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Volume 52, No. 2
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CHESTERLAND NEWS Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Your Community Newspaper Since 1967
BILL FUGATE/KMG
A crowd of supporters of the Free Ohio Now movement rallied at Parkside Park in Chester Township May 23 to honor the sacrifices of military veterans and to protest Gov. Mike DeWine’s statewide shutdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rally concluded with flag and sign waving along state Route 306.
Rally Calls DeWine’s Actions Unconstitutional By Emily Crebs editor@geaugamapleleaf.com About 50 people gathered at the gazebo in Chester Township at 3 p.m. May 23 for a rally to honor fallen veterans and express dissatisfaction with Gov. Mike DeWine. Memorial Day Remembrance Rallies, organized by Free Ohio Now, were held in counties across Ohio on Saturday. In Chester, the Geauga County Tea Party also organized the event. The crowd sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and Chester Township Trustee Skip Claypool played taps in honor of veterans. Geauga County Tea Party members also spoke out against actions
DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health, took to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, calling their decisions unconstitutional. George Schneider, of Willoughby Hills, heard about the rally from a Facebook post by Mario Innocenzi, a speaker at the rally. Innocenzi is a barbershop owner in Parma and a member of the Geauga County Tea Party. Schneider said he came to honor fallen veterans. “I don’t see why we can’t have (Memorial Day) parades and stuff,” Schneider said. “So this is one little bit I can do to come out and show support.” While Schneider said he does
We are thinking people. We have a brain in our head. We will naturally social distance, we will naturally wear masks, we will naturally do those things if you’re honest with us. – Skip Claypool not agree with wearing masks, he said he wears them in stores to respect working employees. “I try to do my part to stay socially distant a way, that’s the best thing you can do,” Schneider said. Jim MacNeal, vice president of the Geauga County Tea Party and retired National Registry
EMT, spoke to the crowd about his opinion on the state’s response to COVID-19. MacNeal argued DeWine’s stayat-home order that “quarantined” the state was done too soon. He said he believes achieving herd imSee Rally • Page 4
Library Offers Contact-Free Hold Pickup Geauga County Public Library is offering contact-free hold pickup services at all branches. The interior of all GCPL branches remains closed. Geauga West will offer the service Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1–9 p.m., and Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons can place holds through the catalog at www. GeaugaLibrary.net, with the Clevnet app or by calling a local branch. The library will only fill holds with items from the Geauga County collection at this time. Bookdrops have also reopened. Materials returned to the bookdrops will be quarantined for four days (96 hours) before being discharged. Staff will wear PPE and practice strict sanitation and hygiene standards.
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Chesterland News
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Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Scott A. Larrick
Viewpoint
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Community Divided on Park Lands
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By Shelley Chernin Russell Township Russell Township is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I am privileged to live here, and it has been my privilege to serve the Russell community by supporting sound park policies that protect our environment and the beauty of our home. I am deeply disappointed that we were unable to pass the Russell Citizens’ Park District levy. The official vote was close in an election with a low turnout (32.59% in Russell) and much confusion about when, where and how to vote. Two out of five voting precincts voted in favor of the levy. We are a divided community. I disagree with Charlie Butters’ conclusion in his letter to the editor that the voters’ message is clear. While I suspect Charlie and I agree that healing the divisions in the community in respect to our parks would be a wonderful thing, I don’t believe that denying divisions exist is the way to get to that shared goal. Instead, I would like share some of my responses to Charlie’s letter in the hope of shining light on our differences in a way that will help the community to understand our perspectives. Charlie and I have a fundamental difference in our understanding of what parks are and what Ohio park districts can and should do. Our original Russell Township Park District (RTPD) was established in 1984 under Chapter 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code, which is the successor to the original 1919 statute authorizing the establishment of park districts “in order to provide for the preservation of natural resources.” Thus, Ohio historically has intended that its park districts’ primary purpose be the preservation of natural resources. Our state statutes never did and never have required that park districts make land accessible or provide recreation, although those are certainly laudable and permissible things for park districts to do while also, and primarily, preserving natural resources. Charlie cherry-picks from the RTPD goals to support his belief that parks should only and exclusively engage in providing “usable, accessible spaces for recreation.” In addition to the goals quoted by Charlie in his letter, the original RTPD goals also state that “land will be acquired to preserve natural resources.” For over 30 years, RTPD balanced its goals of preserving natural resources, providing recreation facilities and promoting access. Yes, RTPD bought small,
