Geauga County residents with developmental disabilities. Proceeds will benefit the Raise the Roof fund for the continuing needs of maintaining the homes.

CWC Lunch and Program Nov. 16, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join Christian Women’s Connection for lunch, program and bake sale at Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge Township.

Featured speaker Bobbi Gerhardt will present “Memories: Some Fond, Some Silly.” Cost is $16 at the door catered by Hungry Bee.

To RSVP by Nov. 9, email cwcchagrin@ gmail.com or call/text 419-544-7032.

FAX 440-729-8240 ads@karlovecmedia.com editor@karlovecmedia.com

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Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Closed Wednesdays

Jeffrey B. Karlovec, Publisher John D. Karlovec, Editor

Cassandra C. Shofar, News Editor Jamie A. Ward, Sports Editor Ann Wishart, Staff Reporter

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Amy Patterson, Staff Reporter

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Karen S. Kaplan, Graphic Design

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Regina Swinerton, Classifieds

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Soccer from page 1

“I received a through-ball and kind of just saw the goalie coming out and just placed it,” she recalled.

Shortly after, the Wolverines scored again on a goal by McGinnis a little more than nine minutes in.

“My first goal was the header off the corner, which we have been working for all season,” said McGinnis. “It has really been working really well for us. Holly has great corners, and I try just to get on the end of it and do whatever I can to head it towards the goal.”

Flesher scored again in the 27th min ute. Then, about a minute later, Jeunnette scored the Wolverines’ fourth goal of the half to put the Wolverines up 4-0.

“Mine was just a cross-through,” said Jeunnette. “It was phenomenal. Natalie got a little tip on it. She was really in the right spot at the right time, and I just tried to place it in the goal and not hit it over.”

The Wolverines scored three more times in the second half. Two of those were

Report Card from page 1

tain subjects, which he said are weaker than they should be in some subjects.

“We need to make sure that we have the right students enrolled in our AP classes and the right teachers leading them,” he said. “AP is not for everyone.”

The district’s progress is the result of

by McGinnis, the equivalent of her threegoal hat trick in last year’s sectional title game.

In addition, Flesher scored in the sec ond half to also record a hat trick perfor mance for the Wolverines.

To Berkshire’s credit, they kept fight ing hard throughout the second half and matched the Wolverines’ three second-half goals with three of their own.

Berkshire’s goals were scored by Alyssa Lawson, with two, and Brooke Ruchalski.

The Badgers completed a great 16-2 season. They were led offensively by Law son, Ruchalski, Evania McCandless, Kelly McCandless, Mary Lee, Tara Barickoski, Jordyn Wichert and Madison Durosko.

Both Evania McCandless and Ruchalski amassed 100 points for their career this sea son.

Berkshire’s defense also shined this season, led in net by junior Sarah Wendl.

For the season, the Badgers tallied 11 shutouts and three games when they only gave up one goal.

The Wolverines now advance to the district finals, where they will take on the Salem Quakers Oct. 24.

a multi-year emphasis on meaningful class room instruction that yields tangible learn ing results, Markwardt said.

“As superintendent, I establish ‘what’ needs to be accomplished, but Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Nancy Benincasa, and our curriculum team design ‘how’ to get us there. Together, the administrators and teachers translate theory into practice and our students demonstrate daily the effec tiveness of what we’re doing,” he said.

Letters to the Editor Support West Geauga Commons

I have lived in the West Geauga area, specifically Chester Township, for over 45 years and had driven past the West Geauga Commons many times before my youngest son started to play soccer there. I had always been impressed with how well manicured the fields were and how clean the other areas were kept.

Over the past years I have had the plea sure of volunteering my time and services to the West Geauga Community Joint Rec reation District Board. I have worked with many other citizens who were also willing to offer their time and services to help maintain the park.

The idea of the park was started in the mid 1980s through the efforts of Pat Jaski (Miss Pat’s Daycare), who felt that the local children needed a recreational area locally. Now the Commons has become a valuable asset to the community and a site for the sports groups to utilize. It is funded primar ily through real estate taxes of 0.2 mills, or $2.70 per $100,000 valuation per year. This is used for maintenance only with capital im provements being funded through fees, con tributions or grants.

