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Volume 11, No. 5
Friday, December 12, 2025
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John Silvestro runs away from the Hopewell-Loudon Chieftains in the OHSAA Div. VI state championship game, a 41-6 win. Silvestro finished the game with 255 yards on 19 carries and four touchdowns.
Undefeated! Unmatched! Hornets Win 8th State Title!
Dominant 41-6 Victory over Chieftains By Alan Kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com After having won 14 straight games, the kirtland hornets faced the hopewell-loudon chieftains in the div. 6 ohsaa state championship game at tom benson hall of fame stadium in canton on dec. 6. The Hornets, no stranger to playing in state championship games, were playing for the OHSAA State Title for the ninth straight season. The Hornets started the championship game strong by getting out to an early 7-0 first quarter lead. They then scored a second quarter touchdown to go into halftime up 14-0. After intermission, the Hornets utilized their dominant offensive line and excellent ground game to outscore the Chieftains 27-6 in the second half as they claimed a 41-6 victory and the 2025 OHSAA Div. 6 State Championship. For the Hornets, this was their eighth OHSAA State Championship in program history, having won previous State Championships in 2011,
2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023. To win the 2025 OHSAA Div. 6 State Championship, the Hornets used a tried and true familiar formula. They ran the ball! And then they ran the ball some more! With great offensive line play and excellent running from quarterback Jake LaVerde and running backs John Silvestro, Ty Bledsoe, and Sebastian Becker, the Hornets utilized their rushing attack to amazing precision. In fact, for the game, the Hornets accumulated 433 rushing yards on 45 carries for an average of 9.6 yards per carry. Afterwards, in the post-game press conference, Coach LaVerde provided insight into the success the Hornets are able to obtain year after year. Coach LaVerde expressed that he goes into every season wondering if the Hornets will have success. In addition, every year he believes they are going to have a hard time replacing the previous year's successful seniors. But then every sea-
son, the players work really hard and surprise him with the great success that they end up having. Comparing Coach LaVerde's approach to legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden's philosophy, it is easy to see the building blocks of the Pyramid of Success being utilized within the Hornets program. Clearly, the Hornets coaching staff implements the two most important components of the base of the Pyramid of Success, industriousness and enthusiasm. “Every year, these guys work hard, they care so much, they love each other, and they do what it takes,” Coach LaVerde said. “It's a gritty group of kids right here.” The Hornets showed their grit in the first half of the State Championship game by getting crucial stops when needed. “(The Chieftains) moved the ball, they leaned on us, they were big physical guys,” Coach LaVerde said. “We got stops when we needed to, we would bend a little bit, but we didn't break, (and) we didn't give up the home run over the top.” Going into the second half, Coach LaVerde said he was con-
cerned since the Hornets only had a 14 point lead and they had to kickoff to start the third quarter. He was worried that if the Chieftains scored on the first possession after intermission, that the Hornets would be in a tough 14-7 battle. But the defense got a stop and the ground game showed their dominance as the Hornets went up 21-0 in the third quarter. “We got a three and out and John (Silvestro) had another long run, and I think 21-0, kind of took the wind out of their sails,” Coach LaVerde said. To start the game, the Hornets got on the scoreboard with 7:37 left in the first quarter on Silvestro's 7 yard touchdown run. After Valentic converted the extra point, the Hornets led 7-0. The Hornets then added another touchdown run by Silvestro with 11:56 left in the second quarter to take a 14-0 lead. Silvestro got his fourth touchdown of the game, a three yard touchdown run with 8:33 left in the third quarter as the Hornets took a 21-0 lead. With 20 seconds left in the See Championship• Page 3
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
