Kirtland Chronicle 6-02-2023

BOE Passes Controversial Change Order for High School Stadium

Public Expresses Concerns Over Increased Costs

By Allison Wilson editor@kArlovecmediA.com

Community members crowded into the Kirtland High School cafeteria May 15 to express concerns over unexpected cost increases for construction of the district’s new stadium and to hear an update from school officials.

While construction on the new football stadium began early, it had to be paused per an update on April 14 after the Kirtland Schools Board of Education was made aware of new, much steeper additional costs in regard to drainage under the field and issues with the drive sur-

rounding the visitor’s stands.

Despite assurances from Superintendent Chad VanArnhem the cost will be reduced and the stadium will be ready before the soccer and football seasons begin, the public has been uneasy.

Latter-day Saints Celebrates 20 Years in Historic Kirtland

There have been two prior change orders on the project at a cost of $160,000 for longer lasting turf and $230,000 for a video scoreboard.

A recommendation to approve a third stadium change order, pre-

Coffee with Council

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

of education’s agenda May 15, was moved to priority.

Prior to building, it was estimated the cost of the new stadium would be in the range of $4.2 million. A fiveyear, permanent improvement levy

See Stadium • Page 4

Baseball Wins Conference, Sectional Titles

See Page 6

Students Showcase Writing

Talents, Humor in Contest

By donnA l roBinson editor@kArlovecmediA com

Kirtland area students with a flair for the written language had a chance to flex their creative muscles this spring. And flex them they did.

A total of 15 out of 21 entries in the Kiwanis Club of Kirtland’s first annual Creative Writing Contest received awards last month.

“At a recent (Kirtland Schools) Board of Education meeting, a parent commented how his son doesn’t pick up a ball and go out

to play, but he does pick up his computer and writes,” said Kathy Talty, chair of youth services for Kiwanis. “When the contest was announced, he went right to work. His father thanked us, the Kirt land Kiwanis, for giving his son this opportunity.”

The contest, which circled the theme “Something Funny,” was split up into three sections — sixth-eighth grade; ninth-10th grade and 11th-12th grade. Each category had the chance to win a Blue Ribbon, $200; Red Ribbon,

Construction on the stadium has continued since the May 15 Kirtland Schools Board of Education meeting.

Kirtland area student winners in the first annual Creative Writing Contest included, from left, Karli DiFranco, Kevin Urbanick, Danika Schaumburg, Andrew Duncan, Braydon Yates and Payton Adkins.

63rd Annual Kirtland Kiwanis

St r a w b e r r y trawberry Fe s t i v a l Festival e s t i v a l estival St r a w b e r r y trawberry

JUNE 15-172023 Kirtland Schools on Route 306

FREE Admission / FOOD & FUN FOR ALL

Schedule of Events

EVERY DAY: & & STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES, SUNDAES AND SUPREMES

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES

RIDES and GAMES by LISKO FAMILY MIDWAYS

MAIN STAGE ENTERTAINMENT: D.J. JOHNNY SCIULLA (Sponsored by K&D)

KIDDIE LAND ENTERTAINMENT (Sponsored by Smolic Machine)

CONTESTS / CRAFTER AND COMMERCIAL AREA

PONY RIDE / PHOTO OP AREA

DUNK TANK (Sponsored by Down the Block and Rimeco Products)

CAR SMASH (Sponsored by State Farm)

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE EATING CONTESTS (Sponsored by Angelos Pizzeria)

KIWANIS LEMONADE (Sponsored by Howard Hanna/Sams Team)

THURSDAY, JUNE 15 5:00-10:00 PM

5:00 pm OPENING CEREMONIES

5:30 pm STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE EATING CONTEST

6:00 pm TRIVIA CONTEST (Sponsored by Just One More Tavern)

7:00-close MUSIC BY BILL MARCH

FRIDAY, JUNE 16 5:00-11:00 PM

5:00-6:00 pm

5:00-8:00 pm

KIRBY HEYBORNE:

