The spirit of volunteerism in Kirtland continues. And I’m not sure how many times I’ve said it, but I couldn’t be prouder of how the community ceaselessly gives back. Led by Kirtland Kiwanis, the Community Garden received its annual tilling, weeding and mulching thanks to the volunteerism of dozens of community members. On the same day, Service Director Joe Fornaro led a group of volunteers that cleaned litter and debris along Rt. 306 throughout downtown Kirtland. And once again, through coordination of the Mayor’s Action Network, more than thirty volunteers spent a Saturday morning in April raking, mulching, weeding and hauling branches for ten resident seniors and veterans.
In preparation for Memorial Day, the American Legion Barber Williams Post, Kirtland Kiwanis, the Garden Club of Kirtland and Scout Troop 286 will lead an effort to mulch and plant flowers around Veterans Memorial and City Hall property on Saturday, May 18th. Additionally, that same day, we will see the fourth annual tree planting front of City Hall.
Last month I had the honor of joining the mayors of Willoughby, Wickliffe, Eastlake, Willoughby Hills and Willowick at the annual Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce breakfast. As always, this was a great event, but this year was bittersweet in that we didn’t have our great friend, Mayor Dennis Morley, of Eastlake there with us. In memory of this great local leader, we each paid special tribute to Dennis as part of our presentations that laid out the current state of our cities.
I’m happy to say that preparing for the State of the Cities is hardly a challenge as there is no shortage of material to cover when it comes to operations and initiatives in Kirtland. This year was no different as I was able to highlight such projects as the outdoor restrooms at the Community Center and the upcoming $2.5 million dollar 2024 road program. In addition to this, I discussed our interest and intent to work with Lake County Utilities to expand our sanitary sewers south along 306 to Rt. 6, thus spurring economic development at the intersection. It was also conveyed to the audience that there is real demand and opportunity to work with property owners and investors to create a walkable and livable downtown featuring living space suited for seniors, a coffee shop and dining.
I also bragged to the Chamber crowd of nearly two hundred patrons, about many of Kirtland’s fine eating establishments. Proudly I spoke of Biga, Tavern Six, Down the Block, Honey’s, Sausalito, Angelo’s and the new Crowley’s bar and restaurant that features the best burger in Cleveland, the Smashburger.
In closing, I would like to thank Kirtland Library Director, Jane Carle, for her many years of service making Kirtland’s Library one of the best around. In the rapidly changing world of digital resources, Jane has led our local library to not only remain relevant but to be a thriving space for gathering and education for people of all ages. Jane has truly made Kirtland a better place and we will miss her leadership and spirit.
Thank you,
Mayor Potter