A Note from the Mayor The end of November brought a great for their work to garnish city hall and promiloss to Lake County with the passing of Com- nent street posts with holiday swags. missioner Rich Regovich. On Dec. 1, we had the privilege of welRich was one of those special people coming former Kirtland City Council Presithat dedicated himself to public service for dent and current Lake County Common Pleas all the right reasons. Rich was a joyful soul Judge Jeffrey Ruple to council chambers. that worked every day for the people he rep- Judge Ruple kindly made time to administer resented. He was a dedicated family man and the oaths of office to re-elected Council at had a tremendous spirit for giving. I am deep- Large members Matthew Schulz, Ronald Fenly grateful for Rich’s friendship and leader- stermaker and Eric Ziegler. It was a proud ship. Our hearts go out to Rich’s wife, Lynn, moment for all and Judge Ruple’s participaand the entire Regovich family. tion was truly appreciated. Holiday season in Kirtland is Recently, Harry Keagler gave in full swing and we are so appreup his seat on the Kirtland Board ciative of the tremendous display of Zoning Appeals. Keagler served of Christmas lights throughout the in three different decades on the historic town center district. If you board and his service is beyond haven’t driven through the downappreciated. Serving under four town area lately, please do. Our city administrations, Keagler’s practihall grounds have been adorned cal approach and thorough examwith a spectacular display of lights Mayor ination of issues before the board like we’ve not had before. I have reKevin Potter was admirable and respected by his ceived countless texts, phone calls peers. Thank you, Harry Keagler! and in-person sentiments of “the lights are In closing, I want to once again wish the amazing.” Our public works team’s efforts Kirtland High School football team big conand the incredible leadership by the Jackson gratulations for bringing the eighth state family accompanied by volunteers from the championship back to Kirtland. Coach Tiger Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, LaVerde and staff continue to “wow” teams has made this year’s display a true marvel. and coaches around the state and beyond. I I’d also like to thank the Rogish family cannot express enough gratitude for their effrom Rogish Farms in Chester Township for forts and how proud Kirtland is of how they their donation of the massive pine planted in represent our city. Supported by a terrific front of city hall. This planted tree will stand as our city’s Christmas tree for years to come. marching band and cheerleading group, the Additionally, many of our businesses in Kirt- Kirtland Hornet football continues to be a land have decorated their commercial units crown jewel for our city. From city hall, we wish you the happiest and properties with light displays to join in the holiday cheer. And, as always, we are en- holiday and Christmas season, and a very tirely grateful to the Garden Club of Kirtland Happy New Year!
Champion from page 1
third quarter the Hornets took a 28-0 lead on Silvestro's 4th score of the game, a 62-yard touchdown run. The Hornets added two more touchdowns
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in the fourth quarter on touchdown runs by LaVerde and Bledsoe as the went on to claim a 41-6 victory and the 2025 Div. 6 OHSAA State Championship. For the game, the Hornets offense was led by Silvestro (255 yards on 19 carries, 4 TDs), LaVerde (112 yards on 14 carries, 1 TD) and Bledsoe (62 yards on 10 carries, 1 TD).
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Kirtland Chronicle
Friday, December 12, 2025
O-Line and Ground Game Dominate as Hornets Defeat Eagles in Final Four By Alan Kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com After a 21-7 victory over the Garaway Pirates in the OHSAA Div. 6 Regional Championship Game, the Hornets faced the Colonel Crawford Eagles in the final four on Nov. 28 at Byers Field in Parma. For the Hornets, this was their ninth straight season playing in the State Semifinal game, and their fourteenth State Semifinal game in the past 15 years, dating back to 2011. After a relatively close three quarters the week before in the Regional Title game, the Hornets dominated the Eagles in the first half, taking a 27-0 lead into halftime. The Hornets continued their dominance in the second half as they went on to defeat the Eagles, 49-22. The Hornets offensive line and running game was so dominant, they did not punt once. In analyzing the Hornets final four victory over the Eagles, the football quote that seems appropriate is “Football is won in the trenches.” According to Hornets all-time single season rushing record holder, senior John Silvestro, the Hornets offensive line was opening huge holes throughout the game. “I just saw green turf, (and) the line opened up holes that you could drive a truck through, and I couldn't do it without them” said Silvestro. Added senior quarterback Jake LaVerde, “The offensive line, all credit to them. They opened up the game for us. Me and the backs were able to run free. All credit to the offensive line, they played great.” Just how dominant was the Hornets offensive line and running game in their final four victory? For the game, the Hornets gained 441 yards on 44 carries for an average of 10 yards per carry. Of course, with that type of dominance there really was no need to throw the ball. Indeed, the Hornets only attempted 2 passes all game. Having great games on the offensive line were Lucci Cantini and Jack Turk.
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
The Hornets offensive line opened up holes all night in the team’s 49-22 win over the Colonel Crawford Eagles. For the game, the Hornets gained 441 yards on 44 carries for an average of 10 yards per carry.