MUSICIAN, COMEDIAN and NICE GUY

ROBOTICS CLUB DEMONSTRATION in KES Gym

6:30 pm PARADE

(Sponsored by Kirtland Dental and Kirtland Veterinary Clinic) Assembles at 5:30 pm www.kirtlandkiwanis.org/parade

7:00 pm KIRTLAND HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS

7:30 pm STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE EATING CONTEST

8:00-close MUSIC BY TRACE MUCHACHOS

CONTESTS

THURSDAY 7pm:

LEGO BUILDING CONTEST

(Sponsored by Nexus Software) www.kirtlandkiwanis.org/legocontest

SATURDAY, JUNE 17 Noon-11:00 PM

12:00-8:00 pm ROBOTICS CLUB DEMONSTRATION in KES Gym

KIDDIE LAND STAGE

12:30-2:00 pm SWIFTY THE CLOWN: BALLOON TWISTER (Sponsored by Mold Master)

2:00-4:00 pm

MICHAEL MAGE: MAGIC AND COMEDY

(Sponsored by Luikart Insurance)

4:00-5:00 pm JUNGLE TERRY (Sponsored by Kirtland Sunoco)

MAIN STAGE

1:00-4:00 pm MUSIC BY JUSTIN “JET” GERACI

5:00 pm STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE EATING CONTEST

6:00 pm MISS KIRTLAND CONTEST (Sponsored by Tavern 6)

7:00-close MUSIC BY KC & COMPANY

SATURDAY 1:00-3:00 pm: SIDEWALK CHALK ART CONTEST

(Sponsored by Molly Maids) www.kirtlandkiwanis.org/chalkart

SPONSOR

Information: MIKE SAMS (216-244-7335) / www.kirtlandkiwanis.org/Strawberryfestival

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS!!

A Note from the Mayor

Before we get into the happenings of June, I want to say thanks to all that came out on Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Thanks to Keith McCrory of the American Legion for coordinating the day’s events. And once again, Rick Blum from Kiwanis tops the list for his efforts in the Veterans Memorial and grounds cleanup. Under Rick’s leadership, members of the American Legion, the Garden Club of Kirtland and dozens of Kiwanis volunteers came out to mulch and plant flowers around the memorial and city hall.

I am elated by the respect the Kirtland community shows to the fallen heroes of our U.S. military and sanctity in which we hold our own Veterans Memorial. The memorial has truly become part of the fabric and a cornerstone of our downtown area.

June will see the opening of a few bids related to infrastructure in Kirtland. On June 6, bids will be open for this year’s road projects. Streets in consideration will be paving of Fox Hill Drie, paving of Crestwood Drive (cul-de-sac to Oak wood), Blueberry and base repairs along Regency Woods Drive (from Kirtland Chardon to Cardinal Drive). In total, we’ve budgeted $1.1 million for street projects and targeted road patching and repairs to be com pleted this paving season.

The city recently posted a Request for Proposal for the construction and management of a citywide broadband fiber network. The goal of this RFP is to gauge interest from willing parties to build a high-speed internet network throughout the city. The RFP comes with no guarantee, but we are hopeful a willing and apt partner emerges from the process.

On the economic development front, we continue to work toward opportunities that can lead to new revenue sources for Kirtland. Last month, I spoke of a potential downtown commercial and residential development project and with the help of Councilman Ronald Fenstermaker and a community advisory committee, we are working to outline a baseline of project criteria to share with the developer. A conceptual project is still in its infancy. Stay tuned over the course of the next weeks and months for announcements of several open house events that will engage the community for its feedback related to any potential development.

In addition to potential downtown improvement, we are also in conversation with a first-class healthcare provider that would bring more than one hundred well-paying jobs to Kirtland. Located at the intersection of state routes 6 and 306, a project of this type would infuse much needed improvement to the area. The group plans to present at an upcoming planning and zoning meeting and will offer insight as to the potential economic impact and design of the project.