There are three soccer fields, a baseball field, basketball and volleyball courts, a walk ing trail, cross-country skiing, a children’s playground, a pavilion complete with grills, and free doggie bags for the many dog walk ers.

This Nov. 8 there will be a RENEWAL tax levy on the ballot (Local Issue 2). There will be NO INCREASE IN TAXES.

Please support the West Geauga Com mons and please use its facilities . . . it be longs to everyone.

Linda Palchick Chester Township

Vote ‘Yes’ on Issue 2

West Geauga Soccer Club (WGSC) sup ports Local Issue 2, the renewal tax levy for the West Geauga Commons.

Many local sports clubs, churches, sum mer camps and individuals regularly walk, run, picnic or play at this beautiful park

The pavilion and the playground are great for family events. The park trail, for both walkers and joggers, circle the park and runs along the Chagrin River.

All the sports fields and courts are well maintained and regularly used by the com munity. In winter, the Commons allows cross-country skiing throughout the park.

Access to the park and all of its ameni ties is funded primarily through a real estate tax of 0.2 mills, approximately $2.70 per $100,000 of property valuation per year.

This renewal levy will NOT INCREASE TAXES.

Please support the West Geauga Joint Recreation District, commonly known as the West Geauga Commons, and vote Yes on Lo cal Issue 2.

Jack Ackworth President, WGSC

Bill Patterson Vice President, WGSC

Bill Byran Director of Soccer, WGSC

Geauga Park District

For more information and registration, con tact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Holly Days Artisan Boutique

Nov. 4, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Browse a premier selection of na ture-themed holiday decor and gifts for sale by regional artisans at the West Woods Na ture Center in Russell Township.

With indoor and outdoor vendors, it is the perfect opportunity to find unique, handmade items for everyone on one’s list.

The Mistletoe Market also features hand

made gifts created by young artisans.

White House Holidays Nov. 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Celebrate the season with accomplished floral designer Bill Hixson, longtime White House decorator, during a holiday open house at The West Woods Nature Center.

His annual demonstration and presenta tion in the park also allows the public to enjoy his take on the folklore and tradition associat ed with holiday ornaments. Some of his cre ations may be available for sale and signing.

Light refreshments will also be served. Reg istration is required.

Reading to Rover Brings Tale Waggin’ Good Time to Library

By RoSe nemunaitiS editoR@KaRlovecmedia com

Every dog has its day, and for a few Satur days this month at Geauga West Library, it’s “Go, Dog. Go!” time for some well-mannered dogs, big-hearted volunteers and promising young readers.

“I think the kids absolutely love reading to the dogs and seeing so many dogs in one room,” said Valerie Stefancin, who started the area’s Reading to Rover program in 2005. “The dogs, in contrast to a human, don’t judge the individual, aren’t grading the indi vidual and hopefully that allows the children to build some confidence in their reading skills.”

RTR is open to Lindsey and Westwood Elementary schools’ kindergarten through fifth-graders, usually in April and October, each year. Students can sign up to read to a therapy dog for half-hour time slots from 10–11:30 a.m. on Saturdays at the library in Chester Township.

After a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, it’s back stronger than ever, with a steady line of students clutching their favorite books — perhaps like the aforementioned 1961 P.D. Eastman classic, “Go, Dog. Go!” — waiting to get their names checked off and scurry ing inside the library’s large community room.

Some tote books from home. Others choose hardcover or paperbacks from library displays.

“Without all of the volunteers and their therapy dogs, this program would not exist,” said Stefancin, who brings her own two dogs — Bryce, a Labrador Retriever, and Emily, a Goldendoodle — and sits by the entrance as other volunteers and their best furry-leashed friends parade inside.

“The interest has only grown over the last 17 years by both students and volunteers, which is totally amazing,” she added.

RTR volunteer Janet Sarver called Ste fancin the “heartbeat” of the program.

“She has made it a success with a lot of dedication and hard work organizing it,” she said, adding in the past, other area li braries have tried but lacked the community enthusiasm and dedication that drives this program.