Cantini said that a key to success was toughness and physicality. He emphasized that the cold weather and snow were perfect for the kind of toughness that offensive lineman need to have. Cantini also said that having Jack Turk back in the lineup was extremely helpful for the offensive line. “We’re the most physical team in Ohio,” Cantini said. Just as the running backs and quarterback were extremely appreciative of their offensive lineman, Cantini gave credit to the players running the ball. “Our running backs just make us look good,” Cantini said. “John gaining those rushing yards, that's us, but that's mostly him putting in the work, finding holes that we try to create for him. If we don't create the right one, he'll find another one and get some yards for us.” Junior offensive lineman Jack Turk also
discussed the semifinal victory. Overall, Turk was happy with how the line and running backs played. “Our offensive line did a great job,” Turk said. “We had a great week of preparation, and the running backs ran (great), they hit the holes hard. It was a great game, we played well.” In having a dominant offensive line performance against the Eagles, Turk talked about the excellent cohesion that the offensive lineman have and the importance of having fun while playing football. “We've all been friends forever,” said Turk. “We worked well together, we opened up the holes. It's just fun, it's fun playing with your boys, it's cold, it's just awesome.” In preparing to play against the Eagles defense, Turk said that the Hornets expected to go up against a good offensive line and were ready for the different substitutions that the defense made.
With their excellent offensive line and running back performances, the Hornets scored touchdowns on all four of their first half offensive possessions. The Hornets scored 14 points in the 1st quarter on an 8-yard touchdown run by Ty Bledsoe and a 6-yard Jake LaVerde touchdown run. Then, in the second quarter the Hornets scored on two short touchdown runs by senior running back John Silvestro. In the third quarter the Hornets scored on a 60-yard touchdown run and one yard touchdown run by Silvestro and a 16-yard touchdown run by LaVerde. For the game, the Hornets ground game was led by Silvestro (19 carries for 229 yards, 4 TDs), Bledsoe (15 carries for 155 yards, 1 TD) and LaVerde (10 carries for 57 yards, 2 TDs).
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Message from the Superintendent
any great things continue to take place at the Kirtland Local Schools. Thank you to outgoing Board of Education members Shanonon Green and Jonathon Withrow. Both served eight years on the Board and provided strong leadership through a global pandemic, a science lab/ stadium renovation project and increased student achievement. Their last Board meeting will be on December 15, 2025. By Chad VanArnhem, Thank you Mrs. Superintendent Green and Mr. Withrow! The District will welcome new Board Members Christina Andow and John Warren at the January organizational meeting. For the seventh straight year, Kirtland Elementary School (KES) has been honored with the highest individual school distinction in Ohio’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, earning the Gold Award once again for its ongoing commitment to fostering a positive and supportive school environment. Achieving Gold for seven consecutive years highlights the school’s enduring commitment to a safe, welcoming, and student-centered learning environment. KES remains focused on building upon this success and continuing to model PBIS excellence within the district and across Ohio. Congratulations to the KES students for running a very successful Maker’s Faire on November 20th featuring more than 75 student vendors and 54 booths offering items such as handmade ornaments, holiday crafts, buttons, bracelets, baked goods, personalized cards, festive drinks, jewelry, and other unique creations. KES students also collaborated with Kirtland High School students from Kim Ruggeri’s Business' class to develop strategic marketing plans aimed at maximizing the profitability of their merchandise. Through the event, students strengthened real-world skills including product design, advertising, financial management, and customer service.
Building on its growing success, KES plans to continue the Makers’ Faire tradition and further expand opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship and creative expression. Kirtland High School (KHS) celebrated the official grand opening of The Buzz Stop, the school’s new student-run spirit store, on November 19. The store is the main project of KHS’s new year-long entrepreneurship course, which gives students hands-on experience running a business from the ground up. The Buzz Stop currently offers a variety of Kirtland-themed apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks and sweatpants. The spirit store's grand opening reflects months of work by the students in Kim Ruggeri’s entrepreneurship class. Kirtland Middle School students received important, potentially life-saving instruction on Nov.18 during a visit from the Allison Rose Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing deaths caused by food allergies in children and young adults. The district maintains an inventory of EpiPens in each school building and has partnered with the Allison Rose Foundation since 2024 to ensure staff and students are prepared to act when minutes matter.
Kirtland is one of many Northeast Ohio schools trained by the organization, which focuses on education, awareness, advocacy, and research surrounding food allergies. The Kirtland Local Schools continue to prioritize student health and safety through partnerships like this one, giving students the tools and confidence to respond in emergency situations. Kirtland Middle School launched two new clubs this year that put student voices and interests at the center of the middle school experience. The Art Club emerged from conversations between staff members about reaching students who weren't interested in traditional extracurricular activities. The club attracts about 40 students in grades six through eight and gives them space to collaborate on meaningful projects. One of the projects the stu-
dents are planning is painting each teacher's light switch cover to customize them to that specific teacher. The Beautify KMS Club started when two students approached KMS Principal Bob Race in early March asking to create a cleanup club. "The moment that I'm most proud of is when Delilah and Abrionna took the initiative to email me, set up a meeting time, and their perseverance to continue to build the club," said Race. What started with four students at the first meeting grew to 12 by the second. The club has tackled projects ranging from cleaning campus grounds to washing gym bleachers, with plans to paint the cafeteria. I would like to wish you all a very merry holiday season! Thank you for your continued support, and go Hornets!
