Chesterland News 11-27-2019

Volume 52, No. 13

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CHESTERLAND NEWS Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Your Community Newspaper Since 1967

West G Teacher Mandated to Take Diversity, Sensitivity Counseling Crowd Packs West Geauga BOE Meeting Over Controversial Image Incident

By Diane Ryder and Cassandra Shofar

PHOTO COURTESY OF TWITTER

This controversial image was reportedly used in a West Geauga Schools’ 11th grade AP government class.

West G Officials Discuss Impact of Newbury Transfer

By Diane Ryder news@chesterlandnews.com West Geauga Schools officials said Nov. 18 the addition of students from Newbury Schools will usher in a new era for the district, with challenges, as well as opportunities, and is likely to be a positive gain for West Geauga’s future.

Treasurer Karen Penler and Superintendent Richard Markwardt presented a five-year financial projection and a master plan to West Geauga Schools Board of Education in which they outlined how the influx of up to 230 new students will stop their declining enrollment See Students • Page 10

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated from the version that ran in the Nov. 21 Geauga County Maple Leaf.

West Geauga Schools Board of Education’s meeting room was packed Nov. 18 as a result of a high school teacher being placed on leave last week while school officials investigated complaints surrounding two controversial slides shown in his recent 11th grade AP

Government class.

Many in the audience, some wearing West Geauga Education Association shirts, stood quietly in the back of the room as board President Ben Kotowski opened the meeting by reading a prepared statement about the incident, which occurred last week.

“We, the members of the West Geauga Local Schools Board of Education, expect our teachers to respect opposing ideas and to use See West Geauga • Page 6

West Geauga Wolverines

Wolverines Pack Talent, Teamwork on Hardwood

By Rich Kelly sports@geaugamapleleaf.com The West Geauga Wolverines girls basketball team had gone through a few lean times with changes in the logistical side of the community.

Last season, second-year Bob Beutel, with a long resume of success, embarked on a different approach to bring positive changes to the West G campus.

“I’ve always tried to play with a two point guard system,” Beutel said. “It gives more flexibility for rotations and keeping the kids fresh and focused. I see this as being a very fun year for everybody.

Our new girl transferred in from See Wolverines • Page 13

Alexa Hocevar

Athena Hocevar

For Geauga County’s boys and girls HS basketball preview, including West Geauga Boys, pick up this week’s Maple Leaf.

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Lakeside 2:30 p.m.

Shaw 7 p.m.

Hawken 2:30 p.m.

Chagrin Falls 7 p.m. @Beachwood 2:30 p.m.

Orange 2:30 p.m.

Mentor 7 p.m.

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Chesterland News

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Chesterland News

Town Crier Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast

Nov. 28, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

The West Geauga Educational Foundation will serve its 31st annual Thanksgiving Day breakfast at the Chesterland McDonald’s, 8329 Mayfield Road, Chester Township. Enjoy pancakes and sausage with juice, milk or coffee for only $6. Dine in or take out is available. Call Caise McHale, event chair, with any questions at 216-789-4842.

Turkey Bowl

Nov. 28, 10 a.m.

The 21th annual West Geauga varsity hockey Turkey Bowl will be held at Gilmour Academy Ice Arena. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the puck drops sharply at 10 a.m. Players will kick in the usual $10 to help offset the cost of the ice. Goalies play for free. Please bring snacks for the breakfast table.

The Turkey Bowl is open to all, especially middle and high school age players. The game will be no-check, but all players are asked to wear padding and helmets.

Questions? Call Bob Goehrke, 440-7590683; Wayne Walters, 440-954-2479; or coach Dan Gilliam, 216-407-7626.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov. 28, 12-3 p.m.

The Church of St. Anselm is serving a free Thanksgiving dinner in Kelly Hall. Enjoy roast turkey with all the sides and dessert.

All are welcome. The church is located at 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township.

Kiwanis Christmas Tree Sales The West Geauga Kiwanis Club’s annual Christmas Tree fund-raiser sale begins at 9 a.m. Nov. 29 at Chester Square Plaza, opposite Drug Mart in Chester Township. Sales continue Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and weekdays, 4-8 p.m.

