Westlake | Bay Village Observer

Canadian town hopes to become a sister city of Westlake

Denny Wendell — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:10:12 EDT

Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos photographs the Jack Miner historical marker during his March 23 visit to Westlake.
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Mayor Nelson Santos of Kingsville, Ontario, visited Westlake on March 23 to explore the possibility of becoming a sister city with Westlake. The sister city program is facilitated by Sister Cities International, a nonprofit network that creates and strengthens partnerships between U.S. and international communities.

"Being a sister city allows Westlake to have a formal alliance with an international city,” said Brett Luengo, vice president of Westlake World Partners Co., a nonprofit organization founded to support Westlake’s Sister City program. “That exchange could be cultural, educational, the governments can exchange information, and you could have trade between the two cities.”

Bay firefighters train at Cahoon librarian house before demolition

Fire Chief Chris Lyons — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:09:54 EDT

Firefighters maneuver the basket into position and prepare to cut a vent hole in the roof.
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The demands on the modern firefighter are more numerous and dangerous than ever. When folks are in trouble and need help, they call their local fire department and expect the responding firefighters to be competent, knowledgeable, and efficient in abating whatever hazards or emergencies they might encounter.

Frequently, these emergencies come in the form of an illness or injury, in which case the Bay Village firefighters – all of whom are certified as EMT-Paramedics – are well prepared. The fire department receives over 1,000 calls for some type of medical assistance every year, and our firefighter/paramedics train constantly to maintain their skills and knowledge of this discipline at the very highest level.

Westlake Lions Club reaching out to neighbors in Bay and North Olmsted

David Sacco — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:36:57 EDT

The Westlake Lions Club is in the process of re-organizing in the city of Westlake, and we are expanding our borders and inviting residents of Bay Village and North Olmsted to join us. We are looking for men and women, 18 years and older, to become Lions Club members.

The Westlake Lions Club needs additional members to get their momentum going and to begin a new chapter in their quest to help those in need. If you are a community-minded individual who wants to help others, meet humanitarian needs and enjoys volunteering, please contact me at 440-360-7044 or sac999dr@sbcglobal.net.

You are invited to join us to learn more about Lions Clubs International at an informational meeting on Monday, April 23, at 7:00 p.m. at Houlihan’s Restaurant, 25651 Detroit Road in Westlake. The Westlake Lions Club will also be sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive on May 14 at the Westlake Recreation Center, and we encourage you to participate.

Girl Scout organizes April 29 sustainability workshop for kids

Tammy Blankenship — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:42:58 EDT

I am a senior at Rocky River High School and I have been in Girl Scouts for over 10 years achieving, both my Girl Scout bronze and silver awards. My next goal is to achieve the highest award a Girl Scout can get, the Gold Award. This award requires a Girl Scout to reach out into her community and create a project that will continue when she leaves.

For almost half a year I racked my brain for ideas for my project. Let me tell you, detailed projects do not come around in one night. During this time I was also in the progress of deciding my major for college. As I kept researching, I found the sustainability major, which in a nutshell, works with the environment. As time progressed, I fell in love with sustainability. I will be pursuing this major in the fall at either Baldwin Wallace University or University of Colorado-Boulder.

Two Bay students win medals from National Scholastics awards

Karen Derby — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:45:29 EDT

Emma Chalk, grade 8, Bay Middle School, won a National Gold Scholastic Art Medal

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Bay Middle School eighth-grader Emma Chalk has been awarded the National Scholastic Art's Gold Medal for her short story, "Memories of Us."

Severn Sanders, a Bay High freshman, won the National Scholastic Art's Silver Medal for her mixed media artwork, "Movement," created when she was an eighth-grader at Bay Middle School.

Census Bureau releases 1940 data in free online format

Jayne Broestl — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:44:26 EDT

The National Archives released the 1940 U.S. Census, the first-ever digital online U.S. census release, on April 2. During World War II, the Bureau of the Census microfilmed the population schedules. Over the past three or more years, the archivists have taken that microfilm and digitized it.

Now, the public can search, browse and download any of the 3.8 million images of census schedules, maps and enumeration district descriptions, free of charge from their own computer, or any public computer, by visiting www.1940census.archives.gov.

This 1940 census provides researchers with a glimpse of the country during the Great Depression. It enumerates how many people were immigrants, what education, type of employment and annual income a resident had, and other socio-economic information.

Tales of a Fourth-Grade Something: It's time for Spring Break

Audrey Ray — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:44:08 EDT

Are you going anywhere for Spring Break? I am. I’m going to Bonita Springs, Fla., on the Gulf Coast. This will be my third time going to Florida to visit my grandparents who stay there in the winter. And whenever my family and I have gone, we always do fun things with each other and my grandparents.

One of my favorite things is shelling. We wake up really early – before almost anybody else is up – and go down to the beach. Sometimes it’s chilly and we have to wear sweatshirts, but we always wear flip-flops. We cross the street – my Nana’s and Papa’s condo is across the street from the beach on a mangrove swamp – and walk up the boardwalk in between the dunes. It’s always quiet.

