Kirtland Chronicle 07-14-2023

Emily Rupert Crowned 2023 Miss Kirtland

By Donna L. RoBinson anD CassanDRa shofaR

While nervously waiting for the Miss Kirtland contest judges to make their decision, Emily Rupert, 16, a rising senior at Kirtland High School, felt proud for giving it her all.

“I have never been great at pub lic speaking, especially not when I’m asked to answer questions on the spot,” she said. “Though I was hoping to win, I was already proud that I was able to step outside of my comfort zone, put myself out there and confidently speak in front of an audience.”

Her efforts were not in vain, as she was soon after named 2023 Miss Kirtland.

“I was honestly surprised after finding out I had won,” Emily said. “All of the other girls that compet ed, many of which are good friends of mine, were so confident and had great answers to the questions they were asked. However, I was proud of the time and effort that I put into preparing for the contest. I was and still am extremely excited to support and represent for my community in this way.”

The popular contest, held during the 63rd annual Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival — which ran June 15-17 — had nine competitors, all of whom were sent a list of 16 possible questions they would be asked.

“I was asked two questions randomly selected from a list. I was first asked where I would go if I could go anywhere in the world. I said I’d want to go to China or Japan because my family and I are huge travelers, and my favorite part of traveling is seeing the art and culture of each country, which China and Japan are full of,” Emily said. “Next, I was asked what service project I can see myself doing in the future and what specific organization I support. I love putting together gift baskets, baking or cooking meals for those who are less fortunate, and one of my favorite organizations is the Ronald McDonald House.”

Locally, Emily enjoys doing service projects through the Divine Word Catholic Church youth group, as well as volunteering for various summer camps and the Safety Town program at Kirtland City Hall.

After graduation, she plans to

pre-veterinarian medicine or animal sciences.

“I have always had a love for animals, and I hope to make a career out of it,” she said. “Later on, I hope to be accepted into veterinary school and eventually become a veterinarian. To reach that goal, I am trying to gain as much experience as possible. For example, I am attending a science/veterinary camp at Colorado State University this summer. I also completed my junior internship at the Kirtland Veterinary Hospital.”

Miss Kirtland judge Teanna Vitantonio, owner of Tavern Six, which sponsored the contest, said the judges always look for girls in the community who want to be involved.

“Emily Rupert was a well-spoken young lady,” said Vitantonio, who joined Kirtland Kiwanis when she opened her restaurant eight years ago. “I see her as having an extremely bright future. The other judges and I made the decision that her scores were the highest when she answered her questions. She won $100 and we support all things Kirtland. It was a very positive and rewarding experience sponsoring and judging the Miss Kirtland Contest. I love cheering on the girls and I will continue to sponsor it for years to come.”

While winning was a bonus, Emily expressed gratitude for being

way, shape or form. Becoming the 2023 Miss Kirtland is a great way for me to represent for my city.”

Her parents, Lori and Paul Rupert, were also proud of their daughter for pushing herself out of her comfort zone.

“We told her to be herself. We

Coffee with Council

Coffee with Council is Saturday, July 15 10-11 a.m., at Kirtland City Hall. For more information, contact Joe Smolic at 440-487-8984 or JSmolic@ kirtlandohio.com

the community.”

She added, “Emily is a very determined young woman and will succeed at whatever she puts her mind to. It has been a privilege to watch her grow and change. She sets goals for herself and works hard to achieve them.”

Classifieds page 11

The News You Need

Mayor Discusses Potential Town Center Project

City of Kirtland Mayor Kevin Potter discussed with residents the potential town center project during a July 10 afternoon gathering at the city’s senior center.

He previously has said the 2022 comprehensive plan, which was done in 2012, called for creating more economic development in the downtown area, with more opportunities for residential and senior living as well as restaurants and shops.

Officials have shared residents’ ideas with local development partners, with city council eventually voting to authorize a memorandum of understanding with Willoughby-based Marous Development Group, LLC that could lead to a new commercial and residential center at the current city hall property.

A conceptual plan Marous submitted calls for a scaled-down version of a City Hall building — relocated in front of Kirtland Public Library. It also proposes a combination of townhomes for sale along with some units for rent — 114 apartments and 14 townhomes — taking advantage of the walkability of the site. Parking would be dictated by the city’s code requirements.

Potter identified several goals of the potential project:

• Create residential options for seniors wanting to downsize but remain in the city.