environmentally important parcels of land, especially near the Chagrin River and Griswold Creek, in order to preserve our natural resources. No, these parcels were not purchased in order to provide accessibility or recreation, but other park properties do provide those things. Our park districts in Ohio do not have just one goal. They simultaneously fulfill a number of different public needs for the benefit of all of us. Charlie and I also disagree about whether the Russell Citizens’ Park District (Citizens’ PD), formed under Chapter 511 of the Ohio Revised Code, is redundant. Our township trustees established the Citizens’ PD in 2017 because RTPD lost our trust by moving away from its historical goals and mission. New commissioners appointed by Judge Timothy Grendell did not want to purchase the Modroo property and entertained the idea of selling property on Dines Road. After we voted to form Citizens’ PD, Judge Grendell and RTPD retaliated by leasing RTPD’s larger parks to the Geauga Park District. RTPD justified the lease with a lie about how much money RTPD had in its general fund. In addition, RTPD has spent enormous sums of money, more $100,000 since 2016, on legal and accounting fees. Despite these expenditures on professional help, RTPD’s budgets have been rejected by the Geauga County Budget Commission two years in a row, and they are currently barred from receiving public funds. While RTPD has lost the trust of many in the community, the most recent rejection of the Citizens’ PD levy has denied the Citizens’ PD the opportunity to gain the trust of the community. This is especially sad because Citizens’ PD is in contract to purchase 64 acres of undeveloped land on Music Street that would have been developed with trails for public use. A grant from the State of Ohio would have paid for three-quarters of the purchase price. Since RTPD cannot receive public funds, I don’t believe that they can take advantage of this grant opportunity. So the park districts are not redundant. One is capable of continuing to protect our rural lifestyle, wildlife, nature and environment into the future, while the other is stuck in a mess of its own making, damaged beyond repair. I am not a park commissioner and I don’t know what the Citizens’ PD’s next steps will be. I hope they will at least consider the possibility of privately raising the $200,000 needed to complete the purchase of the Music Street property. I hear that developers are standing by if the Citizens’ PD’s contract to purchase that property falls through. Finally, thank you to my hard-working levy campaign committee, our financial supporters, the Citizens’ PD commissioners and everyone who voted for the Russell Citizens’ Park District levy. I hope that all the citizens of Russell Township can find a way to move together into the future in harmony with each other and with the beautiful place where we are privileged to live.
Chesterland News
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Viewpoint Future Planning for Chester Township By Anthony Nastasi Chester Township Planning Committee In early 2018, a group of volunteers from our township were appointed by the trustees to form what is called the Chester Township Planning Committee (CPC). This group has been meeting regularly twice a month since then. All the meetings have been publicly notified, open to the public, all streamed live on Facebook — which are still available for viewing — and meeting minutes documented and recorded on the township website. Readers are encouraged to check all sources of information to truly understand the process and information at: http://www.chestertwp.com/ Township-Minutes#6554125-planning-committee and https://www.facebook.com/ChesterTownshipPlanning/ Early CPC discussions revolved primarily around the town center or the commercial areas within the township, mainly along routes 306 and 322, which is still the primary focus. Discussions at the CPC meetings lead to the development of goals and objectives, and potential opportunities for a ‘future’ town center. The group reached a point where they believed a professional planning service would be beneficial in developing ideas and creating alternatives to be vetted and discussed in future public meetings and forums. Services also would have included a community questionnaire component. In late 2018, per the approval of the trustees, the CPC developed and released a request for proposals (RFP) for professional planning services. The township received five bids for those services and the planning committee shortlisted three firms. The CPC sent the shortlist to Chester Township Trustees. At that juncture, there continued to be discussion among residents, the CPC and trustees to develop a community questionnaire to obtain the pulse of the residents, prior to enlisting a professional planning service. In late 2019, there was a public advertisement for new committee members to join the CPC. The CPC received an overwhelming response from local residents to join the group. The CPC made the recommendation to trustees to appoint all of those who submitted letters of interest. The new group, with varying opinions and thoughts about what the future
could/should be for Chester, agreed that a questionnaire was the best next step. By way of background, the last questionnaire the township completed — which is part of the current Land-Use Plan — was done nearly 20 years ago. Times have changed since then and the way people live, work and play is different now than it was two decades ago. The CPC, with the assistance of Cleveland State University, developed a township-wide questionnaire that encompasses questions pertaining to the commercial and residential areas. This questionnaire was distributed to the residential addresses in Chester Township the first week of May. The questionnaire asks high level questions. At its core, the intent is to understand what the Chester residents want for the future, not what one person or a group of people want, but what the great majority would like for the township. If the results of the questionnaire indicate there is no desire for change, that will be considered a meaningful outcome. If the results indicate there is a desire for change, then the information would then be considered by the township trustees. A community questionnaire is clearly the best way to gather community input to help guide future decision-making. It’s unfortunate, through social media and recent articles in the local paper, that our residents have been provided a complete misrepresentation of the intention of the questionnaire and the gathering of community input. While our township trustees may have varying opinions, they should be commended for allowing this process to take place, for allowing the voices of the residents to be heard. You are encouraged to review the meeting material to better understand how the meetings have been conducted and the actual content discussed before relying on inaccurate information to skew your personal thoughts or decision making. This is a great opportunity to provide your opinion about the future and share your own ideas and thoughts about the township. This opportunity has not come our way in almost 20 years; please complete the Chester Township Community Questionnaire to help shape the future.