Sarver brought Ryder, her 3-year-old Golden Retriever that — when not listen ing to the words of Eric Carle, Dr. Seuss or Beverly Cleary at the library — loves to swim and sit in puddles, fetch balls and go for hikes.

Riley, her previous beloved Golden Re triever, attended RTR at libraries for 12 years and Paws for Reading at the former Hamb den Elementary School for five years in sec ond-grade classrooms.

“I think Reading to Rover is an excellent program that allows children to read to dogs

in a comfortable setting in which they can freely read to several different dogs and not be judged by their level of reading skills,” Sarver said. “The look of wonderment when

all the kids walk into the large room filled with dogs who are eagerly waiting to be read to is priceless. They carry their pre-selected

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG Goldendoodle Buddy and his owner, Tracey Cooper, love participating in the Geauga West Library Reading to Rover program.

See

books in their arms ready to have a dog listen to them read as they pet the dogs while read ing, as well.”

Finley, 5, plopped down beside friends Ryder and Buddy, 5, another Goldendoodle.

“It makes me so happy when I read to the dogs,” Finley said, adding he likes seeing all the different breeds, and collecting book marks and cards, which are given as tokens by the volunteer dog handlers.

Buddy’s owner, Tracey Cooper, is new to the program, but Buddy is no stranger to helping humans.

“Since retirement, I enjoy opportunities to volunteer, and if I can do it with Buddy, all the better,” Cooper said.

Buddy volunteers regularly as a Caring Canine at Cleveland Clinic’s Hillcrest Hos pital, spending time with staff, visitors and patients.

Cooper said he has become a favorite of the oncology, radiation and neurology depart ments at the hospital.

“Buddy loves people, especially those who want to pet him,” Cooper said. “He nat urally positions himself next to their side and demands to be noticed and hopefully petted. I believe he enjoys the interaction with the children and parents since he truly loves people and can get along with all types of dogs.”

Cooper loves participating in these types of programs because Buddy gets to see peo ple and children in a happy environment.

“The hospital setting can be challenging on certain days, so any opportunity Buddy can share some joy in a positive environment

does both of us good,” Cooper said. “He has little experience with smaller children, so this allows him the opportunity to grow and practice the proper method of interacting with them.”

She credited the program’s many veteran volunteers.

“They are strong advocates for communi ty volunteerism and they love spending time with their best friend,” Cooper added.

Stefancin said she can’t express her appreciation enough for the elementary schools’ librarian, Sandy Murry, in coordinat ing the program with the two schools.

“Without her help, none of this would happen,” Stefancin said.

“Students are so excited to be able to come to the Geauga West library and read to a dog,” Murry added. “It is such a confidence booster for them.”

She said many kindergarteners are just learning how to read may not be able to read the words, but can make up their own stories that go along with the pictures.

“That helps them in learning how to read,” Murry said.

A University of California, Davis study from the School of Veterinary Medicine found “the patient, nonjudgmental attention that the dogs offer is key to bringing the changes in the kids’ attitudes toward read ing.”

Some readers sat cross-legged and shoul der-to-shoulder in small groups with friends, while others snuggled with the dogs and wel comed some kisses.

“It’s such a nice environment because there’s no pressure for (students),” Stefancin said. “They can read at their own pace and just relax.”

Boxes from page 1

All boxes, whether they are being reused or recycled, need to be flattened so that more boxes can fit in the bins. There is a safety knife available for use in the Cardboard Shed that can help you breakdown the boxes.

“If your flattened box is in good shape, con sider filing it in the shed for re-use, otherwise recycle it,” West Geauga Kiwanis member Ken Mantey said. “Re-use is more efficient than re cycling, but let’s only keep the best boxes that we don’t already have on hand.”

Boxes are filed by a simple color-coded size chart. Instructions are located inside the Cardboard Shed.

“Some of the smaller boxes may be more

useful when they are left intact and not bro ken down, such as cigar, shoe, novelty, gift,” said Mantey. “Like the rest of the Recycle Park, we do not accept plastic, styrofoam, peanuts or other packaging material.”