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Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
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Koprowski Clutch Play, Propels Hornets to Final Four By Alan Kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com The Kirtland Hornets entered the OHSAA Div. 6 Regional Title Game against the Garaway Pirates undefeated at 12-0. And for all intents and purposes, the Hornets had not been challenged much after halftime in most of those games. In fact, only two teams had given the Hornets a formidable challenge after halftime all season. Clarion Central trailed the Hornets by only ten points through three quarters at 17-7 and the Fairview Warriors only trailed the Hornets by 3 points heading into the fourth quarter. Having been up by at least 14 points at halftime in every game since taking on the Berkshire Badgers on Oct. 3, it may have been surprising that the Hornets only led by 7 points going into the fourth quarter of their 21-7 Regional Title victory over the Garaway Pirates in Louisville, Ohio. However, it certainly was not a surprise to Kirtland Hornets Coach Tiger LaVerde. After winning the Regional Title, the 7-time state championship coach emphatically exclaimed that it is difficult to win football games. And the coach was right. The Regional Title game was certainly not an easy victory for the Hornets. “I knew it was going to be a tough football game,” Coach LaVerde said. “I'm really proud of our kids. It's hard to win a football game. It's hard to win a Regional Championship. These guys worked hard in the off-season and got it done tonight.” Similar to other games this season, the Hornets had a 14-0 lead heading into halftime. It could have been a completely different first half, but the Hornets capitalized on the Pirates' mistakes. The Pirates got the ball on the opening kick off and drove down to the Hornets 11yard line with 6:20 left in the first quarter. Then on second and third down, the Pirates failed to capitalize on completing passes to open receivers. Interestingly, rather than put three points on the board from the 11-yard line, the Pirates went for it on 4th down. On 4th down, the Pirates tried to run a wheel route to the right corner. But the ball was thrown over the receivers head in the right corner of the end zone. After the Hornets got the ball back on downs, LaVerde completed an 18-yard pass on first down. Then on third and four from the 36 yard line, the Pirates got a stop and forced a Hornets punt. But if you're going to beat the Hornets you have to limit your mistakes. The Pirates did not. On the ensuing Silvestro punt, the Pirates returner fumbled the football. Hornets ball! Ty Bledsoe for 10. John Silvestro for 6. LaVerde for 14. Silvestro for 1. Kirtland in Triple Stack I-formation. Where's the ball? In the end zone! Hornets football at it's finest. The Hornets scored first to take a 7-0 lead with 1:19 left in the first quarter on quarterback Jake LaVerde's 9-yard touchdown run and Marko Valentic's extra point. The Pirates didn't do much wrong in the first quarter, but the Hornets made them pay for the few mistakes they made. After getting a three and out at the start of the second quarter, the Hornets drove down the field and scored on a 7-yard touchdown run on LaVerde's quarterback draw. AfSee Football• Page 9
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
QB Jake LaVerde scores in the Hornets’ 21-7 win over the Garaway Pirates to advance to the State Final Four.
ter Valentic's extra point the Hornets led 14-0 with 5:56 left in the second quarter. Throughout the year, a 14-point Hornets halftime lead meant trouble for their opponent. But this third quarter was a bit different than most of the other games. After the Hornets fumbled close to the red zone early in the third quarter, the Pirates drove down the field and made the score 14-7 on a 21-yard touchdown pass with 6:26 to go in the third quarter. Then early in the 4th quarter, with the Hornets clinging to a 7 point lead, the Hornets fumbled in Pirates territory. On the very next play after the turnover from the Hornets 30-yard line, the Pirates went five wide. The quarterback took a quick three step drop and immediately launched the football into double coverage. Then, what happened next may have changed the course of the season for the Hornets. Evan Koprowski and the Garaway receiver went up high for a jump ball deep in Hornets territory. Both players got their hands
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Friday, December 12, 2025
SUBMITTED
Pictured, from left, are Kirtland Schools Superintendent Chad Van Arnhem with Jim and Cornelia Porter, and Dr. Steven Young
SUBMITTED
Members of the Robotics Club pose with Jim Porter during his 90th birthday celebration Nov. 6.