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Response to Mr. ‘Say No To The Ghetto Plan’ I’m not sure if Gary Paoletto is intentionally misrepresenting information about the Chester Township Community Questionnaire (CTCQ) or if he is simply uninformed. The Chester Planning Committee (CPC) is not advocating for anything other than gathering opinions of its’ residents in order to potentially develop a community plan. The absence of any plan has resulted in the hodge-podge collection of overbuilt, and often, underutilized commercial properties with too many of the buildings still sporting the elegance of post WW II cinder block construction. The only uniform look to our town is the ‘anything goes zoning’ of the last century. Why shouldn’t we create a community plan that will direct town center businesses and commercial property owners to better serve our needs? Why not require new commercial construction, or renovation, adhere to a visually aesthetic standard for our township? Why not have a functional town center that is accessible for pedestrian and bicycle traffic? We need to adopt a family and senior friendly community plan! Absent a community plan, enforced by zoning, we risk experiencing: • Young families with children choosing a more accommodating community • Long term/elderly residents unable to remain living in our township • Township population will continue to decrease resulting in a smaller tax base, diminishing property values, and increasing taxes to make up the short fall It’s time to explore improving our township! Joe Roman, Long-time Resident PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Chesterland News
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Wednesday, May 27, 2020
BILL FUGATE/KMG
People joined up with Free Ohio Now to rally around Memorial Day and to show their unhappiness with Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent orders. They believe the state’s stay-at-home orders are unconstitutional and that businesses should be able to open up completely, use common sense and continue to social distance.
Rally
from page 1 munity is the best way to fight the coronavirus, which cannot be done if healthy individuals are quarantined and are not exposed to COVID-19. This would inevitably lead to coronavirus-caused deaths, MacNeal explained. “We are in a war,” he said. “In a war, causalities and fatalities are inevitable. It is terrible. It is regrettable. But we must win.” MacNeal told the crowd that “winning” against COVID-19 involves citizens staying home, wearing masks and avoiding crowds
BILL FUGATE/KMG
Local resident Newell Howard, of South Russell Village, took part in a Free Ohio Now rally in Chester Township May 23 to honor America’s heroes and to protest Ohio’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
ONLINE: See video from Saturday’s rally at www.GeaugaMapleLeaf.com at their “own personal constitutional free choice.” Ohio Sen. John Eklund said the “panic” about the virus comes from medical models with high predictions of COVID-19-caused deaths, which Eklund said have shown to be incorrect. “I’m personally tired. I’m very tired. I’m dog-tired of hearing from so many people, so many corners of society, that I have to prepare for the new normal,” Eklund said. “We should all be focused on, we should all be striving for, and we should all be preparing
Board of Zoning Appeals The Chester Township Board of Trustees is seeking applicants to fill one open position for an alternate member on the Board of Zoning Appeals for a five-year term expiring December 31, 2024. Applicants are required to be residents of Chester Township. The position is open to all residents. The proceedings of this Board are quasi-judicial and individuals who are licensed attorneys or who have legal training and experience are encouraged to apply. Interested parties are requested to submit a letter with a description of their qualifications by May 29, 2020 at 4:00 PM to: Chester Township Board of Trustees, 12701 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026, or via email to mlflorentine@chestertwp.org.
for the true normal.” Eklund said the true normal includes “returning government to its proper place in our lives as Ohioans and as Americans.” Claypool called the actions DeWine and Acton took unconstitutional and said citizens do not need to be forced to act appropriately in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. “We are thinking people. We have a brain in our head,” Claypool said. “We will naturally social distance, we will naturally wear masks, we will naturally do those things if you’re
honest with us.” Claypool spurred cheers when he asked the crowd if they would sign a petition to investigate the constitutionality of DeWine’s actions. Claypool said DeWine and Acton were “guessing” in their responses to COVID-19. “They don’t have a right to guess when it comes to our freedom,” he said. At the conclusion of the rally, individuals waved flags and held signs on the corner of state Route 306 and U.S. Route 322. Cars driving by honked in support.