Boxes are free, with the only require ment that all transactions (Leave & Take) are logged in the guest log.

“Your neighbors have taken the time and effort to save these boxes for you, take the time to thank them in the book,” Mantey said. “This is the only way we can tell that the shed is being used and what box sizes are most useful.”

Chester Township gets paid for the card board and paper placed in the River Valley recycle bins, noted Mantey, but not for those same items placed in the Ohio Valley single stream bins.

Community Meetings

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions for the coming two-week period, unless otherwise noted. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Geauga County: Oct. 26, 5 p.m., Board of Health, Ste. 333; Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m. – Geauga County Commissioners, 5:45 p.m. – Educa tional Service Center of the Western Reserve Board, at 8221 Auburn Road, Concord; Nov. 8, 7:30 a.m. – Geauga Soil and Water Conser vation District, Ste. 240, 9:30 a.m. – Geauga County Commissioners. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative

Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Clar idon, unless otherwise noted. County commis sioners meetings are held in Suite 350.

Chester Township: Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Zon ing Commission; Nov. 3, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town ship Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless oth erwise noted.

Russell Township: Oct. 26, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Nov. 3, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; Nov. 7, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals. All meetings are held at Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Students Invited to Enter #1 Dog Contest

Geauga County Auditor Charles E. Walder continues the mission to find the #1 Dog in Geauga County for 2023. To kick off the 2023 dog registration, the county audi tor’s office is having a #1 Dog Contest for all fourth- and fifth-graders in the county.

Students are asked to submit a short essay to Walder’s office or emailed to

2022FirstDog@geauga.oh.gov by Nov. 2 ex plaining why they think their dog is the top dog in Geauga County.

For more information, visit www.auditor. geauga.oh.gov and click on Dog Services. Information also is available at all public li braries in the county or by contacting the auditor’s office directly at 440-279-1614.

tional Honor Society, the fun event is open to community families to dress up, collect candy and celebrate Halloween indoors.

National Honor Society Inductions

Forty-seven West Geauga High School students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS). Membership in the NHS requires students to meet and maintain the four pillars of scholarship, lead ership, service and character.

Congratulations to Madelyn Hann, Emi ly Berdis, Victor Wright, Shea Malone, Joey

Bridget Bellet, Lucia Burkhard, Kurt Liedt ke, Natalie George, Myra Utterback, Natalie Taiclet, Cecilia Jadrych, Katelyn Simmelink, Samantha Fanger, William Northup, Na than Kercher, Gianna Trivisonno, Emerson Gruly, Amanda Jarrett, Paige Trentanelli, Nicole Ferrando, Aya Ayres, Andrew Elias, Quinn Misterka, Miaya Jones, Isabella Intor cio, Thomas Hensley, Sarah Rubinski, Han nah Williams, Gabriella Keglovic, Elizabeth Furst, Michael Beazel, Claire Pettit, Mikayla Herbst, Maritza Maksoudian, Vaughn Mak soudian and Taylor Deets.

West Geauga Schools

SUBMITTED

Elementary school students get the opportunity to play the drums during a visit from the West Geauga High School Marching Band.

WG Marching Band Performs

The West Geauga Marching Band traveled the district to perform for students and staff at each building. Full of spirit and pride, students clapped along, danced and even got to play the drums. The special assemblies celebrated the arts, showcased the special talent at West Geauga and inspired many young musicians.

The West Geauga High School Marching Band, together with the concert band, symphonic band and jazz band, involves195 students in grades 9-12. Another 120 students compose the fifth-grade band and 289 students are currently members of the middle school bands. The

Happy Halloween!

SUBMITTED

Trick or treating was held Oct. 20 at the Chester Commons plaza on Mayfield Road. Participating merchants included Anytime Fitness, Avanti Salon, Carpet Company, The Luczkowski Insurance Agency, La Mexicana Cantina & Grill, Oak and Embers, and OALO: Ohio Archery Learning Center. Approximately 75 families attended. Pictured are brothers Acen and Brexley; the inset is Barb and Christina from the Luczkowski Agency.