Kiwanis Celebrates ‘Doc’ Jim Porter’s 90th Birthday By Kathy Talty On Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m., Doc and his beautiful wife, Cornelia, of 69 years, sat down in the Violet room of the Kirtland Community Center to be a part of the Historic Night for the Kirtland Kiwanis. The night began with a quick discussion of the Kirtland Kiwanis, which began in 1958 and quicky rolled right into a surprise “Happy Birthday” song for Doc with cake, balloons and a robot with gifts thanks to the students from the Robotics Club. Doc was completely caught off guard. A top hat was placed on his head and a mic in his hand and from that moment on, he had full command of the room, narrating the slideshow that Bill Wright put together.
Doc said, “I didn’t know I would have to work for my dinner.” This was followed by laughter and a very enjoyable evening of reminiscing. Doc said he and Cornelia “met in sixth grade and have been together ever since.” They have four children and many grand and great-grandchildren. Doc told the story of being asked to take a car of kids to the Salvation Army Camp near Kirtland. So, he and Cornelia drove up from Kent, where he was principal, with a carload of kids and went up to the camp, but first, they stopped up at the old Dog N’ Suds, now Crawley’s, and saw the schools. “What a cool place and there is the Mormon Temple … What a great town, not to
mention the Holden Arboretum,” he said. Soon, he and Cornelia settled here in Kirtland in a lovely old farmhouse and he became superintendent of Kirtland Schools from 1972-1988, pointing the academic compass to a place of excellence. He became the Kirtland Kiwanis Citizen of the Year in 2009, where he was on the recreation board and on the fire retirement board. Doc told the story of how the strawberry supreme came to be: “The strawberries and cake needed some ice cream and the committee agreed.” Thank you, Doc, for all you have done for the community of Kirtland and continue to do. Happy 90th Birthday!!
SUBMITTED
“Doc” Jim Porter during his 90th birthday celebration Nov. 6.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Kirtland Chronicle
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City Council Votes ‘No’ on Prohibiting Short-Term Rentals By Cassandra Shofar cassandra@karlovecmedia.com After months of deliberation and public feedback, Kirtland City Council voted “no” on legislation that would have prohibited shortterm rental properties in the city during its Nov. 17 regular meeting. “This legislation is up for passage tonight. Part of the concern previously was there’s that pending law in the state legislature that hasn’t gone anywhere to the best of my knowledge since we’ve last spoken,” said Law Director Matthew Lallo, summarizing the background of the ordinance in front of council and referring to Ohio Senate Bill 104. While the bill remains in committee, if it passed, it would eliminate local government’s ability to regulate short-term rentals — such as AirBnb- and VRBO-registered properties — which prompted city officials to consider whether they wanted to pro-actively put regulations in place or prohibit short-term rentals altogether before any potential change to state law. Several short-term rental property-owners and real estate agents in the community, however, spoke out against prohibition at past council meetings, offering instead to work with Kirtland planning and zoning officials to come up with legislation that allows
SCREENSHOT
From left, Kirtland City Law Director Mathew Lallo answers questions about an ordinance to prohibit short-term rentals from Kirtland City Council members Julie Symonds, Ronald Fenstermaker, Scott Haymer and Joe Smolic Nov. 17.
short-term rentals and also incorporates local regulation. “With (the Kirtland Planning and Zoning Commission) … their proposals are moving forward fairly rapidly. The hope is that they will either pass legislation at the next meeting or the one after, which would recommend an approval of the changes (to zoning) to council likely in January or early February,” Lallo explained. “That being the case, this legislation could be disposed of (tonight) if
you wish.” Before council voted, Mayor Kevin Potter urged council President Ron Fenstermaker to stay on top of the new legislation in the planning and zoning committee should council vote no on the prohibition. “I would only ask … that we stick to it and have a real discussion quickly and work through that potential legislation that’s going to come back to council and what it should look like because obviously, this is a conten-
tious issue, but it’s an important one also,” he said. Fenstermaker agreed with Potter, assuring him he would stay on top of it. “It’s gotta stay on the radar and we need to move forward with legislation,” he said. Council moved to vote on the ordinance to prohibit short-term rentals, with members Fenstermaker, Julie Symonds, Scott Haymer and Joe Smolic all voting “no.”