Letters to the Editor Ghettover the Lies I was disgusted, but not surprised, to read Mr. Paoeletto’s recent paid advertisement in the Chesterland News. It is filed with lies, distortions, mistruths and falsehoods, and I am thus compelled to write this letter to the editor. But first, my apologies to all of the members of the Chester Township Planning Committee (CPC) who have worked so hard to do something right for our community by developing a questionnaire so that all of us have the opportunity to share our opinions and ideas with our elected officials. I commend Mr. Nastasi, the CPC Chair, for his resilience and persistence given the undeserved public criticism and aggravation he has endured through much of this process. Mr. Paoletto’s paid ad sounds like the ravings of a blathering idiot. By phone, Mr. Paoletto has harassed people involved in this process, accusing people of fraud, threatening to call the police and seeking to destroy their professional reputations. Mr. Paoletto should be ashamed at his behavior, but his emotional tirades block out any hope for a reasoned and reasonable exchange with him. The development and publication of the
questionnaire has been an entirely open public process. In conjunction with Cleveland State, a special meeting was held at the West Geauga library, to explain things and solicit public feedback. Your voice matters. Mr. Paoletto, you have lied about me in the past and continue to do so. My campaign literature contains no reference to a city because I do not favor Chester Township becoming a city. I have been attending trustee meetings for 30 years, longer than any other person in this township. I also have the honor, privilege and responsibility of serving this township for the past eight-plus years as trustee. There is often a very small, vocal, negative minority that seeks to mislead and inflame the public. It is unfortunate. To the Residents: Responding to the questionnaire is the best way for you to help shape the future direction of Chester, whatever that may be. The results will provide guidance for this and future boards of trustees and will be shared with the public. I encourage you, even if past the deadline, to let your voice be heard and complete the questionnaire and submit it. Thank you. Ken Radtke Jr. Trustee
Chesterland News
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
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From the Desk of Chief Purchase Dear Chester Residents, Recently, I have received a few questions about the types of incidents that our officers respond to and the frequency by which they occur, within Chester Township. As a result, we have compiled a 2019 departmental incident and arrest log, which hopefully will provide a greater understanding of our department’s activity. Moving forward into 2020, it is my intention to provide all of you with a like and similar report, every quarter. This will begin with a six-month/second-quarter report, which you can expect to read sometime in July of this year. We are also working diligently to provide a more accurate accounting of our calls for service. An example of this may include when officers are dispatched to an alarm, however, upon our arrival the officers determine that a Burglary has actually occurred. Thank you for all of your support. Mark A. Purchase Chief of Police
Chester Government Update The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on May 7 opened with an executive session for a conference with an attorney for a pending or imminent court action. On return to public session, no actions were taken. Next on the agenda was a presentation by J. Wesley Kerns, of Squire Patton Boggs, serving as bond counsel for the City of Lyndhurst. Kerns explained that the city is proposing to issue a series of bonds to be used by Hawken School on the Lyndhurst and Gates Mills/ Chester campuses. Because bond money will be spent in Chester, IRS regulations require approval from the trustees for that use; there is no other obligation or liability. Next, the board approved meeting minutes. In Chester Road Department business, foreman Randy Reese announced his retirement effective May 15, 2020. The road department and trustees will honor Randy and they thank him for his 26 years of service to the township. In Chester Fire Department business, the board accepted the resignation of parttime fire fighter Jacob Platt effective May 10, 2020. Police Chief Mark Purchase recommended and the board approved the purchase
of two 2020 Ford Explorers at state bid of $65,492. Emergency equipment for the new vehicles in the amount of $14,199.56 was also approved. Upgrades for the optics for the patrol rifles through to Great Lakes Outdoor Supply in Chesterland was approved. Chester will receive a trade-in value credit of $200 per unit, which shall be applied towards the purchase of six new EOTech EXPS2 Sights. In new business, the board approved $1,100 payable to Petroleum UST Release Compensation Board for the annual assessment fee for underground fuel storage tanks. The 2020 Memorial Day proclamation was approved and Trustee Claypool was selected to present the proclamation at the Chester Township Memorial Day services at 10 a.m. May 25 at the Chester Township Cemetery. Certificates of estimated property tax revenue as provided by the Geauga County Auditor in relation to renewal of the levies road department 2.5-mill and police department 0.5-mill were received In other business, trustees refunded the deposit to Tikvat Yisrael Messianic Synagogue for the gazebo for the National Day of
Prayer that was canceled due to COVID-19. The park pavilions, playground and restrooms are scheduled to reopen May 25. The planning committee questionnaire has been mailed out and there were a few issues with the mailing lists - some residents did not receive a survey. Radtke was working with the mailing company to iron out the issues. The board then went into an executive session to consider considering the appointment, employment, promotion and compen-
sation of public employees. After returning from executive session, they moved to advertise in the Chesterland News and the township website for a Chester Township Board of Zoning Appeals alternate position and Chester Road Superintendent, with letters of interest and applications to be received at Chester Town Hall by mail, in person or email to mlflorentine@chestertwp.org by 4 p.m. May 29. Submitted by Joseph C. Mazzurco, Chester Township Trustee
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Chesterland News
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Obituaries Ronald A. Chilcot
Ronald A. Chilcot, age 81, of Chesterland, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 12, 2020. Born on Nov. 30, 1938, in New York, N.Y., to Gordon and Margaret Chilcot, Ron grew up in Johnstown, Pa., graduating from Johnstown High School. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard for five years and then worked as a field technician repairing cash registers and mainframe computers for NCR until his retirement in 1999. Ron enjoyed collecting ‘neat’ stuff and could never pass up a bargain. To the rest of the world, he will be remembered for his generous heart and his ability to make friends wherever he went. But to us, he will be remembered as a wonderful dad to Lauri; good friend to ex-wife Linda and son-inlaw Mike; loving grandfather to Leah (Josh) and Anna (Greg); caring brother to Darlene (Ron), Raymond (June) and Gary; and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, Graham and Lark, and a future great-granddaughter (August 2020). Ron was welcomed by his mom, dad and brothers, Danny, Jeff and Jim. Should friends desire, donations may be sent to a charity of their choice in honor of Ron. Private services will be held at a later date. Online tributes and condolences at www. gattozziandson.com.