West G Honors Scholarship Semifinalists

By BRian doeRing BRian@KaRlovecmedia com

West Geauga Schools Board of Education was pleased to commend eight students for their hard work in the 2023 National Merit Program during the Oct. 10 meeting.

High School Principal Ryan Patti honored National Merit Scholarship semifinalists Reilly Lewis, Megan McGinnis and Morgan Palchick, and commended scholars Grant Congdon, Lydia Hanna, Bryn Morgan, James Patterson and Issak Taiclet, all seniors.

“In a school and district, the size that we are, to have eight students who have been in the national merit scholars, whether it be commended scholars or semifinalists, is a lot,” said Patti. “When I look at schools around us, you don’t see eight students in anything that’s even close to the size of the schools that we are. The job they have done has been absolutely incredible.”

The semifinalists are among the 16,000

group

students who entered the 2023 merit pro gram. They have the opportunity to continue to compete for 7,250 national merit scholar ships worth nearly $28 million, which will be

To advertise

at 440-729-7667

or email

to

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FRIDAY AT NOON PRIOR TO PUBLICATION DATE

offered next spring.

Roughly 95% of the semifinalists are expect ed to attain a finalist standing and half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship.

“I am extremely hopeful. I think it’s going to be incredible,” said Patti.

The commended scholars within the school district are among the top 50,000 stu dents who entered the 2023 national merit program and are among about 34,000 com mended students nationwide with a national index score of 207.

“That’s of all the students that took (the preliminary scholastic aptitude test),” said Patti. “Again, an absolutely incredible feet to the amount of students, how well they did and the efforts they put into this.”

Patti said this year, he wanted to show

case the students’ aspects of their four-year tenures at the school and highlight the extra curricular activities they have done.

“When you look at the criteria for the na tional merit scholars, a lot that goes into it is not just the index score,” said Patti. “It’s the work they do outside.”

Superintendent Richard Markwardt said a majority of the credit for the students’ ac complishments goes to the parents.

“I want to thank you as parents for raising such good kids. For pushing them to achieve academically,” said Markwardt. “It’s not just in the academic realm that your kids excel. They excel as people, individuals, areas of character and service to their community. I’m tremendously proud of them.”

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of area real estate trans fers for the weeks ending Oct. 7 and Oct. 14, 2022, provided as a public service by the Geau ga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may in volve the sale of land only.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Steven Pattison and Cathy Piwinski (trustees), 12121 New Market, to Caitlin Blaskewicz and Daniel Mickolick, $445,000. (5.52 acres)

Milton and Jessica Hodgson, 7212 Wil son Mills Road, to In Step With Horses, $455,000. (6.37 acres)

Daniel Patrick O’Neil, 11365 Kristine Drive, to Sarah and David Perry, $450,000. (3.28 acres)

Patricia Y. Leveranz, Mulberry Road, to Keeley Jean Misener, $320,000. (3.41 acres)

Michael A. Douglas, 13200 Woodcrest

TRANSFERS

Lane, to John and Angela Rodin, $189,100. (1.14 acres)

David B. and Beverly J. Kollar, 11545 Rust Drive, to Brooke Mackenzie Morr and Jacob W. Westerfield, $240,000. (5.00 acres)

Christine M. Ingold, 12746 Wellswood Trail, to Marilyn Sukes (TOD), $217,000. (1.71 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Mary Louise Toth, 9180 Kinsman Road, to Ryan Miller, $230,000. (3.75 acres)

Valley Road LLC, Hemlock Road, to Rich ard D. and Kristine D. Amendola, $725,000. (2.42 acres)

John Carnie Sinclair Jr., 15505 Russell Road, to Barbara R. Jones, $405,000. (5.00 acres)

Anne C. Tormey (trustee), 13685 County Line Road, to County Line Properties I LLC, $1,295,000. (7.55 acres)

Program during the school board meeting Oct. 10.

Help Wanted

Elder Care needed, around the clock, in Chesterland area, must be able to oper ate Hoyer, references required. Wages, R&B. 440-339-0519.

Yard worker wanted part time for Fall. Starting @$16/hr cash, more with expe rience. Driver’s license preferred. 440338-3563.