Football from page 7
on the ball, high in the air. But with tremendous concentration Koprowski came down with the ball and the interception. “Evan Koprowski made the play of the year down there,” Coach LaVerde said. “They threw a deep corner route and he went up and got it.” Koprowski said that he had been preparing for that play all week. “I've been practicing that coverage all week,” Koprowski said. “It was just a straight instinct and I was blessed to have that ball and get our team back in the game.” The Hornets then drove down the field on a 96-yard drive which culminated in a 1-yard Laverde touchdown run with 2:36 left in the game as the Hornets took a 21-7 lead. “That's a character drive, that's a gut drive, that's a weight room drive,” said Coach LaVerde. “No passing, 96 yards on the ground, just gutting it out, and putting the game away. It's awesome.” He continued: “That's what we talk about in practice everyday. ‘4th quarter, tie game. We need one drive to win it (I know it wasn't tied). And these guys got it done.”
Kirtland Chronicle | 440-729-7667
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
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Kirtland Chronicle
Kiwanis Korner By Kathy Talty
CHUCK BICKART/KIRTLAND KIWANIS
From left, “Students of the Month” Molly Urbanek, of KES, Jesse Martincic, of KMS, and Colin Martinez, of KHS.
December Students of the Month The Kirtland Kiwanis “Students of the Month” for December 2025 are fifth-grader Molly Urbanek, of Kirtland Elementary School, seventh-grader Jesse Martincic, of Kirtland Middle School, and 12th-grader Colin Martinez, of Kirtland High School. The Kiwanis sponsors the “Students of the Month.” The principal and staff chose one student from each school to be recognized. Each student has their picture taken, receives a certificate and a T-shirt that says, “Student of the Month.”
It has been a busy November and early December time. The Kirtland Kiwanis gave a fantastic surprise 90th birthday party for our beloved and phenomenal Kiwanis member “Doc” Jim Porter. The following week, we had an all-American dinner with lots of comfort food for our veterans with a ceremonial flag folding from the American Legion Barber-Williams Post 609. This was followed with our annual Senior Holiday Dinner, which began in 1998. The Community of Christ Church was wonderful to host it and the room was full of festive music from the Kirtland High School and Middle School choir, which was conducted by Jesse Bobbitt. The evening was capped off with an appearance by Santa Claus and presents. Thank you to all the volunteers and the Builders
Club from the middle school for helping. December began with the “Pancakes with Santa” at the Kirtland Community Center, which is always a great hit. Santa put many smiles on the children’s faces. And, to truly get in the spirit of Christmas, please see the Nativity displays at the Historic Kirtland Visitor Center on Route 306. Food for thought inspired by Mr. Rogers: “All of us, at some time or other, need help, whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors-in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” Happy Holidays with much peace and love! Congratulations to the Kirtland High School football team for winning the State Championship! Go Hornets!
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.
Adult Programs
Knit & Crochet
Dec. 16 • 6 p.m. Open to anyone who enjoys knitting or crocheting or is interested in learning these skills. Join the fun the first Monday and third Tuesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. Bring your own supplies; drop in and get hooked.
No Pressure Book Discussion
We will take a break for the holidays and meet back up in the new year: Jan. 26, 2026.
Special Events
Red Cross Blood Drive
Dec. 12 • 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register for the blood drive, please
go to RedCrossBlood.org and search for the drive using the sponsor code: Kirtlandlibrary
Beach Glass Ornaments Workshop
Dec. 13 • 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. Join Sue Luck of Repurposing with a Purpose for an afternoon of crafting with Lake Erie beach glass. The cost is $10 per person and you will make an ornament to take home for the holidays. Please sign up for one class and bring cash or credit card as payment the day of class. Registration required.
Knit & Crochet
Jan. 5• 6 p.m. Jan. 20 • 6 p.m. Drop in and get hooked with our knit and crochet club. Bring your own supplies and enjoy an evening of creating and chatting with fellow crafters.
Bullet Journaling
Jan. 6 • 4 p.m. Join us and explore the basics of bullet journaling. Attendees are welcome to join us for just the presentation or they can bring their own journal and pen if they would like to work on their journal during the program. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the State Library of Ohio.
Chair Yoga
Jan. 12 • 2 p.m. Gentle chair yoga led by Anne Owens. All levels welcome to this free event sponsored by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library. Please register for this event.
Special Events Register for events at www.kirtland.lib.oh.us
LEGO Club
Dec. 13 • 10:30 a.m. Families, spend an hour building with the library's LEGO bricks. Once you have completed your creation, you will place it on display until the next LEGO Club.