Nancy Elizabeth Hull
Nancy Elizabeth Hull, aged 67, passed away on May 9, 2020. Originally from Shrewsbury, N.J., she was the daughter of Thomas and Betty Beers. Nancy received her B.A. in Psychology from The College of Wooster and went on to do post graduate work in special education at Kent State. She became a teacher of severely and profoundly multi-handicapped children in New Jersey and then for Cuyahoga County. Nancy left teaching upon the birth of her son and remained devoted to her extended family. She had a special interest in rescuing and socializing feral cats and was able to prepare many for adoption. Nancy is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jonathan; son, Thomas (Ellen); and grandsons, Logan and Benjamin. Services will be arranged at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Geauga County Humane Society Rescue Village and Heifer International. Online condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.
Matthew Joseph Kuhlman
Matthew Joseph Kuhlman, age 49, was born Aug. 12, 1970, and entered into eternal rest on May 7, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl V, and survived by his mother, Rosemary (Oteri); sister, Kristen; brother, Douglas (Carrie); nieces, Ella, Sophie and Lily; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Matthew was a graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School, Loyola University and Columbus College Art and Design. He later served in the Navy for seven years as a photojournalist. After the Navy, he took up permanent residence in San Diego, Calif. Matthew was the founder and operator of Rosten Rescue Agency in which he dedicated his life to the rescue and care of abandoned and neglected dogs. He was also a staunch advocate for the homeless and troubled veterans. Contributions, in Matt’s name, can be made to: FACE (Foundation for Animal Care and Education), 10505 Sorrento Valley Road, Ste. 175, San Diego CA 92121 or to the Wounded Warriors.
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Chesterland News
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Obituaries Jean Benson
Jean Gartner Benson, age 94, of Chester Township, passed away on May 12, 2020. Born Jan. 7, 1926, in Boston, Mass., she was the daughter of Elizabeth Zepfler Gartner and Walter C. F. Gartner. Jean graduated from Needham High School (Mass.) in 1943, earned a bachelor of arts from the University of New Hampshire in 1947 and a master’s of arts from Case Western Reserve University in 1969. She met Kirk L. Benson at the University of New Hampshire and they married on Sept. 13, 1947. Kirk died in 2000. Jean is survived by her sisters, Betty Maloney, of Boulder, Colo., and Louise Birkhead, of Syracuse, N.Y.; children, Judy Harrold (Stan), of Orangeburg, S.C., Kirk L. Benson Jr. (Vickie), of Chesterland, Douglas Benson (Pat), of Newbury Township, and Glen Benson (Chris), of Munson Township; and 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Jean taught for many years at the Claridon Elementary School. She belonged to, and was active in, the Chesterland Community Church, the Chesterland Historical Society and she volunteered at the Geauga County Hospital. She also helped a Vietnamese family attain U.S. citizenship by teaching them English. Jean enjoyed knitting, weaving, reading, gardening, walking, swimming and attending concerts. A public memorial service will be held at a later date at the Chesterland Community Church. Online condolences may be posted at www.gattozzianderson.com.