Select locally grown fraser fir, scotch pine and Colorado blue spruce. There will also be a selection of wreaths and white pine roping.

All profits are donated back to the community. Email Robert at robert@rbschwarzinc. com or Ray at rfoxfire69@gmail.com.

Winterfest Lights Up Parkside

Nov. 30, 5:30 p.m.

The Chesterland Rotary Club and the Chester Township Park District will host the eighth annual Winterfest at the Chester Township gazebo in the park at the corner of Mayfield and Chillicothe roads.

The event is free and open to the public.

In the event of snow, there will be a snowman-making contest. It will be canceled in the event of rain.

Tea Party Hosts Kids’ Night

Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.

The Geauga County Tea Party will host Kids’ Night at its next meeting in the Metzenbaum facility, 8200 Cedar Road, Chester Township. Youth ages 8 through adults will enjoy the 1953 animated classic of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” Pizza, pop and coffee will be served. Admission is free. To RSVP, call 440-622-3165. For more information, visit www.geaugacountyteaparty.com.

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Winterfest Park Lighting

Festival

Sat. Nov. 30th • 5:30-7pm Chesterland Twp. Gazebo MAYFIELD & CHILLICOTHE ROADS Join your neighbors at the township park to help us flip the switch and sing in the holidays!

Keep warm around our roaring bonfire.

Enjoy FREE hot chocolate, hot cider, popcorn and seasonal music.

PLUS ...... a special visit by Santa!

Tree will be lit by the Campbell family.

SPONSORED BY CHESTERLAND

ROTARY

In case of rain, event is cancelled.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Dorothy’s Porch Giveaway

Dec. 5-7 A free giveaway of clothing for the family, bedding, household items, toys, books and holiday items will take place Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9-10 a.m. at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon. The event is free to all.

GCP Holiday Networking Event

Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m.

Geauga Growth Partnership will host its holiday networking even at the Sharon James Cellars, 11303 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township. Enjoy a cash bar; appetizers will be provided. All are welcome, both members and nonmembers. Call 440-564-1060 to register.

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Chesterland Rotary Club is hosting its 29th annual all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage Breakfast with Santa at West Geauga High School cafeteria, 13401 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township. Tickets are $6 per person at the door. Children under 1 year old are free.

Every child receives a free gift. In addition to tickets at the door, presale tickets are available by sending a check to Chesterland Rotary Club, P.O. Box 722, Chesterland, OH 44026.

Reserved tickets will be held at the door.

Pearl Harbor Day Program

Dec. 7, 11 a.m.

Atwood-Mauck American Legion Post 459 is hosting its annual Pearl Harbor Day program at the gazebo on the square in Burton Village. The public is welcome. For information, call Larry at 440-479-0502.

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Chesterland News

Geauga Skywatchers Club

Dec. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join Skywatchers for “Constellations: Hop-Skip & Jump” at Observatory Park in Montville Township. The hands-on club is geared towards youth in grades 6-12, although all welcome. Limited space. Telescopes are now available for loan through local Geauga County libraries.

WG Reunion Meeting

Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

West Geauga classes of 1974 and 1975 are planning a reunion for Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 5 and 6, 2020. The theme for reunion is a “Hullabaloo.”

There will be a meeting Dec. 9 at Oak & Embers in Chester Township. For more information, call Dan at 216-536-6708.

A Jazzy Christmas Concert

Dec. 14, 4-5 p.m.

The Gateway Band, the jazz house band of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Cleveland, will perform Christmas tunes at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road, Chardon.

A free will offering of $7 per person is suggested, with proceeds going to WomenSafe.

Holiday Volunteers Needed

The Geauga County Department on Aging is in need of volunteers who will deliver meals to seniors who are alone for the holidays. Volunteers are needed for Christmas Day, Dec. 25. All meals are delivered from the Chardon Senior Center, 12555 Ravenwood Drive.

For more information or to volunteer, call the Geauga County Department on Aging at 440-279-2130.

West Geauga Senior Center 12650 West Geauga Plaza, Unit 4, Chester Township, 440-279-2163.

• Social Worker Appointments: Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to noon. Call the center to schedule a time with Natalie Pajk.

