Glad to see Mentor tackle erosion issue

BOUQUETS >> To Mentor City Council for taking action to shore up the shoreline along Mentor Beach Park. “This goes to our losing battle we’re fighting with Lake Erie these days with the rise in the water levels,” City Manager Ken Filipiak said. “We are forced this year to do emergency repairs to protect Mentor Beach Park.”

Council approved awarding a revetment project to Norwalk-based Mark Haynes Construction.

The project will install about 3,000 cubic yards of armor stone over 275 feet of shoreline at the park, at 7779 Lake Shore Blvd. It is in Mentor-on-the-Lake but owned by Mentor.

The stone will be placed between the pavilion and the lake, and an additional 120 feet of stone will be added along the shore on the east side of the property.

Scheduled completion date is Feb. 1.

Dealing with erosion issues is the price we pay for living along Lake Erie.

But the payoff is in the lake shore sunsets and strolls in the sand and sounds of waves lapping the rocks.

We’re glad to see the city take action.

BOUQUETS >> To Justin Vance, the Lake Catholic hockey coach who reminded all of us of a certain age, ahem, that you’re never to old to pursue your dreams.

Vance was one of 42 skaters and 10 defensemen trying to make the roster as the expansion Mentor Ice Breakers held their tryout camp for their inaugural Federal Hockey League campaign.

At 31 years old, Vance is among the oldest players in camp, a group that includes players from the United States, Canada, Russia, Ireland and Denmark.

“So obviously, I love the game,” Vance said.

“I play in a bunch of leagues throughout the year, men’s leagues, beer leagues – anywhere I can play. And I knew that they were putting the

And bouquets to Justin Vance, the Lake Catholic hockey coach who reminded all of us of a certain age, ahem, that you’re never to old to pursue your dreams.

team together. It’s in my hometown, and I really want to see it succeed.

“So I got a hold of (Ice Breakers coach and general manager Iain Duncan), and I said, ‘Hey, I’m thinking about coming and skating and trying out. Could you use a 31-yearold out there?’

“He said, ‘I’ll take you if you can play. It doesn’t matter if you’re 21 or 31 to me. I want the best 20 guys I can find.’ “

The team roster has not yet been released.

But whether the dream is confined to this one weekend giving it a shot or even further, Vance is serving as an inspiration for his high school players, for the local hockey community and for anyone who thought they were just too old to follow that dream.

BRICKBATS>> To anyone who would make a false police report.

Last week Willoughby Hills police were investigating a reported child enticement incident in the city.

Folks in the community were on high alert, concerned that one of their own was in harm’s way.

During the course of their investigation detectives learned that the claims made by the alleged victim were false.

She recanted her original statement to detectives.

“The Willoughby Hills Police Department would like the members of our community to be assured that there are no further safety concerns related to this matter, and that there is no known threat to the general public,” Sgt. Matthew Naegele wrote in a news release.

What if someone matching the description broadcast had been harmed?

What if police had not been able to respond to a legitimate call for help because they were investigating a false claim?

What if an officer had been injured in pursuit of a lead?

We do not hold the child in this case to an adult standard of behavior.

We do however urge parents, teachers and other adults to explain the serious nature of such accusations to the young people in their lives.

Let this serve as a reminder to all: Public safety is nothing to take lightly.