Master Stephen Co to present healing workshop at Unity April 17

Terri Zajac — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:42:11 EDT

Master Stephen Co

Master Stephen Co, who has been covered by CBS News and endorsed by health experts Deepak Chopra and Carolyn Myss, will present a workshop on healing at Unity Spiritual Center, Tuesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. Admission is $10. Master Co is very well known in the western U.S. and is now bringing his techniques to the Midwest. Unity is very pleased to be one of the first in this region to welcome him.

Unity is located at 23855 Detroit Rd. in Westlake. To register in advance for the event and for details, visit www.unityspiritualcenter.com. You can also view the CBS news coverage of Master Co on the site. Although tickets will be available at the door, pre-registration is suggested to ensure seating is available.

Emily's Rainbow Run: Taking a step to cure childhood cancer

Deborah Lewis — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:36:23 EDT

The fight against childhood cancer continues. Every day forty-six children in this country will be diagnosed. That is two classrooms full. With an overall cure rate of only 80 percent, ten of them will lose their battle.

In addition, twenty-two of them will suffer long-term health issues due to the effect of aggressive cancer treatments. Last year, only 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget was used to fund pediatric cancer research and in the last twenty years the FDA has approved only one new drug used in battling childhood cancers.

Emily’s Rainbow Run & Family Walk started in 2009 as a way for us to honor and celebrate a young cancer patient, Emily Lewis, while generating much needed funds to research pediatric cancers. Last year’s event featured over 850 adults and children running or walking and 125 volunteers.

Westlake Garden Club's Fete des Fleurs set for April 26

Jean Smith — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:41:46 EDT

The Westlake Garden Club’s Fête des Fleurs Luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 26, at Wagner’s Country Inn. Doors open at 11 a.m., with a delicious lunch at noon, and an exciting and entertaining program with Channel 5 Chief Meteorologist, Mark Johnson, at 1 p.m.

The luncheon committee is busy working on raffle baskets, silent auction items and getting donations from local merchants for door prizes. From what I have heard, there will be some yummy items for sale at the bakery table, and some real treasures at bargain prices at the boutique table. Piano music will entertain guests before and during lunch and a cash wine bar will be open.

For openers...

Jeff Bing — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:41:31 EDT

Ahhh...springtime and baseball. If it has somehow escaped your attention, the Indians' season opener is upon us. Now, be honest here: What else represents a "fresh start" – the proverbial "new beginning" if you will – in quite the same manner as the MLB season opener? They go hand-in-hand, much like Grady Sizemore and the disabled list. Yes, baseball has always been numero uno in my book. (Looks like that free CD from Rosetta Stone is already paying dividends, doesn't it?)

Not surprisingly, some of my very first memories revolve around baseball: I attended a Cubs game when I was just barely into grade school – as my grandparents resided in Chicago – and I'll never forget the ivy which adorned the outfield walls at Wrigley Field. Nor will I forget the roar of the crowd, the excitement which seemed to ride on every pitch, or the first beer spilled on my back (which, not surprisingly, is directly linked to me also uttering my first swear words).

Westlake Kiwanis seeking participants for Memorial Day parade and services

Victor Rutkoski — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:38:56 EDT

The Westlake Kiwanis Club invites all citizens of Westlake, including sports organizations and civic groups, to take part in their annual Memorial Day Parade and Service. The parade travels down Hilliard Boulevard and finishes in Clague Park, where the Memorial Services honoring those civilians and military who sacrificed so much to protect and keep this country free take place.

The Kiwanis welcomes those who participated in last year's parade and services to join them again this year. Your participation in the past was appreciated. The parade and services this year will be Monday, May 28.

87 West is a great place to 'wine' about

Steve Novak — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:18:05 EDT

At the end of the grassy expanse, in the heart of Crocker Park, lies a modern lodge-style restaurant with a cozy two-sided fireplace.

As you walk up, the floor-to-ceiling windows provide a view of the modern interior, and allow patrons inside to gaze at the hustle and bustle of Westlake’s shopping mecca. During the warmer weather those same windows are opened to enjoy the fresh air.

There are many different seating choices. From a handful of comfortable booths, tables and chairs to loveseats and armchairs, no matter where you sit you’ll feel right at home.

'Quilts' is the opening exhibit at Rose Hill Museum

Cynthia Eakin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:34:52 EDT

“Quilts,” a collection dating from 1860 to 1950, with many items on display for the first time, is the opening 2012 exhibit at Rose Hill Museum in Bay Village.

“Quilts are works of art,” Rose Hill Museum Director Janet Zvara said. “Quilting is a very old craft dating back to the time of the Crusades. Quilted fabric was used mostly for clothing. European women took the art of quilting and used it to make bedcovers and beautiful tapestry hangings.”