• Laugh Away The Blues: Dec. 5, 12:301:30 p.m. Nicole from Home Instead Senior Care and certified laughing coach Josh Woodard will present about the benefits of laughter and its therapeutic effects in combating senior isolation. A raffle and prizes will be included.

Registration is required for the free event.

Chesterland Historical Village

Mrs. Claus Returns to the Village Dec. 1 There is no admission fee for the fun, family event to be held in the restored 1899 General Store. Mrs. Claus will have two of Santa’s elves with her to help, as Santa is busy at the North Pole. Children will have help writing their special wish lists and Mrs. Claus will deliver them to Santa.

The historical village is located on the corner of Caves and Mayfield roads. Call 440729-7768 for more information. Reservations are not required.

Chester Government Update The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 7 began with the Pledge of Allegiance. All trustees were in attendance.

Michelle Crockett, of Burnham and Flower Insurance Group, gave a presentation on the 2020 cost of medical insurance. No actions were taken at the meeting.

Trustees approved minutes for Sept. 12 and 26 and Oct. 10 and 24.

In road department business, money was approved for up to $60,000.00 payable to Morton Salt for the 2019-20 road salt season and $30,000 was approved for VanCuren Services for tree trimming on Sherman Road.

In fire department business, $5,640 was approved for ten 100-foot sections of 5-inch diameter fire hose from Warren Fire Equipment, along with $4,640 for two sets of structural firefighting gear.

Trustees moved to approve and sign the 2019 Veterans Day proclamation to be read at the Chester Township Veterans Day service, which was held Nov. 11 at Parkside.

The board then went into executive session at 7:20 p.m. and upon return to public session moved to hire two full-time road department employees.

On Dec. 7, the Rotary Club will be lighting the Christmas tree at the Parkside gazebo at 5:30 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa will be held at West Geauga High School from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Operation Santa Sleigh, the police department’s ninth annual toy drive, will be at West Geauga Plaza from 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Trustees also signed a letter for Chester resident Tony Roman wishing him a happy 100th birthday.

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Chesterland News

West Geauga from page 1

content that is objective, appropriate and sensitive,” Kotowski said, adding the high standard is difficult to achieve.

Kotowski said teachers are expected to conform to the district’s standards of inclusion, diversity and equity for all students.

“Recently, a teacher used a cartoon image that was insensitive and inappropriate, and several members of the community expressed their strong opposition to it,” Kotowski continued. “The administration conducted an investigation into the incident and found that the teacher used poor judgment, but it was not an act of malice.”

He did not discuss what disciplinary action, if any, the district would take against the teacher, but said the board would use this opportunity to enhance their diversity awareness training for staff members.

Last week, popular West Geauga High School teacher Wesley Rogge illustrated a lesson in voter registration to his 11th grade AP Government class with a photo of what appeared to be a white male felon and a cartoon drawing of Dora the Explorer, a Latina character popular with young children. The cartoon showed Dora beat up, bloody and apparently arrested as an illegal immigrant.

West Geauga parent Stephanie Anderson, an attorney, complained to school administrators about the incident, saying she was out-

raged at Rogge’s use of the two characters, calling it insensitive and inappropriate. Superintendent Richard Markwardt placed Rogge, a teacher with the district for 19 years and a varsity football coach for 13 years, on leave, pending an investigation.

Markwardt confirmed Nov. 18 what he told “The Washington Post” last week — that while he considered the image inappropriate, he did not believe Rogge meant anything malicious by it and would not be recommending to the board Rogge be terminated. He also confirmed Rogge was back in the classroom Monday.

In an interview Nov. 15, Anderson said it had never been her intention for Rogge to be fired.

“My intention, though, is to make sure that our classrooms are a place where children can come to learn without concern that they’re going to be ridiculed for their beliefs, or that they may be subject to images or conversations that are very clearly intended to elicit a specific response and that’s not a positive one,” she said. “I get being provocative, especially in AP government, I do, but there is a way that you can be provocative without ridiculing and alienating students. I want people to look at things with more of a critical eye. I would really like to see Mr. Rogge be a part of the solution. I’m encouraged by the progress that West Geauga is making in terms of diversity and inclusion, and making sure students have a safe learning environment.”

