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With a truck full of donated items for the yard sale, volunteers pose for a photo before the Bay homecoming parade. Pictured l-to-r:  Ben Sommer, Maddi Nock, Michael Nock, Lucas Sanchez, and hurricane relief organizer Annie Nock. Photo by Denny Wendell

During the first week of October, Bay Village residents will open their hearts to help victims of recent hurricanes hundreds of miles away in Texas, Florida and islands in the Caribbean.

The Bay Village Foundation is sponsoring a Community Yard Sale at Bayway Cabin on Friday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents have an opportunity to join in this citywide effort in two ways: donate items to be sold at the event or buy items donated by others. Sale proceeds are designated for American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

The banners on Westlake's street poles are part of this year’s Fire Prevention Week public education campaign.

Westlake Fire Department encourages residents to plan escape routes

Consider this scenario: It is 2 o’clock in the morning. You and your family are fast asleep when you awaken to the smoke alarm blaring and the smell of smoke. What do you do? If you and your family don’t have a plan in place, it could jeopardize your safety, or even prove deadly.

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Home escape planning is so critical. It ensures that everyone in the household knows how to use that small window of time wisely.

“Developing and practicing a home escape plan is like building muscle memory,” said Assistant Chief Mike Freeman of the Westlake Fire Prevention Bureau for the Westlake Fire Department. “Pre-planning is what your family members will use to take action and escape as quickly as possible in the event of a fire.”

Cheerleaders pump up the crowd at the “Light the Night” fundraising event on Sept. 28 at Bay High School. Photo by Denny Wendell

The Bay Village community came together on the evening of Sept. 28 to participate in “Light the Night” at Bay High Memorial stadium. The event raised $7,500 to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and its funding of research to find blood cancer cures.

Last year Bay High turned its traditional homecoming bonfire toward this greater purpose. The event also acknowledged the courage and strength of students of Bay Village that are affected by this cancer. Honorees included Luke (Normandy Elementary), Molly (Westerly Elementary), and Daniel (Bay High School). Bay High sophomore Jane Finley, who is battling Hodgkins Lymphoma herself, was mistress of ceremonies and chair of the event.

The c. 1835 Thomas Hurst house at 31156 Detroit Road, listed at $775,000, is one of many Westlake century homes currently or soon to be on the the market.

There will be an information session, held in conjunction with the Westlake Historical Society, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Westlake Recreation Center Community Room regarding the Heritage Home Program.

The City of Westlake continues to partner with the Cleveland Restoration Society in the program. The city pays an annual fee so that Westlake homeowners with homes 50 years of age or older are eligible to participate in the program. The program includes free technical assistance from a team of highly trained professionals as well as low-interest rehabilitation loans.

Rev. John Rinehart, an activist in the group that protested the expansion of Quickens Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland, will be a guest speaker at the Oct. 16 meeting of the Bay Democratic Club.

Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC) has been widely credited with influencing the Cavaliers, Cleveland city leaders and county officials to make neighborhood improvements at the same time The Q is expanded and modernized.

GCC was formed in 2011 after more than 2,000 people met to discuss improvements in education, criminal justice reform and health care. Today, members represent 39 houses of worship among Christian, Jewish and Muslim organizations.

An artist in the process of work at the 2016 OPAS competition. Photo by Lori Kubiak

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The first weekend of October saw the BAYarts campus buzzing with world class artists for the Ohio Plein Air Society's (OPAS) annual competition. This is the second year that BAYarts was selected to host this prestigious event.

Their mission statement shares that they are, "proud to be at the forefront of the resurgent plein air movement in the United States." Nearly every county in Ohio is represented by their 155-plus members. Ephemeral, direct observation from the Ohio scenery is the emphasis of their en plein air ("in fresh air") work. "Our admiration for the world around us gives us reason to explore through art the diversity and uniqueness of Ohio’s landscapes, cityscapes, lakes, rivers, and streams, and beyond."

This is a column that appeared in the Observer in the spring of 2016. I’m re-running it because I think it’s an important message that needs to be communicated over and over.

One million per minute is how many plastic bags the world uses. It is estimated that worldwide use of plastic bags is between 500 billion and 1 trillion a year. Furthermore, it is estimated that Americans throw away 100 billion plastic bags a year. The average American family brings home 1,500 plastic bags a year.

Not only are plastic bags a nuisance for the environment because they either sit in a landfill for hundreds of years or worse are blown around in our environment, ending up in trees and contaminating our waterways, but at least 12 million barrels of oil are used each year to manufacture those bags. Twelve million barrels of oil. A year. For something that is pretty much unnecessary.