Ted Matsko
Ted Matsko, age 63, passed away peacefully May 18, 2020, at Maplewood of Chardon. Born Feb. 24, 1957, in Cleveland, he grew up in Parma and North Royalton before moving to Chester Township 38 years ago. Ted was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers throughout his career as a chemical engineer, most recently with ABB in Wickliffe for over 30 years. While working, he often needed to travel, including trips to Europe, Asia, Africa and throughout North America. Ted loved traveling with his family, with his favorite destinations being Cook Forest, Pa., and Sanibel, Fla. He enjoyed playing soccer and racquetball, and especially enjoyed sailing at LaDue Reservoir and Pymatuning Sailing Club, with small boats and good friends. He is survived by his wife, Marian (nee Visnieski); daughters, Amy (Jim) Wyllie, Jessica (Joe) Sessa and Christina (Brian) Penza; grandchildren, Lily, Jack, Molly and Isabelle; sister, Kathy (Mike) Kolberg; and brother-inlaw, Bob (Elaine) Visner. Ted was preceded in death by his parents Nick and Ann Matsko. Private services and interment at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township, with public services to be announced at a later date. The Matsko family wishes to acknowledge and thank the staff of Maplewood of Chardon for the attentive and loving care Ted received. Arrangements by Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, in Chester. Online tribute video and condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.
Toni Wesen
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Chesterland News
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Newbury-West G BOE Joint Meeting to be Rescheduled By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com
The Newbury and West Geauga Schools Boards of Education joint special meeting scheduled for May 20 was cancelled due to too much interest. By the time the virtual meeting came online after 7 p.m., Newbury BOE President Kimya Matthews learned 100 people had already connected through Zoom and no more could be accommodated by the district’s version of the software. Other community members trying to access the meeting were complaining they could not access the Zoom link because of the limit. Although a webinar would accommodate more participants, the session regarding the future Newbury Schools’ property transfer to West Geauga School District had been advertised as a Zoom virtual meeting and the link to the meeting had been publicized on the Newbury Schools website. On the agenda was a brainstorming survey on what should be done with the Newbury buildings and land, as well as opportunities for the public to ask questions. Dione DeMitro, with Burges and Burges Strategists of Cleveland, was scheduled to facilitate the meeting.
Because the joint boards could not convene the meeting, Newbury Schools Treasurer Dan Wilson discouraged discussion about alternative meeting dates because he was concerned they would violate the Sunshine Laws by calling the meeting to order. West Geauga Schools Treasurer Karen Penler concurred. Matthews apologized to those who wished to participate. She said DeMitro and school officials would be canvassed to determine another date. Newbury board member Maggie Zock, who was not able to link to the Zoom site, said the situation was frustrating, but the boards are breaking new ground with the territory transfer and limitations on meetings due to COVID-19 restrictions. “We will continue to figure out how to maneuver the COVID-19 speed bump,” she said after the Zoom session was closed. “I’m very encouraged we had so many people who wanted to participate. I hope they stay engaged.” Another virtual meeting has been scheduled for 7 p.m. May 28, according to the school website. “This is all about the (Newbury Schools) property and how it relates to the territory
ANN WISHART/KMG
The Newbury and West Geauga Schools Boards of Education joint special meeting scheduled for May 20 was cancelled due to too many people trying to sign into the Zoom meeting. The meeting has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. May 28 to discuss a brainstorming survey on what should be done with the Newbury buildings and land, as well as opportunities for the public to ask questions.
transfer,” Zock said, adding the boards had been in contact with township trustees, county commissioners, county park board and county library officials to determine if there is any interest in making positive use of the property. The Newbury school board voted several years ago to pursue a merger with one
of the neighboring school districts due to Newbury’s declining enrollment. Working through a territory transfer with West Geauga Schools has included community input. Students from Newbury Township who don’t open enroll to other districts will be attending West Geauga Schools in the fall.
Community Meetings Chester Township: May 27, 6 p.m., Park Commission, pavilion by the volleyball courts; June 4, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. (Meetings are open to public, but seating limited to 10. Trustees, fiscal officer and department heads, if in attendance, are practicing social distancing.) Russell Township: June 3, 2:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. (Trustees have opted to re-
sume their regular meeting schedule but has changed the location of future meetings to the Russell Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road. Meetings will be held in the Town Hall until further notice. The location is changed to the Town Hall to better accommodate physical distancing advisories.) West Geauga BOE: June 8, 7 p.m., virtual regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
Campus News Claire Andres, a 2019 graduate of West Geauga High School, was named to the dean’s list for the fall and spring semesters at Ohio University. She is enrolled in the Honors Program in the College of Business. Alison Palivec, of Chester Township, graduated from Cedarville University with a bachelor of science in nursing. Nicole Insana and Emily Kamensky, both of Chester Township, were named to the president’s list for having achieved a grade point average of at least 3.85 at Capital University for the spring semester. Lillian Williams, of Chester Township, graduated from the University of Mount Union with a bachelor of arts in theatre/human development and family science.