Make a Gift
Dec. 15 • 6 p.m. Kids who are in kindergarten through grade 5, create a gift to give to a loved one. You will create the gift, wrap it and attach a gift tag so your gift will be ready to give. An adult must be present in the library while the child is attending this event. Please do not register a child who is not yet in kindergarten. Please register for this event.
Teen Make a Gift
Dec. 16 • 3 p.m. Youth who are in 6th grade through 12th, create a gift for someone you love. You will create the gift, wrap it, and attach a gift tag, so that your gift will be complete and ready to give. Please register for this event.
Make a Nutcracker-themed Paper Ornament
Dec. 17 • 6 p.m. Kids, bring your favorite adult. Children aged up through 5th grade will hear a picture book version of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet and create Nutcracker-themed paper ornaments. Please register all adults and children to attend.
based on the story. Please register all adults and all children attending.
Coding Club
Dec. 22 • 4 p.m. Students from grades 3 through 5 are invited to join us for coding club. Using Code. org, we will learn the basics of how to code. No prior coding knowledge is required, and laptops will be provided. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the State Library of Ohio.
Noon Day’s Eve Party
Dec. 31 • 11:30 a.m. Families, discover games, crafts and activities as we get ready to ring in the new year at 12 noon. Please register all attendees for this all-ages event.
Winter Luau
Jan. 5 • 10:30 a.m. Celebrate winter at the library. Participants up through age 5 will make winter leis, cut snowflakes and taste iceberg punch. Please register every adult and every child attending.
Science Experiments to Try While You Wait for Your Dinner
Jan. 5 • 2 p.m. Kids in grades K-5th, bring your favorite adult with you to be your assistant as you do science experiments that involve items that might be found in a kitchen. Please register for this event.
Toddler & Preschool Dance Party
Care Bear Belly Badge Design and Draw
Tuesdays • 10 a.m. Bounces, rhymes, one book, scarves and shakers, geared for families with children under the age of 3. No need to register.
Dec. 19 • 10:30 a.m. Families with children age 5 and under spend a half hour dancing with your child. We might add scarves or shakers. Dance those cares away. Please register for this event.
Storytime
Christmas in the Big Woods
LEGO Club
Youth Programs Lapsit
Wednesdays • 10 a.m. Enjoy great books, rhymes, songs, and surprises with your child. This storytime is geared for families with children aged 5 and under. No need to register.
Dec. 20 • 10:30 a.m. Kids, bring your favorite adult. Children aged up through 5th grade will hear a picture book version of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House in the Big Woods, and create crafts
Jan. 9 • 10:30 a.m. What's a Care Bear without an identifying Belly Badge? Participants up through age 5 will create their own spin on Care Bears by imagining and coloring new tummy symbols. Please register every adult and every child attending.
Jan. 10 • 10:30 a.m. Families, spend an hour building with the library's LEGO bricks. Once you have completed your creation, you will place it on display until the next LEGO Club.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Page 11
Kirtland Chronicle
Kirtland Remembers Veterans with ‘Witness Tree’ By Kathy Talty On a cold, blustering windy Tuesday, Nov. 11, we all met at noon under the new gazebo for prayers, readings and remembrances from Sister Nancy Cervi of the Community of Christ and from the American Legion Barber-Williams Post 609, Comm. Keith McCrory and Doug Davidson. As Sister Nancy reflected in her prayer from the Blessing of Creation by John O’Donohue, “We were blessed when the Mind of God dreamed the day, we would become part of one another’s blueprint of life.” These words penetrated many hearts as the dog tags hung on the branches and blew in the wind of this cool grey day. In the distance, a solemn song of Taps played by two trumpet players from of Kirtland High School Band, guided by Kirtland Elementary School music teacher Tom Dingeldein. The Witness Tree ceremonies began Nov.1, which were organized by the American Legion Barber-Williams Post 609 and the Old South Church. A total of 12 Witness Tree Ceremonies were held. “We didn’t know what to expect as this was our first year doing this event,” said McCrory. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, using data from 2022, found that there was an average of 17.6 veterans who die by suicide per day.
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Kirtland’s Witness Tree was one of 15 throughout Northeast Ohio. Each day, 22 dog tags were hung on the tree in front of Kirtland’s City Hall next to the library. Participants wrote names of a family or friend who are currently or did serve in the military, or who lost their lives due to suicide. And some participants’ researched names of veterans who took their lives.