April events at Westlake Porter Public Library

Elaine Willis — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:35:51 EDT

Wednesday, April 4 (10:30-11 a.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance! – Join us for a fun session of singing and dancing. For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Wednesday, April 4 (1-2:30 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society Help Session – Wondering how to get started researching your ancestors? Hit a roadblock on your search? Stop in for suggestions and help!

Thursday, April 5 (7-8:30 p.m.) Investor Interest Group – Scott Benninghofen will discuss "Income Solutions - Dividend Strategies." Please register.

Friday, April 6 (10:30-11:15 a.m.) Come Play With Me! – Open playtime with age-appropriate toys, songs and rhymes for ages 2-5 and their caring adults. Registration begins one week before each session.

Saturday, April 7 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) Crafts A Go-Go! – Join us for a fun and easy craft experience! All supplies provided; just drop in. A new, cool craft idea every time!

Sunday, April 8 (All Day) Easter Sunday – Library Closed

Upcoming programs at the Bay Village Branch Library

Joyce Sandy — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:37:13 EDT

Spring might actually be here! Whether you’re celebrating the nice weather by reading outside or you’re doing those household chores, we have a book for you! Let us help you find what you’re looking for so you can get to work – or play! Students can get practice books for the spring tests at school. We’ll help you find the right one for your grade or subject. While you’re at the library, sign up for one of these programs – we hope to see you soon!

ADULT DEPARTMENT

Wednesday, April 18 (7 p.m.) TITANIC AND THE GREAT LAKES – It’s been 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic. Carrie Sowden, Archeological Director for the Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Center, will discuss the epic disaster and its intriguing connections to the Great Lakes.

TEEN DEPARTMENT

Monday, April 16 (3:30 p.m.) MONDAY MADNESS – For ages 11 and up. Want to start the week off right? Join us for some extreme fun! Stretch your imagination to the max with different activities every time.

Tuesday, April 17 (4 p.m.) TEEN JOB SEARCH – For ages 14-19. Are you looking for a job? Join us for a fun, interactive workshop that will help you find, get and keep a job.

CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT

Wednesday, April 4 (4 p.m.) JUNGLE SAFARI PUPPET SHOW – For families. Katie Bee and Roger Dodger’s puppet show has it all: awesome puppets, a touch of magic, storytelling and antics that get plenty of laughter. Help decorate a cool balloon tree with jungle animal balloons.

Work continues on Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake

Laurie Henrichsen — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:41:14 EDT

Nestled away from public view on 30 wooded acres between Crocker and Bradley roads (between Bonne Bell and the Holiday Inn), a Craftsman-inspired hospice care facility is being built away from public view. When it is completed, Hospice of the Western Reserve's Ames Family Hospice House will offer tranquility and peace to patients and families when they need it the most.

The 40,000-square-foot hospice care facility will be a home away from home for seriously ill patients and their families in western Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. Donley’s is overseeing the building of the facility and site development. The building was designed by Tom Mullinax of Hilton Head Island, S.C., representing Hospice Design Resource PLLC, and the project was overseen locally by Vocon.

Westlake's library, schools co-producing library TV show

Elaine Willis — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:40:55 EDT

Westlake Porter Public Library and Westlake City Schools’ WHBS-TV are co-producing a new TV show focusing on the library. Called “Off the Shelf,” the show will feature library services and events, materials recommendations and more. It will star various members of the library staff and Westlake High School students.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with the Westlake City Schools and WHBS on this show,” said Library Director Andrew Mangels. “Working together benefits both the library and the students.”

The wonders of wildlife: male birds attacking windows

Amy LeMonds — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:40:36 EDT

A Scarlet Tanager fends off its own reflection

The phones have been ringing off the hook this week at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center. We have been receiving many questions about the mild winter, how it has affected the wildlife in our area, and what we should expect from an earlier and warmer than average spring. But more than any other request, callers have been anxious to find an answer to a curious conundrum: “How can I stop a bird from repeatedly flying into my windows?”

In my role of wildlife rehabilitation coordinator at the nonprofit Center, I’ve had to address this very common question on a regular basis. This year, the Center’s wildlife specialists and I have been working to carefully assess each caller’s problem and adapt some handy tips to hopefully solve each unique situation.

Spend the summer at BAYarts

Nancy Heaton — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:39:54 EDT

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BAYarts is a welcoming lakeside environment, stimulating, encouraging and supporting professional and aspiring artists of ALL ages through collaboration, education and exhibition. This summer will be no different as we offer summer camps, art classes for teens and adults, an art and music festival, gallery openings and FREE concerts!

campART
There will be six different weeks of campART this summer offering everything from drawing and pottery to painting and glass fusing. We have created several camps for each age group so parents can drop off the whole family at the same time! Ages 3-12. Visit www.bayarts.net for dates and details.

Art in the Park - BAYarts Art & Music Festival, June 16
Affordable, accessible, regional art. Something different, something fun! Music by Uzizi.