• Reduce the tax burden on residents and create commercial opportunities.

He noted the project must keep Kirtland

Kirtland, and not be generic.

The mayor also said the city has formed a steering committee to discuss the conceptual plans. Group members include Potter, economic development consultant Eddy Eckhart, Councilman Ron Fenstermaker and five residents.

During a public comment period, some residents questioned any project’s impact on traffic and parking. Potter said the city would work with the Ohio Department of Transportation to ensure traffic needs are met.

The use of a land planner also was discussed.

News Shorts

• City Engineer Doug Courtney told council members at their July 10 meeting that the contractor on the Old Town sewer project is working on grading, topsoiling and seeding on Eisenhower Drive and Elm Street.

• Law Director Matthew Lallo said July 10 the city will be soliciting bids for recycling and trash collection. Service Director Joe Fornaro said there are no “eye popping” complaints regarding current hauler Waste Management. Over the course of the current contract, there only have been 13 complaints, he added.

• Mayor Kevin Potter said Biltmore Healthcare LLC had planned to discuss at the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on July 11 a prospective approximately 90-bed nursing home facility at the northwest corner of the state routes 6 and 306 intersection. He added the project could be the impetus to beginning discussions about extending sewer services along Route 306 to that area.

Note from the Mayor

Mid-Summer in Kirtland is marked with plenty of news and events to recap and report on. The Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival was once again an extraordinary success. Saturday, the festival kicked off with the second annual Heritage 5k Run and later that day, the festival saw record attendance and the crowning of the new 2023 Miss Kirtland. Congratulations to Emily Rupert for taking home the award and to all the Miss Kirtland contestants for their efforts and participation. Thanks to Kiwanis and the supporting businesses and organizations that make the festival an event we can all be proud of.

Expanding our community part nerships, June brought the start of the Friends of the Library summer concert series, as well as one week of free attendance to Holden for all Kirtland residents. And speaking of working together, thank you to Lake Metroparks for opening the trail head near the entrance to the Silver Fox neighborhood. This new access point is the result of a single phone call to Metroparks Director Paul Palagyi after I was contacted by a local resident with the great idea.

Kirtland Safety Forces also had much to celebrate in June. On June 20, I was humbled to perform the oath for four new promotions within the Kirtland Fire Department. Thanks to Chief Anthony Hutton’s leadership and fair promotional process, Matt Killeen was elevated to captain, and the trio of Brian Horvath, Aaron Madden and Corey Eisenberg earned the distinction of lieutenant.

On July 5, I had the honor of swearing in our newest full-time Kirtland police officer, Jake Scott. Hiring officer Scott has rounded out several full-time hires over the last few years. By reinvesting savings from outsourcing dispatch to Willoughby, KPD no longer

wrestles with the revolving door of part-time help. Like Kirtland fire, KPD is poised for the future and will continue to make Kirtland one of the safest communities around.

Additionally, throughout the remainder of summer and likely into fall, road rehabilitation work will continue throughout Kirtland streets and neighborhoods. Soon, paving work will begin on Blueberry Hill, portions of Crestwood and Fox Hill Drive, while areas of Regency Woods Drive, Hobart, Crary, Farbar, Hillcrest and Highland will see repairs to some of the most critical areas. The 2023 road program will consist of about $1.1 million dollars and will complete four years of spending that totals over $4 million dollars on our local roads without an increase of city tax rates.

Throughout the year, we will continue to monitor our income tax receipts, evaluate funding sources, work with local, state and federal officials, and project revenue from future economic development. This continuous assessment and good budgeting will advance our ability to project and fund road repairs, as well as pay for needed equipment for the service, police and fire departments.

We have been working hard to engage local investors and are now considering potential commercial development both downtown and at the state Route 6 intersection. As we discern the possible projects and what they mean for our city, we will be evaluating the amount of new revenue any development might bring to our city, balance our residents’ input and recommendations, all while maintaining the idea that we keep Kirtland Kirtland.

Thank you, Mayor Kevin Potter

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Mayor Kevin Potter

The Kirtland Public Library is located at 9267 Chillicothe Road. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about any of these programs or to register, please call the library at 440-256-7323 or visit www.kirtland.lib.oh.us.

Summer Concerts & Fun At Gazebo

Bring a blanket or chair and relax with friends and neighbors and enjoy the music.