See Teacher • Page 7

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

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Chesterland News

Teacher from page 6

In response to a pubic records request, the Geauga County Maple Leaf received the letter Markwardt wrote Rogge as a follow up to the meeting held in his office with Rogge and several school administrators Nov. 15.

“The topic of discussion was your inclusion of a picture of Dora the Explorer … with a black eye, bleeding lip and a sign around her neck that portrayed her being booked for ‘illegal border crossing’ and ‘resisting arrest.’ When I asked you for the origins of the picture, you responded that you did not know, but said that you had used it for years with no negative consequences,” Markwardt wrote. “At our meeting, you apologized and stated clearly that you never intended your use of the image to make anyone feel uncomfortable. I explained my opinion that controversial material may be used in a social science class for specific educational purposes, but stated that this particular image was an inflammatory one on several levels including the aforementioned labels. You responded that you had not read the wording on the sign around Dora’s neck.”

Markwardt asked Rogge to convey the message to his students he never intended to make any of them uncomfortable through his use of the image.

“I directed you to be more cognizant of the need to define the content and context of potentially inflammatory material used in your class. You are responsible for doing so,” he wrote. “(Assistant Superintendent Nancy) Benincasa advised you to review in advance potentially controversial content with a colleague. Mr. Bishop noted that you are sometimes resistant to his directives to delete your potentially inflammatory comments and/or posts to your students. In one such case, you reportedly responded that you would restrict your teaching ‘to the book.’ I warned you not

to do so, commenting that doing so would eliminate the need for a teacher. You replied that you had stated those words out of frustration and apologized for your resistance to Mr. Bishop’s directives.”

In addition to the district’s ongoing efforts to promote equity and inclusion for all students, Markwardt told Rogge he would be mandating individual diversity and sensitivity counseling for him, which he agreed to.

“I am not ignorant of your contributions to your students over the years, or of your service to the district,” Markwardt wrote.

“I am hopeful that this unpleasant incident can be placed in your past and that you can advance in your efforts to serve all of your students.”

Following Kotowski’s statement Nov. 18, only one audience member stood up to address the board during the public comment portion of the meeting.

“I appreciate your statement,” West Geauga parent Nicole Malloy told Kotowski.

“It was shocking to see our school discussed in ‘The Washington Post’ because of this, but nobody wants Mr. Rogge fired.”

Malloy told the board she is disheartened to see the community split into two camps — one supporting the teacher, and the other calling for further discipline. She said the two groups have said negative things about each other and she doesn’t want to see the incident tear the community apart.

“A person in one group wrote to the employer of a woman in the other group, in an attempt to get her fired,” Malloy said. “I think it would clear a lot of the confusion in the community if the board would set the record straight, so we can put this all behind us.

“The issue’s gotten bigger than just (the teacher),” she concluded.

Kotowski thanked her for her comments, but pointed out the board has a policy of not answering public comments during meetings. The crowd remained silent.

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Chesterland News

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Chesterland News

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Chesterland News

Students from page 1

figures and add growth in academic opportunities in the district that is currently ranked #38 in the state of Ohio.

“Our five-year forecast does not yet include the Newbury transfer,” Penler told the board. “In our May report, we’ll do one that’s combined.”

Penler said the district’s enrollment continues to decline, as it has for the past five years, with 1,779 students this year, down from 1,961 in the 2015-2016 school year.

Eighty Newbury students are currently attended West Geauga under the open enrollment program, with 185 open enrollment students altogether. Priority for available open enrollment spots are given to returning students, siblings of current students and those who want spots in specific grade levels where there are openings.

Newbury currently has 265 students and 35 of them are seniors who will graduate in 2020, before the transfer, Penler told the board.

“So we are expecting about 230 students,” she said, adding the figure could be smaller, depending on how many Newbury students choose to open enroll at Berkshire Schools.

“There may be 80 going to Berkshire, especially if they live east of Auburn Road,” Penler said. “That seems to be the split. But we’ll have to wait to see.”

Newbury juniors who attend the Auburn Career Center will be able to continue there, but the other Newbury students currently in vocational programs will be in the West Geauga Excel TECC program, which utilizes a variety of school campuses, Penler said.