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“It was very moving as each day the number of dog tags grew and it was sad to see the dog tags there,” said McCrory. The 10–15-minute ceremony was led by different individuals from Barber-Williams Post 609, Old South Church, UCC, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Divine Word Catholic Church and from individuals who have a special connection with the military and or veterans. “We averaged about 15 participants a day, with a low of three people to the largest of 34,” McCrory said. “It was nice to see a wide range of participants from veterans to a
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group that timed their daily walk to coincide with the noon start time, and the many members of The Church of the Latter-day Saints.” McCrory would like to thank the City of Kirtland for lending the tree in front of the city hall and to all participants who attended. Because this was so special and moving, the American Legion Barber-Williams is planning on holding these ceremonies again next year starting Nov. 1 and concluding on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Page 12
Friday, December 12, 2025
Kirtland Chronicle
Congratulations, Kirtland Football Team on another State Championship! Open Regular Hours Dec. 22 & Dec. 23 Holiday Hours Dec. 24 10A - 5P
er Ord ad AhFoer All y a Holid Your eds! Ne
Merry Meals
start at Mike’s Market SPECIALS DEC. 10 – JAN. 4
M E AT
DELI
12/10 – 12/14
Black Forest Ham Smoked Or Peppered Turkey Garlic Bologna Hot Or Sweet Sopresata Pepper-Jack Or Muenster Cheese Mild Cheddar Cheese Middlefield Swiss Cheese Havarti Cheese Sour Cream And Cheddar Mac
Beef Eye Of Round Roasts $10.99lb Beef Eye Of Round Steaks $11.49lb 80%Ground Beef $6.49lb Boneless Pork Chops $3.99lb Steak And Potato Sausage $4.99lb Blueberry Breakfast Sausage $5.99lb Boneless Chicken Thighs $3.99lb Our Own Chicken Jalapeno Sausage $4.99lb
$7.49lb $9.49lb $6.49lb $10.99lb $6.49lb $6.49lb $7.49lb $5.49lb $5.49lb
12/17 – 12/25
Thuman’s Low Salt Ham $7.49lb Thuman’s Gourmet Or Honey Turkey $11.99lb Eckrich Bologna $6.49lb Roast Beef Or Corned Beef $10.99lb Sharp American Or Marble Cheese $6.49lb Horseradish Cheese $7.49lb Alpine Lace Swiss $8.49lb Herold’s Penne Romano Salad $5.49lb
Sirloin Tip Roasts $10.99lb Boneless Strip Steak $ 23.99lb 85% Ground Beef $7.49lb Pork Steaks $3.29lb Sicilian Italian Sausage $5.49lb Gerber Chicken Thighs $2.59lb Our Own Chicken Spinach Feta Sausage $5.49lb 12/27 – 1/1
Honey Ham Off The Bone $7.49lb Pan Roasted Turkey Breast $9.49lb Jalapeno,Dutch Or Olive Loaf $6.49lb Walnut Creek Hard Salami $8.49lb Adams Reserve White Cheddar Cheese $8.99lb Habanero Or Brick Cheese $6.49lb Middlefield Swiss Cheese $7.49lb Herold’s Sour Cream And Dill Potato Salad $5.49lb
Beef Chuck Roasts $10.99lb Boneless Top Sirloin Steak $10.99lb 93% Ground Beef $8.69lb Boneless Pork Chops $3.99lb Fresh Polish Or Garlic Sausage (Kolbas) $5.49lb Pork Western Ribs $3.49lb Italian Chicken Sausage $5.49lb 1/2 – 1/4
Beef London Broil Beef Top Round Steak Beef Cubes For Stew 80% Ground Beef Pork Tenderloins Boneless Pork Chops Bulk Breakfast Sausage Gerber Boneless Chicken Breasts Cuban Chicken Sausage
$10.99lb $11.99lb $8.99lb $6.49lb $3.99lb $3.99lb $2.99lb $5.99lb $3.99lb
Black Forest Ham Mortadella With Pistachios Genoa Salami Hot Pepper Or Marble Cheese Yellow American Cheese Baby Swiss Cheese Our Own Canadian Bacon Herold’s Broccoli Salad
$7.49lb $8.49lb $9.49lb $6.49lb $6.49lb $7.49lb $6.49lb $6.49lb
KIRTLAND
9189 Chillicothe Road
WED–SAT 10am–6pm SUNDAY 10am–5pm
Across the street from Kirtland Schools
(440) 379-7211
Closed Monday and Tuesday
EBT & Food Stamps Accepted
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