Gabriel Phan, of Chester Township, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at University of Cincinnati. A freshman, he is enrolled the College of Arts & Sciences. Skyler Rossbach, of Chester Township, earned a bachelor of arts in history from The Citadel during the South Carolina Corps of Cadets virtual commencement ceremony on May 9. Area students earning degrees at the University of Findlay for the academic year 2019-20 include: Elizabeth Naylor, of Russell Township, summa cum laude, bachelor of science in health science with pre-physical therapy emphasis and strength and conditioning; Emily Naylor, of Russell Township, bachelor of science in animal science; and Nicole Babiak, of Russell Township, doctor of pharmacy.
Chesterland News
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
SUBMITTED
Sue Zala tends to the planters on the gazebo.
Perennial Gardeners Plant Parkside These are different times, but that does not stop the Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland from their community involvement. About 20 of the gardeners gathered on May 21 with their gardening tools and colorful annuals to prepare and plant the beds
around the gazebo and corner at Parkside Park. The planting and maintenance at the corner of state routes 306 and 322 is a yearly project for the PGC, and all was done with good humor while keeping social distance.
Police Blotter The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Chester Township Police Department May 1-20, 2020. In total, the police department handled 230 calls during this period. ALCOHOL OFFENSE May 4 9:57 p.m., Mayfield Road. Black Chrysler. Pulled up for an order and is drinking. CITIZEN ASSIST May 12 1:03 a.m., Kirkwood Drive. Caller states male lives in Willoughby and is telling caller he wants money, and if the caller does not give him money he is going to report her. CITIZEN DISPUTE May 13 7:29 p.m., Chester Brook. Neighbor is blowing his grass on caller’s property and cars. DISORDERLY May 4 12:32 p.m., Mayfield Road. Lobby is closed at Huntington Bank and customer in the drive-thru won’t leave. He is swearing. Report taken. JUVENILE PROBLEM May 19 7:12 p.m., Chillicothe Road. There is a large group of juveniles playing football at the high school. All parties left without incident.
PROPERTY DAMAGE May 18 1:29 p.m., Mulberry Road. Caller just located a bullet and a bullet hole in one of his walls. Does not believe it happened today. No one is injured. SUSPICIOUS May 6 1:41 p.m., Kirkwood Drive. Someone is abusing their power. His calls, emails and phone calls are being intercepted. 10:09 p.m., Mayfield Road. Out with vehicle. Windows are steamed up. Advised the businesses are closed and they need to move along. No illegal activity observed. Checks OK. •••••• The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Russell Township Police Department May 7-21, 2020. In total, the police department handled 132 calls during this period. SUSPICIOUS May 8 12:29 p.m., Hook Hollow Road. Officer was dispatched for a report of a suspicious phone call. Complainant reported the caller said they were from the Social Security Administration seeking complainant’s personal information indicating there was a problem with her account.
Need help? Want to help? When you don’t know where to turn... 24 Hours A Day EVERY DAY FREE & CONFIDENTIAL information and referral to health and human services in Geauga County OR CALL
Programs include:
(440) 285-3194 TOLL FREE
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Chesterland News
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Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Help Wanted MANCAN IS NOW HIRING GENERAL LABOR AND SKILLED TRADES IN LAKE, GEAUGA, CUYAHOGA AND ASHTABULA COUNTIES
CLASSIFIEDS 440-729-7667
To apply, stop into the office Monday - Thursday, 9am to 3pm. Be sure to bring 2 forms of ID. A resume is encouraged.
220 Center St. Ste B-2 Chardon, OH 44024 440-285-5627
ROAD SUPERINTENDENT for CHESTER TOWNSHIP
Notice is hereby given that applications for the position of Road Superintendent in Chester Township will be accepted for consideration by the Chester Township Board of Trustees until 4:00 pm Friday May 29, 2020. The Chester Township Road Superintendent serves at the discretion of the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the operation and management of the Road Department and its personnel, the maintenance and repair of all aspects of the Township road infrastructure, developing program and policy and providing for its implementation, managing the purchasing and maintenance of all the departmental equipment, and ensures the safe and efficient operation of the equipment. To be considered for this position, an applicant must have ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, five (5) years of administrative and management experience directing a minimum of five (5) employees, possess extensive knowledge of computer operation and related software including Microsoft Office platform, be familiar with the use of the internet, possess a Class A Commercial Driver’s Licenses with air brake endorsement, have direct experience in road maintenance and repair processes, have direct experience in the operation of construction equipment, possess the ability to deal with the public in a polite and effective manner, possess knowledge of budget preparation, possess the ability to develop work schedules based on seasonal factors and availability of materials, workers, and equipment, and be a high school graduate or possess an equivalent (GED). Applicants with construction management skills and additional college education will be preferred. A detailed description of the position and an employment application are available at
www.chestertwp.org or may be obtained at
CHESTER TOWNSHIP TOWN HALL 12701 CHILLICOTHE RD., CHESTERLAND, OH 44026 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 3:00 PM Completed applications may be mailed to the Town Hall or dropped off between the hours stated above. Applications will not be accepted via email. Applications must list references familiar with the applicant’s work experience and be accompanied by a resume. The salary for this position will be commensurate with the ability and experience of the applicant. CHESTER TOWNSHIP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Chesterland News
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
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Classifieds AUTOS & PARTS Cash for Junk Vehicles: running or not, classics/big trucks/etc., free removal, call/text Zac 440-679-7293.