Markwardt said the addition of Newbury students could be an opportunity to reconfigure the West Geauga School buildings under a new master plan, which board members and an advisory committee have been discussing for several years.

“We currently have a district size of 47 square miles, and with the addition of Newbury’s 20 to 25 square miles, we will have about 70 square miles of territory altogether,” Markwardt said. “Our boundaries will change significantly next year with the addition of Newbury Township.”

The blended district may qualify for some state funding for new buildings and Markwardt said an advisory committee recommends having all the district’s schools on one main 117-acre campus.

“We want our facilities to match the quality of our programs,” he told the board.

A new high school and a new middle school would be connected by a shared auditorium, performing arts center and a kitchen that would serve two separate cafeterias.

A new field house would also serve as an emergency shelter, which Markwardt said will eventually be required by the state.

The current middle school building would be reconfigured to serve elementary grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

“This would be a minimum of four years in the future,” Markwardt said. “But with the increase of students, there could be an increase in student opportunities as we expand our program offerings. It would encourage staff collaboration and we could offer more STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), more electives and more music. It would foster a sense of inclusion and cultural diversity in the West Geauga community.”

The superintendent said the plan would be expensive, but he is optimistic the newly blended district could qualify for some state funding to help pay for the new facilities.

“The addition of Newbury could result in a tangible benefit to the district,” Markwardt said.

Whether or not, or until, the master plan is adopted, the superintendent proposes re-configuring the two existing elementary schools, Lindsey and Westwood, into one building serving pre-kindergarten to second grade, and the other serving third through fifth grade.

Chagrin Falls, Kenston, Aurora, Orange and other quality districts in the area have grade level buildings, which could have logistical challenges, but Markwardt believes the change would even out the current academic differences between the buildings.

“I think a great deal of benefit could come from this,” the superintendent said.

“This is not new to us,” board member Kathy Leavenworth said of the master plan.

“We’ve been talking about this for years. I think it’s the right time to be moving it forward.”

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Chesterland News

Geauga Park District For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit them online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

No registration required unless otherwise noted.

State Of Dragons & Damsels

Dec. 1, 3-4 p.m.

The Ohio Odonata Society (for dragonflies and damselflies) is winding up its final year of a statewide survey that began in 2017.

Come to the West Woods Nature Center to learn the status of these colorful aerial predators, which ones have increased or decreased and who's new to the state. Also hear what Geauga Park District has contributed to this survey.

Holiday Open House

Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join Geauga Arts Council for a holiday open house at The West Woods Nature Cen-

ter featuring a presentation by Bill Hixson, accomplished floral designer who has assisted with holiday decorating at The White House for more than 30 years. Some of his ornaments will also be available for sale and signing. Refreshments will be served.

Greens For Giving

Dec. 7, 12-3 p.m.

Join Geauga Park District for the sixth annual make-and-give event to create more than 300 evergreen decorations for Geauga County Department on Aging’s home-delivered meals for seniors, Chagrin Valley Meals on Wheels and the Geauga County Veterans Food Pantry. All supplies will be provided but participants may bring their own.

Bob Rogish, of Rogish Farms, has once again donated all greens for the event; and West Geauga’s Class Act a cappella group will return to perform beginning around 1 p.m.

West Geauga Schools

Congratulations to the Lindsey Elementary School ACE Awards winners in grades K-5 for the first quarter. One tudent from each class earns the award by his or her teacher for demonstrating a positive attitude, citizenship and effort in the classroom.

Students receiving the award are: Hannah Byler, Michael Miller, Adam Vidmar, Avery Ruthenberg, Dylann Pierce, Micah Seibert, Anders Rodstrom, Brianna Beck, Evan Boukis, Mary Alice Stevenson, Alex

Gorski, Gianni Andreani, Cora Duxbury, TJ Percy, Collette Johnson, Matthew Grabinski, Brooklyn McCarthy, Jack Vidmar, Dominick Gorski, Marielle Mackin, Logan Diaz, Addie Nichols, Josephina Giordano, Grayson Chadwick, Ariana Lucas, Nick Bauer, Olivia Osborne, Quin Mancino, Claire Vidmar, Olivia Penzenik, Logan McDaniel, Natalie Pascoe, Jack Patterson, Naomi Martinez, Kayla McCarthy and Zack Posen.