Bring a picnic or take advantage of the city’s grill masters or checkout the available food trucks.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and the free concerts begin at 7 p.m. All events take place at the Gazebo in front of City Hall at 9301 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland.

These concerts are sponsored by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library and the City of Kirtland, and paid for, in part, by a grant from NOPEC.

There will be a trivia contest at every

Kirtland Public Library

concert, so pick up a trivia sheet between 6-7 p.m. Answer as many questions as you can by the end of the concert. Turn your sheet in at the Friends of the Library table. Answer sheets with at least 10 correct answers will be entered into a prize drawing.

Cookbook Club

July 25 • 6 p.m.

The theme for July is salads. Anything goes. Bring something to share with the group. Registration requested.

month? In case of inclement weather, we will meet indoors at the Children’s Department. Attend this event and earn 50 points for Summer Reading. Please register online.

July

19: City Night with The PopTarts

Curious about local businesses? Meet the people that work in the community. Burgers and dogs on the grill (by donation).

The ‘cool’ factor is sky high with the PopTarts. They are four groovy chicks who sing the most popular hits from the 1960’s girl groups. With their mini-skirts and big hair, they are hoppin’ and boppin’ with their choreographed movements.

Knit & Crochet Club is a drop-in event. It is open to anyone who enjoys knitting, crocheting or is interested in learning. Bring your own supplies. First Monday of each month from 6-7 p.m.

Special Adult Programs

Upcycled Luminary Craft

July 31 • 4 p.m.

Startup Club for Kids with Greg Malkin

July 22

Grades 1-3: 10:30-11 a.m.

Grades 4-6: 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon

In this fast-paced workshop, kids ages 4th grade to 6th grade will apply creative problem-solving skills, create a prototype and then “pitch” their ideas.

Workshop leader Greg Malkin is a lifelong entrepreneur with experience in a range of industries and non-profit organizations. Attend this event and earn 50 points for Summer Reading. Please register online.

July 26:

“City Night” PrimeTime Big Band

Cleveland’s PrimeTime Big Band plays swing, big band, jazz and beautiful ballads. Debbie Gifford is the featured vocalist. This will be a lovely evening under the stars.

Burgers and dogs on the grill (by donation).

Aug. 2: Dog Days of Summer with Debbie Gifford Quartet

Kirtland’s own Debbie Gifford is back and keeping it jazzy with her quartet. Bring your pooch.

Hotdogs on the grill (by donation).

July Adult Events

Color Me Calm Club

July 21 • 2:30 p.m.

Come relax and color with us at the library. Coloring pages, pencils and music supplied. Registration requested.

No Pressure Book Discussion

July 24 • 1:30 p.m.

Join us in the Community Room to talk about books. Any books you’ve read recently that you want to recommend to others.

We will be making luminaries with recycled plastic containers and flowers. You can add your own light to it when you take it home. Stop in anytime between 4-6pm to make your own piece of art. Please register for this event so we have enough supplies.

July Youth Programs

Summer Reading 2023

May 26 to July 22

The theme for Summer Reading this year is “All Together Now.” Log your reading with the READsquared app, where each minute of reading will earn a youth one point. Earn a raffle ticket for every 100 points. Earn 50 points for every program you register for and attend. Once you earn 1000 points by July 22, you have completed Summer Reading and can register for the Outback Ray performance the following Saturday.

LEGO Club

July 15 • 10:30 a.m.

Families, spend an hour creating with the library’s LEGO brick collection. Once you have completed your creation with our bricks, we will place it in our display case for all to see.

Attend this event and earn 50 points for Summer Reading. Please register online.

Fun and Games

July 17 • 6 p.m.

Kids entering grades K-6th, play some games and try other fun activities. Some will be familiar and maybe some will be new. Attend this program and earn 50 points for Summer Reading. Please register online.

Kids Book Party:

Dinosaurs Before Dark

July 18 • 2:30 p.m.

Kids entering grades K-5th, read “Dinosaurs Before Dark,” which is the first volume in the Magic Treehouse series. Come talk with other kids about this book, explore fun activities and create a craft. Earn 50 points for attending this program. Please register online.

Meet Me On The Courtyard

July 21 • 10:30 a.m.

Families with children age 5 and under, meet on our courtyard and try lots of fun activities. What will you find to explore this

Make Better Pictures with Herb Ascherman

July 22 • 3 p.m.

