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Wednesday, May 20, 2026
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Volume 57, No. 25
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Chesterland CHESTERLAND News NEWS
Mind Challenge Gives Seniors a Way to Stay Sharp, Social By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com What began as an effort to get seniors out of their homes and engaged with others has grown into a regionwide trivia-style competition designed to keep minds sharp and communities connected. Phil Levine and Art Greenberg, retired broadcast executives, launched the Mind Challenge eight years ago. “It was designed to get seniors out of their homes, to socialize, to have them use their brains,” Levine said during the West Geauga Senior Center’s second-round event April 30. Modeled in a format similar to NCAA-style Jeopardy competition, the Mind Challenge brings together senior teams from across Northeast Ohio each spring for a four-week tournament held at participating senior centers. Levine said the program now includes teams in 11 host cities, stretching from Austintown to Wickliffe, Brook Park and Chester Township. Around 75 communities are represented across Northeast Ohio, Greenberg said. Teams wager points based on confidence in their answers, Levine explained. The West Geauga Senior Cen-
EMMA MACNIVEN/KMG
West Geauga Senior Center teams “Chesterland Traenor” and “Chesterland Mog” are joined by Recreation/Education Coordinator Christine Bacon, front, during the second round of the Mind Challenge April 30.
ter serves as the host site for the East region, which includes 11 teams representing communities such as Chester Township, Kirtland, Willoughby Hills, Mentor and Perry Township. There is no limit to the number of teams a senior center or community can enter, and participation is free for players, teams and centers, according to the program’s website. Questions span a wide range of topics, including Ohio geography, vintage baseball, farming and tools. “It brings them together (and) kind of eliminates that isolation,” said West Geauga Senior Center Recreation/Education Coordinator Christine Bacon. “It's so important as you get older to work your mind, just like you have to exercise
to work your body. You have to exercise your mind. That’s what this is all about.” South Russell Village resident Betty Mog is competing in the program for the fourth time. “I'm so glad that West G is doing it,” Mog said. “It's been fun going around to see the other centers in other years and this keeps me humble, when I think I know something (and) find out I don't.” The program is supported by sponsors who set up booths at events and contribute to prize funds awarded to senior centers. Winning centers use the money to support programming, Levine said. Prizes include $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $1,000 for third place, he said.
Many participants begin attending senior center activities after joining the Mind Challenge and discovering available programs, Bacon added. “I enjoy the camaraderie and the fun aspect of the game. It is very challenging,” Burton resident Bob Wilkin said. The competition continues for two more weeks before finals are held May 27 in Independence, Levine said. “(It) keeps us stimulated with our brains and active with other people,” Mentor resident Frances Meinke said. “We enjoy the challenge, it makes you think. None of us have the same knowledge base. Some are good in sports, some are good at president history.”
West Geauga Schools Highlighted at Kiwanis Meeting
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West Geauga Kiwanis Club honored seven deserving high school students with Student of the Month awards during its recent dinner celebration. From left are Eve Carty, Jenna Aquilla, Madison Hall, Mavric Milner, Kiwanis President Robert Schwarz, Gabriella Black, Andrew Arra and Cassia Rogers. Jim Kish, not pictured, presented the certificates.
West Geauga Schools Superintendent Nancy Benincasa spoke at a recent Kiwanis Club of West Geauga meeting, highlighting the district’s academic rankings within the state, athletic success and curriculum offerings. Benincasa discussed the offerings in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs and answered questions from attendees. West Geauga High School Principal Ryan Patti also outlined trade and career pathway opportunities available to students. Benincasa was joined by district staff members, a school board member and the district’s treasurer.
Community Meetings Chester Township: May 20, 7 p.m. – Zoning Commission, 7 p.m. – Park Board; May 28, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; June 3, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; June 8, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; June 11, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; June 17, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; June 25, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted. Russell Township: May 20, 4 p.m., Citizens’ Park District (511); May 21, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; May 27, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission; June 1, 7 p.m., Board of Zoning Appeals; June 4, 2:30 p.m., Board of Trustees; June 18, 6 p.m., Board of Trustees; June 24, 6 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held in the new Community Room at 8501 Kinsman Road, unless otherwise noted. West Geauga BOE: June 22, 6 p.m., regular meeting. All meetings are held at the BOE Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road, unless otherwise noted.
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