June also brings the coveted Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival, June 15-17, as well as the first of five concerts at the city hall gazebo to be held on June 26. Finally, the week of June 5, all Kirtland residents have free access to the Holden Arboretum. We are grateful to Holden for their willingness to partner with the city and hope many of our residents take the opportunity to experience the crown jewel that is Holden.

Thank you, Mayor, Kevin Potter

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Mayor Kevin Potter

Stadium

from page 1 was passed in 2021 to cover a portion of this amount, said board President Matt Whittaker.

However, the actual cost is much closer to $6.5 million, with the current change order being for an amount of $245,915. Cost-cutting measures have been taken and involve not moving the track and scaling back the size of the bleachers, he said.

Engineer John Urbanick also saved roughly $200,000 off the original cost of the change order by working for free.

Whittaker was quick to take accountability and emphasized that while mistakes have been made, the board needs to move forward.

“I’m the first one to say, you can hold me accountable at election time,” he said. “I believe we made the best decisions that we could at the time and I’m not going to sit back and second guess. What we need to do is figure out how to move forward and solve this problem and get the kids on the field this fall.”

Board member Shannon Green agreed and touched on accusations leveled at the board about misuse of funds.

“Nobody was trying to misappropriate funds, nothing like that happened, so for anybody to say that funds are mis-managed, that’s not true,” she said. “If anything, we do our best to make sure that we manage all of these funds and make the best decisions that we can do with the information that we have. The ultimate goal is to have this nice facility for everyone … nobody lied, nobody mis-appropriated funds, for that to be out there, it actually hurts my feelings.”

Board members said they do not want

lenged the notion the general fund would not be used.

“We were advised by our council not to spend any money that we thought was on the ‘if, come down the road.’ Because what he said to us is, ‘In most districts, that stuff never comes.’ Or not all of it. So, no one should kid themselves, this is general revenue fund money that we are putting on the line when we vote for this.”

The board opened the floor to questions after the discussion finished.

Audience members expressed concern about what projects may not get done now that the stadium is using funds that may have been otherwise allocated elsewhere.

“It depends what funding source (we

use),” Whittaker said. “If we use the donation money and the cellphone tower money, the cellphone tower money was intended to go towards educational items, it wasn’t specifically earmarked towards anything, it’s just been sitting in the account. And the same thing with the donation money.”

One person asked who missed the drainage issue. An architect representing ThenDesign Architecture answered.

“In the initial GMP, the drainage that was put in place didn’t meet the requirements once it was going through the review process,” she said. “So, in that review process, the design was revised and then the drainage,

it was required by the county and by the city. That’s what ended up equating that large change order that we brought John Urbanick on for to reduce that cost.”

The vote for the third change order passed with one abstention from Cossgrove.

When asked for comment, VanArnhem replied he is “excited that the district was able to work through the challenges that we have faced with the stadium renovation.”

“We do not take the cost of the change order lightly and will continue to look for cost

Kirtland Grad Makes History with Appointment to Naval Academy

Kirtland High School graduate Brennon Braud is the school’s first graduate and only the second City of Kirtland resident to re ceive a U.S. Naval Academy appointment.

He will be a midshipman in the class of 2027.

Braud received an appointment to Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, R.I., last year and has met all the requirements, gradu ated and received his official Naval Academy appointment, marking the beginning of six challenging weeks of basic midshipman train ing during Plebe Summer.

Braud played football for the Hornets from 2018-2022 and was a two-way starter on the 2021-2022 team. He also wrestled during his high school years.

During Plebe Summer, plebes have no ac cess to television, movies, the internet or mu sic, and have restricted access to cell phones. They are only permitted to make three calls during the six weeks of training.