Telehealth Tech Optical, Optometrist Office, Chardon Walmart. Tues, Wed, Thur, no weekends. Salary based on ex perience. Email: woodbirch6483@gmail. com.

Classifieds

AUTOS & PARTS

Tires: (2) BF Goodrich P255/70R15 Ea gle GT/TA, nearly new, $350/OBO. 440897-7300.

Motorcycles wanted to buy. Call Steve at 440-488-7924.

Tires: (2) Arctic Claw Winter WX1 245/70R16 studded steel wheels, 5-hole, like new: $250 total. Truck-bed Tool Box: $65. 440-338-8282.

Four (4) snow tires on aluminum alloy rims, excellent condition. Sumitomo Ice Edge, 205/55R16/91T. Off BMW 328IXDrive. James, 216-218-2589.

FOR RENT

Nice 2BR/1B Ranch: Acre yard, stove, basement, garage. No pets/smoking. Gar rettsville schools. Rt422, 2.5 mi east Park man. $850/mo. Util./Sec. 440-548-8087.

FOR SALE

1,000-gal air tank $200. (2)40# propane tanks $40/ea. (1)20# propane tank $10. (2)DeWalt Electric 40-gal air compres sors $225/ea. Ridgid pancake air com pressor $25. King industrial dust col lector $325. (2)Lazy Boy chairs plus (1) chair-and-a-half $800 all three. Pampered Chef double grill pan $50. Paint Palo mino Riding Horse, needs work $4,000/ OBO. 440-635-7677.

Snowblower: Yard Machine 5HP electric start, used, $395/OBO. 440-897-7300.

Shop AVON at home or office. Delivery and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Bev Thompson Avon Independent Sales Representative Call: 440-708-8045 Visit my Web site: https://www.avon.com/ myavon/bthompson8804

Drive Spitfire 4 wheel power scooter. Can be disassembled for transportation. Used 5 times. $800. 440-286-4772.

Spinning wheel, yarn winder, Royal 1900’s typewriter, Polyroyal-TRF radio, IRC-Kadette radio, Victrola oak floor model, table-top hand-crank paper-roll organ. 440-533-5292.

Willow Tree Nativity Cre’che(stable) with Holy Family, two shepherds, four sheep, donkey, goat, metal stars, two an gels and three wise men, E.C. $275. Cof fee-table book, Rowdy Meadow, depict ing estate located in Hunting Valley, $25. 440-548-2260.

FREE FREE - Wood and ash tree needs taken down, Middlefield Village, solid wood. Dave 440-221-3915.

Troy-bilt Chipper Shredder: Model C84325, 3” chipper, Briggs & Stratton en gine, 11.50 series 250cc. $500/OBO. 440591-0149.

Dining room set in time for Thanksgiv ing: Stunning arts and crafts-style table with leaves, 8 chairs, buffet with inlaid marble top, china hutch and base, for all $2,500/OBO, call/text 440-668-8768 for more info.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

FREE STUFF: Foot lockers, luggage, pictures, ballasts. books. 440-421-9253. Please come take it off our hands. Ches terland area.

PETS & ANIMALS

Wanted: Boarding for one horse, DecApril, need turnout, indoor arena, prefer self-care. 440-286-3840.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE fact: 95-97 percent of heroin or cocaine addicts started with marijua na. (National Survey on Drug Use and Health)

REAL ESTATE

We buy Haunted Houses and Land. Any scary condition or situation. Freaky, fast, friendly, local. Westwind Property Solutions. Text/call Wane today at 330269-9595.

SERVICES

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

Estate, garage, & building clean-outs. Also, scrap metal wanted. Call 440-4133119.

Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining this season. 20+ years experience. Profes sional and insured. Call Dan 440-342-4552.

John’s Plumbing: Affordable and re liable. Water heaters, toilets, faucets, drain cleaning, gas lines, sump pumps, well tanks. 440-285-0800.

Taxi Service - All Hours - Call 440-3217555.

WANTED TO BUY

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

4 wheelers, 3 wheelers, dirt bikes, gocarts, mini bikes, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, rid ing 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 440-3138331.