FOR RENT PARTY TENT: 20x40” holds 80 people, perfect for graduation parties and weddings. Chesterland Rotary Club will deliver and set up. Proceeds used for scholarships at West G, $250! Add a sound system to the party, $150 additional. Call Fred Nevar 440-729-2717. Commercial building for lease: 5,200 sqft with office, ample parking, 2 minutes East of Chardon Square on Rt 6, 440-313-7626. Chesterland, 2 bedroom apartment for rent down $850.00 first month and security, References - 440-247-5597.
FOR SALE Canoe: 16’ Mohawk canoe, fiberglass hull, $150/obo, call 440-285-0781. Will take orders for masks and baked goods. 440-313-3718. Window air conditioner 6100 BTU $50, four tires plus two snows 225/75/R16, good tread, make offer 440-230-3750. 3 pt bottom double plow, Massey-Ferguson $275, call 440-834-1850.
Sewing machine Kenmore, and Singer serger, collection of dollhouses, wood working tools, power washer, jig saw, call 440-729-1767.
GARAGE/ESTATE SALES If you need to have a moving sale or estate sale call Kathy Willis at 440-8403226, partial estate buyouts also. Washer/dryer $150, tires Mastercraft 195/55/R15 $100/pair, two air conditioners $50 each, microwave $30, food dehydrator $25, new bedspread full/queen orange $40. 440-632-0066.
REAL ESTATE 3 bedroom–two bath home in Troy Oaks development, carport, quiet side street. Excellently maintained. Brand new heating/ac unit. Move in ready. Instant access to Rt. 422. 35 minutes to downtown and all east side. Next to LaDue Reservoir sport fishing area. Inexpensive living opportunity. All appliances except washer & dryer. No HOA. Asking $52,500. 440-384-7574.
SERVICES Buckeye Stoneworks: we specialize in Amherst sandstone, we custom cut all projects for masons, landscapers, builders, contractors, and residential, by appt only, call 440-632-0188 leave message.
Will grind small tree stumps, $40 each, call Robert 440-286-5065 or 440-520-6573. John’s Plumbing: Affordable and reliable. Water heaters, toilets, faucets, drain cleaning, gas lines, sump pumps, well tanks. 440-285-0800. Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining this season. 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 8am and 4pm, 440813-4272. No answer, leave message. Forever Built Masonry-32 years of experience, foundations-chimneys-outside grills-repairs-walkways, free estimates, call 440-319-0350.
WANTED TO BUY Hi8 and mini DV camcorders, S-VHS VCRs, email me at: Lukesvhsshack@ gmail.com, or call/text 440-376-9734. Wanted ‘65-‘67 Mustang Convertible, and other muscle cars needing repair, call/ text 440-832-1465. Riding Lawnmowers, zero turns, golf carts, truck plows, 4-wheelers, farm equip, construction equip, snow blowers, call 440-352-7372.
Service Directory $ CASH $
Mulch Dark Double Ground $30/yd Colored Mulch - brown, black, red $38/yd
$100 - $10,000 PAID
Free Delivery with 5 yds or more
Call or Text ZAC 440-679-7293
440-352-7372
E D U C AT O R S T H AT
S E A L C O AT Asphalt Sealing Hot Crack Filling • Patching Call Nick • 440-786-1375
CLASSIFIEDS 440-729-7667
MASTER PAINTERS
24/7 Service
Buying Cars, Trucks, Vans, Diesels, Old Cars and Junkers
Family owned & operated since 1976
INTERIOR - EXTERIOR
• Cedar Siding Stained • Vinyl Aluminum Refinishing • “Cool” Roof Coatings
“Do It Right The First Time” Call Eric 440-729-2646
www.masterpaintersinc.com ask@masterpaintersinc.com
handyman services kitchen & bath remodeling power washing siding roofing Free Estimates / Senior Discounts
• CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY AT NOON • 440-729-7667 •
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Chesterland News
Wednesday, May 27, 2020