The pressure and rigor of Plebe Summer is carefully designed to help plebes prepare for their first academic year at the Naval Academy and the four years of challenge that awaits them. As the summer progresses, the new midshipmen rapidly assimilate basic skills in seamanship, navigation, damage con trol, sailing and handling yard patrol craft.

Plebes also learn infantry drills and how to shoot 9 mm pistols and M-16 rifles.

Other daily training sessions involve moral, mental, physical, professional devel opment and team-building skills. Activities include swimming, martial arts, basic rock climbing, and obstacle, endurance and confi dence courses designed to develop physical, mental and team-building skills. Forty hours are devoted to the instruction of infantry drill and five formal parades.

Kirtland to Explore Potential Town Center Development

City of Kirtland officials are exploring a potential town center project that would be livable, walkable and offer shopping, dining and professional services.

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

The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission discussed the project at its April 10 meeting. During that meeting, Mayor Kevin Potter said Marous had approached city officials about development of the Kirtland City Hall property at 9301 Chillicothe Road.

Referring to the 2022 comprehensive plan, which was done in 2012, Potter noted some highlights called for creating more economic development in the downtown area, with more opportunities for residential and senior living as well as restaurants and shops.

A conceptual plan Marous submitted calls for a scaled-down version of a City Hall building — relocated in front of Kirtland Public Library.

Anniversary

from page 1

The event included a prayer thanking the saints for the sacrifices they made when they first came to Kirtland, as well as a hymn sung by the Selah Women’s Choir and a number of speeches regarding the significance of the sites.

Shauna reflected on how living at the historic site made her feel a connection to those who originally settled there.

“Connecting to these people of the past, hearing their stories again and again, has really inspired me and is helping me become more of the kind of person that I want to be. Historic Kirtland is truly a sacred place, a place of inspiration and a place of revelation,” she said.

Lake County Commissioner Richard J. Regovich presented a proclamation to the 20-year anniversary of the site’s dedication, speaking on the church’s historic ties to Kirtland and the impact they still have on the community today.

“Therefore, we the board of Lake County Commissioners commend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kirtland for its dedication to the service of God, and wishes the church more success with spiritual leadership and community outreach,” Regovich concluded.

The News You Need

Potter introduced at the meeting Chip Marous, of Marous Brothers Construction. Marous lives in Waite Hill and has children who attend Kirtland Schools.

Marous said he believes the city hall property is underutilized, which provides a great opportunity for the city now and in the future, according to minutes from the April 10 meeting.

He also said his company is looking at property to the south for potential future development.

Potter also introduced Ray Sankovich, a city resident and Kirtland High School graduate who is a partner in development and retail and commercial leasing. Sankovich said he would work on the retail leasing portion and the medical and office portion of the project, according to meeting minutes.

Jeff Foster of Payto Architects also addressed commission members, stating they are proposing a combination of townhomes for sale along with some units for rent, taking advantage of the walkability of the site. Parking would be dictated by the city’s code requirements, Foster said, but added the key with any mixed-use development is sharing of

Killeen Promoted to Fire Captain

City of Kirtland firefighter and paramedic Matt Killeen, a 24-year fire department veteran, will be promoted to captain, Fire Chief Anthony Hutton told city council members at their May 15 meeting. Firefighters Brian Horvath, Aaron Madden and Cory Eisenburg will be promoted to lieutenant.

The promotions take effect July 1.

Phones Down, It’s the Law

City of Kirtland police officers are making traffic stops under Ohio’s new distracted driving law, Police Chief Brain McCallister told council members at their May 15 meeting.

“It’s definitely out there and they’re spotting it,” McCallister said.

The law, which went into effect April 4, makes it illegal in most cases for a driver to use or hold a cell phone or electronic de-

Violators will be given warnings during a six-month grace period as part of an effort to educate and help motorists adapt to the new law. Violations will start being issued in early October.

News Shorts

• Kirtland Councilman Joseph Smolic was named council president for the term ending Nov. 30, 2023. He was elected by a 5-2 vote of with councilmen Matthew Schulz and Ronald Fenstermaker voting no.