Photographer Herb Ascherman will speak to kids grades 6th through 12th about “Making Better Pictures.” Participants will have a better understanding of the principles of photography, and will relate better to the physical activities involved in camera manipulation. Attend this event and earn 50 points for Summer Reading. Please register online.

End of Summer Reading Party

July 29 • 2 p.m.

For all who have completed Summer Reading by earning 1000 points. Families, you have been logging your reading all summer and now it is time to celebrate. Outback Ray will entertain and educate us with his animals. Please register for this event once you have earned 1000 points for Summer Reading.

Lapsit

Tuesdays • 10 a.m.

Bounces, rhymes, one book, scarves and shakers, geared for families with children under the age of 3. Make friends as you enjoy stories with your child. When the weather permits, we will have Lapsit outdoors on the courtyard.

Storytime

Wednesdays • 10 a.m.

Enjoy great books, rhymes, songs, and surprises with your child. This storytime is geared for families with children age 5 and under. Make new friends and have fun at the library. When the weather permits, we will have Storytime outdoors on the courtyard.

The summer reading program runs from May 26 to July 22.

Earn points by reading and attending programs at the Library. Use the READsquared App to log your reading. Each minute of reading earns 1 point. Earn a raffle ticket for every 100 points. You can win cool prizes.

Earn 50 points for every program you register for and attend. Earn 1,000 points by July 22 to complete the Summer Reading program and then register for the OutBack Ray performance on July 27.

Download the READsquared app from the Apple Store or from Google Play. Questions about using the app, please ask Miss Pam or Miss Magdalene.

Discover the World Of Bright Wishes!

By Kati hegRat

As summer continues to fly by, the excite ment of fall travel starts to sneak up on me.

For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Kati Hegrat and my husband and I love calling Kirtland home. We have four children who all attend Kirtland Elementary School, and love supporting our community.

When it comes to planning a vacation, finding the best destination, resort and activ ities can sometimes feel overwhelming. It is my pleasure to provide knowledge, care, fun and simplicity to help your family plan life long memories.

I specialize in all things Disney: Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Au lani, Adventures by Disney and Universal, as well as all-Inclusive vacations with Sandals and Beaches.

A Walt Disney quote that often comes to mind as I grow older is “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, dreams are forever.” This is how I feel every time I step foot on a Disney property. I am so excited that Disney’s International Food and Wine Festive at Epcot is just around the corner, followed by Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

As Disney rings in the New Year, we can say “cheers” as we welcome back the beloved Dining Plan, as this is great way to plan ahead for meals and snacks while saving some money.

Disney is also making your Lightening Lane experience more enjoyable by simplifying its Genie + Experience. Psst . . . 2024 packages are now available!

In less than two short months, I will be hitting the high seas on Disney Wish to celebrate the Silver Anniversary at Sea. I can’t wait!

I travel to all the parks and take cruises often to stay up-to-date on all the newest events and attractions at Disney. As your dedicated vacation dream-maker, my complimentary services will not only help you plan

and book your dream vacation, but also walk you through all the steps leading up to your trip until you return home.

If you are looking for a more relaxed vibe, with white sandy beaches, tropical settings and gorgeous blue water, the Caribbean may be calling your name. I love sending clients to Sandals and Beaches all-inclusive resorts, where you can stay, play and indulge. Choose to take a romantic getaway, celebrate an anniversary or honeymoon, plan a girls trip or even take the whole family. The quality of inclusions are more than any other luxury beach resort.

Creating memories for all types of trips is what I love to do, so whether you want to experience the Magic of Disney or kick back on the beach with your friends or loved ones, I’m here to guide you.

Please contact me by email at Kati@ BrightWishesTravel.com or visit me on Facebook at Kati at Bright Wishes Travel.

Discover the World of Bright Wishes!

Photos taken by Charles Bickart

Hornets Participate in Ohio Varsity All-Star Games

Knaak Wins Player of the Year

By aLan KoRnspan spoRts@KaRLoveCmeDia Com

On June 22, Kirtland had representation in softball players Gianna DiFranco and Madison Matijevic at the Ohio Varsity Underclassmen Showcase Game and the Ohio Varsity All-Star Classic, respectively.

The next week, Hornets baseball players Luke Chuko and Adam Knaak participated in the Northeast Ohio Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game.