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Chesterland News

Geauga West Library Geauga West Branch, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 440-729-4250. Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.

Lakes National Puppet Theater will present this classic. Children will have the opportunity to construct their own puppet after the performance.

Land of Lakes and Ledges

Holiday Trailblazers

Dec. 3, 7 p.m.

Presented by Geauga Park District, enjoy an imaginary 1900s trolley trip to Geauga County's vacation spots and tourist stops as photographs and postcards illustrate this nostalgic tour of the once-upon-a-time resorts.

It's a Wonderful Life!

Dec. 4, 12-2 p.m.

Celebrate the season with a movie classic. Light, festive lunch will be served.

Retirement Income

Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

Find out what five questions one should answer about retirement income before retiring. Presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

Heavy appetizers will be served.

Holiday Music Recital

Dec. 7, 2 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of live music featuring students who study at Fairmount Center for the Arts. From piano, to voice, to ukulele, a variety of performers will create a delightful afternoon of music. Refreshments will be provided.

Little Red Riding Hood

Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m.

Professional puppeteers from Great

Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Cookies and Crafts

Dec. 10, 3:30 p.m.

Teens in grades 6-12 will decorate and eat cookies while making holiday crafts.

Avoiding Mistakes in Retirement

Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

Identify and avoid eight retirement mistakes. Presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

Heavy appetizers will be served.

Kombucha Level 2

Dec. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.

In Beyond the Brew, Learn about flavoring in a second fermentation and using the brew beyond the beverage. We’ll discuss vinegars, botanicals, fermented foods, cleaners, and more. Take home a bottle of infused kombucha vinegar and detailed guide. Materials fee is $10.

Estate Planning Basics

Dec. 11, noon Learn five key estate planning documents, the people one needs to identify and steps to take to establish an estate plan. Presented by Wells Fargo Advisors and The Wheelock Law Firm. Lunch will be served.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Wolverines from page 1

California, and her enthusiasm and skill sets are like having a coach on the floor for us.”

Beutel believes Nikki Ehrbar is one of the best players in Ohio.

“We have a group of super athletes; we have overall good balance, size, and athleticism that gives us a good edge on the floor all of the time,” the coach said. “There’s no telling how deep I’ll be able to go with our rotations, and that’s a luxury most coaches don’t get.”

Beutel has Ehrbar as his ace to begin with, and now a junior, she is looking for good things.

“If I had to claim my favorite sport, I’d have to admit it is soccer,” Ehrbar said. “I’m blessed, though, to just be having a lot of fun playing everything. For our team this season, winning the CVC is our first goal. It’s one super tough league for competition, and it’s tough, but so much fun.”

The new girl from Calfornia that Beutel

Chesterland News

referred to is senior M. J. Thomsen.

Her outlook is nothing but cheerfulness at the opportunity to be part of a growing program, which she sees as a chance to leave her own legacy, even if it is for only one season.

“Being a senior on such a young team means I have to work my hardest all the time to be a leader,” Thomsen said.

Her sincerity shows brightly in a smile that comes from her deep faith.

“It’s important for me to just be a leader to help build the program for the younger girls in the future,” she said. “God has blessed me with abilities, so I have to put them to work. I definitely want to be part of a team that wins the CVC. I’ve heard how tough a league it is, but I want to help us to win the league and put on a big run toward state as well. Things are different in California in the organizational part of things, but I love to compete.”

Beutel sees his starting five rounding out with youth and big-time ability as part of the equation.

Junior Athena Hocevar and freshman Alexa Hocevar provide length in many ways together.

Obituaries Patricia Camille Lambert Vlah

CHESTER TWP. – Patricia Camille Lambert Vlah passed away peacefully at home in her sleep the morning of Nov. 20, 2019, following a two-year battle with cancer.

Daughter of Patricia Lucille DeFreitas and James Lambert, she was born Aug. 23, 1941, in Georgetown, British Guyana. She spent her childhood on the island of Aruba, Netherland Antilles, a place she described as a “paradise.” She was the oldest of three daughters, Helen Baur, of Cincinnati, and Maureen Donahue (deceased), with whom she shared this “paradise” and whom she treasured her whole life long.