• Kirtland Councilman Richard Lowery was named council president pro tempore for the term ending Nov. 30, 2023. He was elected by a 6-1 vote of with Councilman Matthew Schulz voting no.

• The City of Kirtland Service Department used an estimated 3,100 tons of road salt this winter, with 31 events, Service Director Joe Fornaro told council members at their May 15 meeting.

There are 2,100 tons of road salt left,

Hornets Nest

Baseball Wins Conference, Sectional Titles

By AlAn kornspAn sports@kArlovecmediA com

Kirtland’s baseball team had a successful 2023 season, finishing 19-7 overall.

Its 10-2 conference record led to winning the Chagrin Valley Conference’s Valley Division Title.

Plus, the Hornets clinched the OHSAA sectional championship and got the opportunity to play a night game at Classic Park in Eastlake.

“We’ve had a lot of success this year,” Kirtland Head Coach Luke Smrdel said. “Very happy with the results.”

The Hornets clinched the CVC Valley Division Title on May 10 when they defeated Crestwood, 12-4. They were led offensively by Gino Blasini, who had three hits.

Four Kirtland players also had a pair of hits apiece: Casey Carkhuff, Tommy Gogolin, Trip Thaler and Tyler Turk.

In addition to their excellent offensive performance (12 runs and 15 hits) against Crestwood, the Hornets got an excellent pitching performance from Blasini, who threw six innings, struck out eight, and only gave up two earned runs on two hits.

The next week, on May 17, Kirtland faced Columbiana for the sectional title.

The Hornets scored first in the bottom of the first inning and plated two runs. After scoreless second and third innings, Columbiana earned two runs of their own to tie the game at 2.

However, the Hornets stayed resilient and scored four runs in the fifth and sixth innings to win, 6-3.

“It was a tough one,” Coach Smrdel said. “Columbiana, that’s a talented team. They

came out, they hit the ball, put the ball in play. We got the situational hits that we needed, and that’s what we need in games like that. We need to hit at the right point; we need to play good defense and not make mistakes.”

To win the sectional title, Kirtland was led offensively by Adam Knaak, Carkhuff and Turk.

Knaak was 3-3 with two doubles and three RBIs, while Carkhuff and Turk had two hits apiece.

“It was awesome,” Knaak said. “We were just lucky to get out there and win the game.

“I saw the ball good, shout-out to Coach Eric Cantini — just using what he taught me over the off season. It’s been a big off-season.”

Blasini again pitched excellently, going all seven innings and striking out eight.

“It feels great to be able to go out there and win a sectional title,” Blasini said. “Started off with great defense behind me. Whenever I am pitching, I always trust my defense behind me, let the hitters hit and my defense make plays.”

Another season highlight, of course, was playing a night game, the Charity Classic, at the Lake County Captains’ stadium.

“It was a great night tonight (at Classic Park),” Knaak said. “The first under-thelights game (this season). It was a great feeling. You don’t get many opportunities like this ever, and we’re just lucky to be out here

and be able to be blessed to play this game.”

Leading the Hornets throughout the entire season, Knaak hit .488 and had a .543 onbase percentage; Carkhuff hit .411 and had a .535 on-base percentage; and Turk finished the season with a .386 batting average.

On the mound, junior Trip Thaler had an incredible 0.64 ERA. In 33 innings of work, he had 46 strikeouts and went 4-0 on the season.

Blasini also pitched a great season. Finishing 7-2 with a 1.29 ERA, he struck out 58 batters in 59.2 innings of work.

And both pitchers return next season, casting some bright light on the future of Hornets baseball.

Kirtland Public Library

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 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.

June 28: Beauty Night with the Chardon Polka Band

Visit with representatives of local parks, then show off your polka skills with The Chardon Polka Band. It will be hard to stay in your seat when this group performs. There will be food available for purchase.