Before that game, Knaak was also awarded the Division III NEOBCA Player of the Year Award.

DiFranco, an incoming senior this fall, felt excited to have been selected for the Ohio Varsity Underclassmen Showcase.

“Getting here is awesome. I love getting all these recognitions,” DiFranco said. “It was really fun just to be able to come together with a lot of other people from a lot of different schools and all divisions. It was

really fun seeing some old friends from oth er schools and travel teams when you face them, and getting to know them.”

DiFranco also recalled the Hornets’ reg ular season.

“We all came together and figured out how to play together,” she said. “I think it was pretty good. ... I just want my team to get better. I want to get my team as far as we can in the playoffs and get a good record.”

After the showcase, the second game played June 22 at Mentor High School was the Ohio Varsity All-Star Classic, played by Kirtland senior Madison Matijevic.

“It meant a lot to come out here and play with the best of the best,” Matijevic said. “This is my last time playing softball. It really meant a lot to a lot of us to end on a good win.”

Matijevic certainly helped her team get the victory, coming through in the clutch.

Matijevic made the game-winning RBI when she drove in the winning run on a sac rifice fly to right field, giving her Air Force all-star team a 9-8 victory.

Almost a week later, Kirtland baseball

Kiwanis Corner

The Kiwanis Club would like to thank the community for helping make the annual Kirtland Strawberry Festival a great success. In Today’s Chronicle, you will find a listing of the Kirtland businesses and families who sponsored the many events from the huge strawberry parade to the annual Miss Kirtland Contest.

The club awarded $6,900 to the following groups that assisted with particular activities during the festival: Swim Team – Car Smash, Robotics Club – Demonstrations, KMS Football- Lemonade Trailer, Scouts – Dunk Tank, Cheerleaders – Lemonade event.

The Community Garden is off to a great season with all beds having been taken and currently growing very healthy crops. The favorable weather, combined with excellent garden soil and skilled gardening, makes a potential harvest most likely.

Last week, the club constructed a large, raised garden at Kirtland Rehab on state Route 306 so residents can grow some beautiful flowers. The bed is wheel-chair friendly and ready for the residents to enjoy. Special thanks go to Kiwanian Rich Lowrey, who planned the project, pre-cut all the parts and coordinated the construction. Finally, this week saw the awarding of over $20,000 in scholarships to KHS graduates by the Kirtland Kiwanis Foundation.

The foundation is funded by gifts from community residents, organizations and club fundraisers. All contributions are tax deductible. Kiwanis is a service club, not affiliated with any religious group. Members include men and women who love to help make Kirtland a great place to live and raise a family. We would like to encourage you to join us. For information call Rick Fox, club secretary, at 216-952-6496.

ALAN

KORNSPAN/KMG

Kirtland baseball players Luke Chuko, left, and Adam Knaak during the Northeast Ohio Baseball Coaches Association All Star game. Knack was the NEOBCA DIII Co-Player of the Year.

their support.

“It was a really fun season coming out here my senior year, just playing with all my best friends out there,” Knaak said. “It was a great time, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, it was awesome.”

After the contest, Knaak and Chuko also talked about the all-star game and their excellent performances at the plate. Both helped their team take a quick 3-0 lead in the first inning: both with hard line-drive singles one after the next.

“(It was) a great feeling to be able to come out and represent Kirtland in this allstar game,” Knaak said. “It’s an honor really, and just to do it with one of my best friends (Chuko), it’s a great feeling.”

“It felt great to have another hit,” Chuko said. “It felt good to be out there and swing the bat again.”

Added Knaak, “It felt good just to get into one a little bit.”

These last all-stars games closed out the 2022-23 high school sports season.

Official practice for the 2023-24 school year begins July 31, and the Hornets football team will open its season August 18 in Dalton against the Dalton Bulldogs.

Willoughby Hills Defends Shortcake Eating Title

By Donna L. RoBinson anD CassanDRa shofaR

For the second year in a row, Willoughby Hills Mayor Andrew Gardner took the cake — literally.

The defending champion of the Strawberry Shortcake-Eating Contest won again June 15, beating out Kirtland Mayor Kevin Potter, Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley, Wickliffe Mayor Joe Sakacs and Lake County Commissioner Richard Regovich (the former mayor of Willowick).

“Mayor Potter started inviting us last year. I was fortunate to win both years — 2022 and 2023,” Gardner said, adding he had no special preparation other than bringing his own spoon.