Patricia attended Centenary School in New Jersey, later transferring to Miami University in Ohio, where she graduated in 1963.

While at Miami, Patricia met and fell in love with W. Richard “Dick” Vlah, who after 56 years of marriage continued to believe she “hit the jackpot” in meeting him.

She considered St. Patty’s Day, the day Dick pinned her with his fraternity pin, a most special day of the year, celebrated annually by retelling of the story of her love for Dick.

After getting married in June 1963, she began a career at General Electric in the Overseas Lamp Division, in Cleveland, before she and Dick started a family, moving to Chester Township, where they have lived for over 50 years.

While raising three children, Steve, Jennifer and Kathryn Camille (KC), she returned to work in the private and public schools, working many years as an executive assistant to the Shaker Heights Superintendent, retiring in 1998.

She was known by Patricia, Pat, and Camille, and adored for her spirited and gregar-

ious personality. Besides enjoying time with her family, Patricia especially looked forward to travel and adventure with Dick and her sisters and brothers in-law, traveling extensively throughout the world by foot, bike, train, boat, and automobile, with Hilton Head always holding a special spot in her heart. She and Dick loved returning annually to Hilton Head finding peace and calm. She was passionate about her exercise, walking, biking, and going to the gym regularly. She liked solving the daily word puzzles, and had a unique love for cutting grass on their property with Dick, using a commercial grade lawn mower.

Strong-willed and feisty, she was also incredibly loving and compassionate. As a guiding light, the first person to make you see the positive and the first person to tell you what you needed to hear. She had a special gift for making you feel like you were the most important person in the room — optimistic and positive until her final days.

Survived by her husband, Dick; children, Steve (Raechelle), Jennifer (Alex), Kathryn (Brian); grandchildren, Alexandra Jordan, Jessica, Piper, Maxwell, Paige and Winston; sister, Helen Baur (Jerry); sisters-in-law, Jann Holzman and Marilyn Vlah; brother-in-law, Tom Donahue; nieces, Tish Miller (Tom), Meg DeCagna (Jeff), Lydia Hancock (Zach), Claire Natale (Chris); Mia Roy (David), Kimberly Nichols (Craig); nephews, Jeff Baur (JulieAnne), Ross Holzman (Iza) and Tommy Vlah (Claudene); and numerous cousins and others.

Patricia blessed all of us in her lively presence. She will remain in our hearts until the end of time.

May she rest in peace and may all who know her remember her contagious, welcoming smile and zest for life.

Friends called at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chester, on Nov. 23, 2019, from 1-3 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University Hospital Geauga Medical Center, 13207 Ravenna Road, Chardon, OH 44024, Attn: Emilie Gottsengen. (Check notation: In memory of Patricia Vlah for Seidman Cancer Center at UH Geauga) or online at uhgiving.org with designation to UH Geauga Medical Center.

Athena sees things growing as the team moves closer to opening the season.

“Team chemistry is going to be a big thing for us this year,” Athena said. “Of course, our first goal is to win the CVC, then to make a good postseason run as well. We’ve got a great bunch of athletes who are having fun right now just getting ready. The harder we work, the better the memories we will be making for our teammates and ourselves for the future.”

Freshman Alexa appreciates the time she and Athena put in together off the court, with the results showing up on the court as well.

“Off the court, we want to be a positive influence for each other,” Alexa said. “Once we get into games, with all we have learned from coach Beutel and his staff, if we play

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and work together, knowing what we are going to do together can only be a good thing for us. “ As the team gradually becomes a unit here in the preseason, Beutel’s fifth starter seems to be sophomore Grace Wolfe. Adding junior Lauren Munko and sophomore Meghan Zebrowski as the first players off of the bench gives Beutel a rotation he looks forward to building.

“It’s just amazing,” he commented, “at all of the overall athleticism I have to work with. I think I may be able to work other girls into the mix as well, as situations call for, and these girls have such a great, positive attitude.”

It looks like the Wolverines will pack plenty of bite this season.