July 12: Faith Night with Perfect Choice

Meet representatives of our local churches and faith communities. Perfect Choice is a 10-piece party band with a 4-piece horn section. Get ready to dance and sing and have a great time.

There will be food available for purchase from Fungry Food Truck.

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.

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).

June Adult Events

Knit & Crochet Club

June 5 • 6 p.m.

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.

Color Me Calm Club

June 23 • 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

June 26 • 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.

Cookbook Club

June 27 • 6 p.m.

The theme for June is cheese pairings. Anything that goes with cheese — except the wine — so get creative. Bring something to share with the group. Registration requested.

Special Adult Programs

Beach Glass Class Adult Craft

June 6 • 2 p.m. OR 4 p.m.

Join us for a fun time crafting with Lake Erie beach glass. You can choose to create a flower, a heart or a shamrock. Repurposing with a Purpose will provide everything you need.

The cost is $10 per person at the door. This program is for adults.

Please register for only one session.

Heart-Shaped Bird Feeder Adult Craft

June 13 • 4 p.m.

Feeding our feathered friends in winter is more important, but we can practice in summer. Using a heart-shaped disposable pan you can take this craft home and let it dry overnight. These will make the birds sing. Come anytime between 4-6 p.m.

Registration required so we have enough supplies on hand.

Gentle Outdoor Yoga

June 20 • 6 p.m.

Join us to unwind from the stress of the week. Mala White from Harmony Yoga starts with relaxation techniques for self-care that seamlessly lead into a gentle vinyasa yoga. This class is suitable to all-levels, including beginners and experienced yogis. Outdoors, weather permitting. Bring a mat, water bottle, $10 cash and wear loose clothing. Registration required.

June Youth Programs Summer Reading 2023

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.

Bump!

June 14 • 2 p.m.

Maintain your multiplication fluency over the summer. Come to the library and play multiplication Bump! games. The winning and losing players can change with the roll of the dice and in the blink of an eye. It’s a painless way to master the multiplication facts.

This game is best for grades 3rd and 4th, and children having difficulty memorizing multiplication facts. Attend this event and earn 50 points for Summer Reading.

Please register online.

Kirtland Public Library

Lee Schwebel

June 16 • 3 p.m.

Lee Schwebel, trustee of the Schwebel Family Foundation and former Schwebel Baking Company vice president of marketing and director of corporate communications, will speak with students in grades 6th through 12th.

He will help reinforce life skills and the keys to being happy, positive and productive, including accountability to oneself, to family and others. He will share stories about his own life path that will serve as examples.

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

LEGO Club

June 17 • 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.

Kind People Are My Kinda People

June 19 • 6 p.m.

Kids entering grades K-5th, create items to brighten someone’s day. Make a pop-up card and start on a friendship bracelet.

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

Teen Escape Room

June 20 • 2 p.m.

Kids entering grades 6th and up, can you solve the clues and codes before your time is up? Attend this event and earn 50 points for Summer Reading. Please register online.

Meet Me On The Courtyard

June 23 • 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 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.

Laketran Bus

June 24 • 10:30 a.m.

Explore a Laketran bus from the inside. We’ll examine the features of the bus and enjoy a story and craft. Participants will be able to pose for pictures in the driver’s seat. Attend this event and earn 50 points for Summer Reading. Please register online.

Kids Book Party: Princess In Black

June 28 • 2 p.m.

Kids entering grades K-5th, read the first title in this series, “The Princess in Black” by Shannon Hale. Extra copies of this book will be available at the library. Talk with other kids about it, and explore fun activities and create a craft. Attend this event and earn 50 points for Summer Reading. Please register online.

Contest

from page 1

$150; White Ribbon, $100; and Honorable Mentions, $50. Students from Kirtland High School, Kirtland Middle School, and area parochial and private schools were invited to submit an original short story, poem, song lyrics, one act play or even an announcement.

