The Growth Chart: Growing Kids, Growing Parents

The Price I Pay: Winter in Ohio — Still Worth It

A mom finds a way to stay in the game, even if she's temporarily confined to the kitchen

I winced stepping out of the shower. Every muscle hurt. I’d battled the flu earlier that week, but this was something bigger, more consuming. The third day must be the worst, I reasoned. I dressed then sat down to reflect. I was home alone, except for the cat who lounged on my desk, one paw on my arm, tail curled against my keyboard. Everyone was at church without me — a rare occurrence, but today, for the best. A social butterfly can’t hold her tongue. “Rest your voice,” my husband had said. I’d rolled over, grateful for shut-eye. Moments after the family left, the cat pounced on me. So much for sleeping in. I flipped on weather-radio. Today’s high: mid-20s. It’s going to kill me to stay inside. We were out of our minds. Every last one of…

• Photos (5)

Whiz Kid: Laila Edwards

The first-grader at Roxboro Elementary School recently made a hockey league all-star team and reads at a third-grade level

Cleveland Heights Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Laila Edwards Skating came so natural. So when she decided to follow in her sister’s footsteps and join a peewee hockey team, it surprised no one when success in the sport came just as easy. Laila Edwards plays in the youth hockey league for the Cleveland Heights Parks and Recreation Department, often as the only girl, and was recently picked to join the league’s all-star team. She also plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite all-girl tournament league on a traveling team. She's a center, and said her favorite thing to do is score goals, but winning isn’t her priority. “Hockey is a fun sport. It’s not something you win or lose that matters. It’s how much effort you put into it,” she said. A …

•  8 Comments
• Photos (1)

Heights Hockey Edged by Chagrin Falls 3-2 in District Tournament

Tigers’ 15-win season comes to an end; seniors Brown, Vihanto and Kuuri conclude careers with strong performances

Like a ferocious body check knocking a player backwards to the ice, the Cleveland Heights High hockey team found its forward progress halted abruptly. A monthlong wave of momentum ended too soon, as did a promising season. Riding an eight-game win streak into postseason play, Cleveland Heights followed up last week’s one-goal loss in the Baron Cup with another narrow defeat – this time a 3-2 decision at the hands of Chagrin Falls Monday evening in a district tournament matchup at the Kent State University Ice Arena. Seniors Sam Brown, Aleksi Vihanto and Aleksi Kuuri shone in their final game wearing Tigers uniforms, but their efforts were not enough to will a shorthanded squad past an opportunistic opponent. Cleveland Heights played both …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (5)

Matt Bixenstine

11:57 pm on Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Thanks for reading, Coach Holmes! It was truly a pleasure covering the Heights hockey team this season. My appreciation for hockey keeps growing, and I really enjoyed working with you, Coach Babcox and the rest of the squad. I hope we cross paths again in the future. Take care and have a great off-season!   more ›

Week in Review

See what you missed at Cleveland Heights Patch

Look for the Week in Review every Sunday to catch up on Cleveland Heights news you may have missed. See below for articles from around the Heights last week.   There was a string of car-related crimes in the Cleveland Heights Police blotter, including a report that someone splattered cars with paint outside of Dave's Market on Cedar.  The Cleveland Heights High hockey team came back from behind in the third period, scoring two goals and defeating Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 2-1 on Monday night. The bar and lounge side of Rockefeller’s restaurant opened in Cleveland Heights on Tuesday.  Owner Michael Adams said he plans to open the dining side and unveil the entree menu by Valentine’s Day. Seventeen teachers will retire at the end…

• Photos (1)

Heights Hockey Edged by Brecksville in Tournament Action

Finnish exchange student Aleksi Kuuri tallies both goals in 3-2 defeat; Tigers return to ice Wednesday against Rocky River

Senior forward Aleksi Kuuri might be thousands of miles from his native land, yet he feels right at home lacing up his skates for the Cleveland Heights High hockey team. Kuuri, an exchange student from Tampere, Finland, registered his first multi-goal game as a member of the Tigers on Tuesday, finding the back of the net in both the second and third periods. His effort, however, was not enough, as Brecksville withstood a late rally to defeat the Tigers, 3-2, in the second round of the Heights Holiday Hockey Tournament at the Cleveland Heights Community Center. With his team trailing 2-0 midway through the second period against a foe it has never beaten, Kuuri put Cleveland Heights (5-5) on the scoreboard in impressive fashion.  Senior …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (5)

Heights Hockey Buries Benedictine, 7-0

Hall’s shutout and Urbas’ hat trick lead the way for Tigers; showdown against Brecksville up next

Cleveland Heights High goalie Aidan Hall readily admits it takes a special breed of player to mind the net amidst a barrage of oncoming pucks. Thankfully for the Tigers, he willingly accepts that role for Coach Eddie Babcox's squad.   Hall's 20-save shutout performance highlighted the Tigers' 7-0 thrashing of visiting Benedictine Monday evening in the opening round of the Heights Holiday Hockey Tournament at the Cleveland Heights Community Center. "I always wanted to be a goalie," said Hall, who recorded his second shutout of the season for Cleveland Heights (5-4).  "My dad played goalie for Heights back in the day, but it took some convincing for him to let me play, too, and follow in his footsteps." Bolstered by a strong effort in front …

• Photos (3)

Weekend Diversions Around The Heights

Salvage what's left of your Sunday and consider one of these events in town

Still have family in town? Looking for something to do with your Sunday? You can check our calendar daily for events, but here are a few things you can do around the Heights today: Stop by the pancake breakfast at Beth El – The Heights Synagogue from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. today. Though this last month may have been an indulgent one, you can cheat for one more day. And don't pretend that you're not hungry because of all the food you ate yesterday. Today is a new day. Channel your inner child, or take the kids sledding. The hills at Cain Park are a community favorite, or you could try the modest but still fun slopes by the old Coventry Road School. Cheer on teams made up of former Heights hockey players at the Cleveland Heights Alumni Hockey …

• Photos (3)