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Chesterland News

Help Wanted

Part-time Custodian needed

10 to 20 hours a week Please contact Steve at Mayfield Church steve@mayfieldchurch.org

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Page 15

Chesterland News

Classifieds AUTOS & PARTS Cash for Junk Vehicles: running or not, classics/big trucks/etc., free removal, call/text Zac 440-679-7293.

Snow tires like new: 4 Blizzak snow tires and Enkei rims w/ sensors 18x 8, for 2014 Jeep Cherokee but will fit other vehicles, all for $1,000, have receipts for $1,450 purchased 11/19/18, Chesterland 440-729-3456.

2019 Honda Pioneer 500. Like new. 5 month warranty left. . Plow, windshield, hardtop, & more. Asking $10,000. 440-5645662, 440-708-4463.

Wedding Items: "Welcome to our Wedding" sign on easel $25, set of 4 garland with white roses and 10 strings of acrylic gems $30 set, large round white tablecloth and navy blue accent tablecloth $25 set, call 440-729-4134.

FOR SALE

2000+ guns in stock, big variety of ammo, Ohio Supply & Tool, 125 State St., Wadsworth OH, 330-335-1506.

Firewood – 4 feet x 8 feet x 16 inches, $100 cut/split/seasoned, free delivery, call 440-352-7372.

Christmas Trees at Sunrise Farms Burton: incredible selection of Fraser fir trees up to 10’ tall. No trees over $100!

Glider/rockers $69-$89, Kerosene heater, old oil lamps, old humpback chests $99, $198, and many old clocks, call 440-3383563.

Kubota BX5450 50” Snow blower with Kubota BX2751 male quick hitch and subframe mid pto kit with shaft. 440-4742609.

1963 Grand Prix 389 Motor and matching transmission, $750. Military diesel generator, $1,250. 440-667-4830.

Metal cabinet is desk & storage. Upper front lowers as desktop; drawers, shelves below. 29"x18"x48" tall. $60 negotiable. 440-632-0066.

PETS & ANIMALS Jack the cat needs a lap to call his own, he's very affectionate, 5+ yrs old, black, but FIV-positive. 440-321-2485.

REAL ESTATE Lot For Sale-Thompson Twp: one acre lot, scenic, gently sloped, wooded, very quiet side street, $9,900. Call 440-2890708.

Duplex: 4bed/2bath up, townhouse style, basement, garage, big yard, Parkman Village, currently rented. Home or investment, $143,000, Craigslist, Zillow, 440-548-8087.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

SERVICES

If you need to have a moving sale, estate sale or garage sale, call Kathy Willis at 440-840-3226 for assistance. Experienced.

References available. We are now doing partial estate buyouts.

Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything, Call between 8am and 4pm, 440813-4272. No answer, leave message.

Owen Mullets Painting, interior and exterior, also staining/varnishing trim and doors, experienced 440-632-9663 or 440-313-2110 leave message.

Stained Glass Repairs/Leaded glass repairs and restoration. 26 Years Experience. Please Call 440-636-5484. Free pickup and delivery.

School child advocate: Retired teacher/

School Counselor available anytime for assistance with school conferences and IEPs at school. Dave 440-487-0829.

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.

VACATION RENTALS Chautauqua Lakefront summer prime dates available. 3 BR/2 BA, sleeps 8.

Sunroom, deck, boat dock. Furnished, all amenities. www.maplebaygetaway. com. 440-953-8687.

WANTED Wanted: 410 or 28-gauge shotgun, preferably pump, in good condition, call 440834-1850.

WANTED TO BUY Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures, tackle boxes, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee, 440-313-8331.

Vintage Stanley Bailey and other woodworking planes, also buying hand and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.

Service Directory $ CASH $ $100 - $10,000 PAID

24/7 Service

Buying Cars, Trucks, Vans, Diesels, Old Cars and Junkers

Call or Text ZAC 440-679-7293

Evergreen Home Solutions LLC Handyman • Remodeling • Inspections evergreenhomesolutionsllc@gmail.com

Chesterland, Ohio 440-321-9414

MASTER PAINTERS

Family owned & operated since 1976

handyman services kitchen & bath remodeling power washing siding roofing Free Estimates / Senior Discounts

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

• CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY AT NOON • 440-729-7667 •

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Chesterland News

Wednesday, November 27, 2019