“The writers were imaginative. Everyone different,” said contest judge Paul Rampe, a videographer and English-Speaking Union member. “Surprisingly, they didn’t fake the humor. They wrote from their souls, their own experiences. That was very brave. Some were straightforward and effective. Others used dialogue, forms of poetry and short stories. All the judges agreed the overall winners were absolutely amazing.”

Winners were announced April 27 at the Kirtland Community Center, which hosted a dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation.

Other judges included Bill Kennedy, president of the English-Speaking Union and editor of a Hiram College publication; and Jeanne Madison, actor, playwriter and master class teacher at Oberlin College.

The contest was born out of Kiwanis’ desire to support students not only in sports, but also in education, Talty said, adding creative writing classes may be offered in some schools, but are not part of the required curriculum to graduate, so this contest was created to inspire future writers to have fun and receive some accolades for their talents.

“(Creative writing) forces to open the writer’s brain to everything that’s opposite of our orderly world. There’s a wide range of examples on TV every day, including word play, misdirec-

Creative Writing Contest Winners

6-8th Grade

1st place, Once Again Poem, by Danika Schaum

2nd place, Spit Out Your Fears, by Payton Adkins

3rd place, A Year in Nine Hours, by Kevin Michael Urbanick

Honorable Mentions:

Untitled Document (Funny), by Karli DeFranco

The Runs N Baseball, by Brayden Yates

9-10th Grade

1st place, Who’s on First? “Yo, did you hear…,” by Eleanor Balcersi

2nd place, My Trouble with Traffic Lights, by Kyle Gregory Pilarczyk

3rd place, My Dog, by Maya Helwig

Honorable Mention:

Sonnet 8.20, by Tucker Greer

11-12th Grade

1st place, Send a Plague, by Penelope McFadden

2nd place, Cat and Dog, by Andrew Duncan

3rd place, Break-up Letter, by Robert Thomas Whittaker

Honorable Mentions:

Something Funny, by Elizabeth Aranavage

Escape, by

tion, physical humor and costumes,” Rampe said. “You never know what’s coming. I graduated from a comedy class and received pies in the face. Oh, classmates lined up for that.”

He added, “The community needs to be aware of so much emerging talent. The writers relish this opportunity to shine and learn from others.”

Madison noted creative writing skills chal-

feelings and encourages students to explore aspects of their everyday lives in a fun way.

“Students will use creative writing skills in their careers to write winning proposals, or in pursuing a career in the arts, or simply writing for themselves to help them grow and mature into thoughtful adults,” she said. “The student submissions clearly showed what young people think about and what they consider humorous. The writing was very entertaining and unique in the choice of topic, presentation and tone. The students are very aware of their world and are able to express themselves in a compelling and humorous manner. It was very rewarding reading the students’ submissions. It was very difficult to judge because they were all equally exciting and fun.”

KHS Principal Scott Amstutz echoed Madison, emphasizing the importance of students tapping into their senses, emotions, ideas and imagination.

“Anytime a student writes, they sharpen the skill of critical thinking, planning and innovation,” he said. “These skills translate well in

job showcasing their abilities with funny stories and used the creative side of their imagination. I hope in the future more students participate in this wonderful contest. I am extremely proud of the students that participated and the hard work they invested to create such fantastic stories.”

Kiwanis member Christopher Hesson said while student submissions brough a wide range of emotions, the humor they incorporated into their entries stood out the most to him.

“The world has so much that needs to be taken very seriously as one grows up, I hope that these students will forever be able to find fun and joy as they grow, graduate and become productive citizens,” he said.

The Kiwanis couldn’t have been happier with the contest’s success, many members thanking those in the community and school district for spreading the word.

“We were fortunate to have had a total of 21 entries,” she said. “We were thrilled when the kids were asking what the theme would be for next year. I believe I can say for all, we can’t wait to do this again next spring.”

Adam Knaak Rock Wall Climb B, C, D, by Brigham Weight

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