“Mayor Bob Fiala, of Willoughby, Mayor Michael Vanni, of Willowick, did not compete, but came together with the rest of us to support Mayor Potter and the Kirtland Kiwanis,” Gardner said. “We regularly support each other in a number of ways, including attending events in each of our cities. It is fun to have bragging rights as we poke fun at each other regularly. In fact, I showed photos of the 2022 contest and poked fun at these gentlemen during my State of the City presentation to the Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce earlier this year. My hope is that our participation helped the Kiwanis make the Strawberry Festival more successful.”

The festival is the only major fundraiser for the Kirtland Kiwanis, which supports Kirtland Schools and the community in a variety of ways throughout the year.

“Growing up in the area, I have attended the strawberry festival for many years and think it is an outstanding family event and supports the good work of the Kiwanis in Kirtland, which benefits all of the area communities,” Gardner added.

Festival a Success

Mike Sams, president of the Kirtland Kiwanis, was excited to have good weather, to bring rides back to this year’s festival and to see the fruits of their year-round labor in the large crowds that attended.

“We helped youth football purchase new helmets, youth wrestling to purchase new equipment, added an ADA swing to the playground we built last year and we sent 17 members of the high school Key Club to the Ohio Convention in Columbus,” he said of projects Kiwanis helped with as a result of funds raised each year. “We donate every year to After-Prom for the school and we built and maintain the community garden. We also support our ‘Builders and Action Club’ programs in the middle school and at Deepwood in Mentor, we purchased a drone and equipment for Media Club at the high school and had a creative writing contest for middle and high school.

“I am sure I missed a lot of projects, but these are off the top of my head,” he added.

Scott Barrick, president of the Ohio Site Leaders and elder at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was honored to sing the National Anthem during this year’s opening ceremony.

“I was the business manager for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (formerly Mormon Tabernacle Choir) for 21 years. Although I wasn’t a member of the choir, I did get to sing with them from time to time, particularly with the training choir each year,” said Barrick who, along with his wife, Shauna, recently became site leaders at the Kirtland church. “This was my first experience at the strawberry festival. I had heard about it for months even before we came to Kirtland. But I was amazed at how the festival comes together and all the hard work that goes into making it a reality. We loved serving in the food tent with our young sister missionaries and our senior couples. What a well-oiled machine it is making those strawberry shortcakes. And we amply rewarded for our service with one of the giant shortcakes at the end of the evening.”

Between the festival, Kiwanis and the community, the Barricks are smitten.

“My wife Shauna and I love Kirtland. Ever since we arrived in March, we have been struck by the kindness of the people who live here and the cooperation that we see at all levels of the city,” Barrick said. “It is amazing to me that this festival has gone on for 63 years and that many people have been involved with the festival almost since its beginning. It is a testimony to their dedication and the continued growth of a great

“I really wanted to extend my thanks and gratitude to the city of Kirtland as well as the Kiwanis. Everyone has been so welcoming to us and all the guests who have come into the restaurant are always willing to lend a help ing hand/give suggestions and recommenda tions on how we may be able to get ourselves further involved in the community of Kirt land to fulfill our potential,” she said. “It has been really great … and the Kiwanis has been amazing in supporting us as well as allowing us to be a part of the festival for our first year in business, which was very meaningful.”

Stetz particularly loved the festival pa rade June 16.

“The parade was definitely something that we had no idea what to expect,” she said. “We were definitely shocked at the amount of one along the route. Next year, we’ll definite ly need more.”

Swab Summer Begins for Cadets

SUBMITTED

Josephine Copeland, a 2023 graduate of Kirtland High School, has received an appointment in the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. She currently is at the academy for “Swab Summer” for eight weeks before the academic school year begins. Admission to the Coast Guard Academy is highly competitive, with fewer than 400 applicants offered annually from a pool of more than 2,000 applicants, according to an academy press release. Cadets receive a full-tuition scholarship and monthly stipend for a five-year service commitment to the Coast Guard upon graduation.

To advertise in the Classifieds, contact the advertising department at 440-729-7667 ext. 500 or email your ad directly to ads@karlovecmedia.com

WANTED TO BUY

Will pay cash for sports cards & collectibles. Entire collections or individual cards. Organized or unorganized. Call or text Rich at 440-552-0691. Buying all Stanley Bailey planes and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.

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