A hellbender’s wrinkled skin is specially adapted to absorb oxygen through the water, while their flattened body allows them to squeeze into tight spots under rocks. Photo by Taryn Leach

A young Eastern Hellbender is now on display for children and families to discover and watch grow at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

The Eastern Hellbender, Ohio’s largest amphibian and North America’s largest salamander, is currently listed as an endangered species. Hellbenders are completely aquatic and spend their lives under large rocks in clean streams where they feed on crawfish and other aquatic organisms. Pollutants and runoff have caused increased sedimentation in breeding areas, resulting in poor water quality and low survival rates in young hellbenders. In fact, surveys over the past decade in Ohio have indicated over an 80 percent decline in the species.

The Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Victor Liva, conductor, will perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 at the Westlake Performing Arts Center. The concert will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14. The Performing Arts Center is located at 27830 Hilliard Blvd., in Westlake High School.

The orchestra will be joined by the Cleveland State University Choir, directed by Bill Bailer, and the Cleveland Pops Chorus, directed by William Zurkey.

On Sept. 13, St. Raphael School truly "rocked the challenge"! Rock the Challenge (RTC) is a day where the students run a faith-filled obstacle course and celebrate their beliefs through service and prayer.

Every moment of the day truly exemplified the 2017 school theme: "Be Kind. Be Giving. Be Holy."

The kids started the day learning that “It starts with Me and It starts with Prayer.” From there, kindness and generosity extends to our family, friends, school, community and even across the globe!

Raymond Towler will visit Corporate College West to share the story of his wrongful incarceration.

Raymond Towler spent nearly three decades in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s free today because of the Ohio Innocence Project.

The exonerated man will visit Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) this fall to discuss his long and winding journey to justice. Hear his story at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Tri-C’s Corporate College West.

Towler will be joined by longtime attorney Alec Berezin, who will discuss the Ohio Innocence Project and its efforts to free the wrongfully convicted. Berezin serves as president of the group’s Northeast Ohio Board of Advocates.

From left, Bay Village DAR chapter regent Leanne McGann and Strongsville DAR chapter historian Cindy Kettler welcomed DAR state regent Nancy Wright for a local program.

On Sept 16 , Bay Village's Martha Devotion Huntington Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution joined with Hannah Luther Bosworth Chapter in Strongsville to host the Ohio Society DAR state regent Nancy Schirm Wright at the North Royalton Library. In attendance were 60 members of nine Northeast Ohio DAR chapters.

Following lunch, the state regent presented her program, "How Does Your Garden Grow?" Mrs. Wright spoke of the history of the many service programs and projects throughout the history of the DAR and the current missions of DAR to "sow the seeds of service, outreach and love."

Part two in a two-part series on weight management.

Too often, you plunge into a new diet with the fervor of a first love: desperate, excited; the hope and promise of lifelong change; the all-consuming obsession with gluten, fat or sugar. And when the heart cheats – and the heart always cheats – inevitable self-loathing.

I think you should start a new diet like it’s the seventh year of your second marriage: calm, wise, wrinkled but not totally cynical, routine, legally binding – albeit with a prenup.

Because while you wholeheartedly will the relationship to work this time, deep down, you know things will go wrong. But it’s OK. No diet plan is perfect. There are ways to modify a plan until it fits your lifestyle.

The Bay Village Holiday Caring and Sharing Program was created to help Bay families in need at the holidays. Families with children under age 18 may qualify for our Adopt-a-Family program, and receive gifts for the children that may not otherwise be possible that year. In addition, a food pantry is also available to those Bay Village residents who qualify.

You can help by:

• Contacting Bay Village Community Services if you are a family in financial need, or you know of a family who is experiencing financial hardships. All information is confidential.
• Making a cash donation to Holiday Caring & Sharing. Funds are used to purchase grocery gift cards that are distributed throughout the year, as well as at the holidays.
• Adopting a family. If you or your organization is interested in providing gifts for a family, contact Bay Village Community Services.

Bay High football coaches Bob Kitzerow, Jack Llewelyn and Cy Lipij led the 1954 team to victory in the conference championship.

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“We are the champions, my friends." Finishing undefeated and untied in our 1954 season, the Bay Rockets swept the new Southwestern Conference. (Bay hasn’t accomplished this feat since.)  

It was an exciting time. From the start, everyone thought we would have a good football team. We knew “our boys,” the players, had talent. Each week there was something to look forward to as the team got ready to play another game. You see, this was my senior year and these were our guys.

The three head coaches were Jack Llewelyn, Bob Kitzerow and Cy Lipij. They sure knew how to get the best out of the players in a winning way.

The October meeting of the Herb Guild Garden Club will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Westlake Porter Public Library. The business meeting will start at 10 a.m. and the presentation will begin at 12:30 p.m.

October's presentation will be given by Jeff Griff from Lowe's Greenhouse and Gift Shop. Located in Chagrin Falls, Lowe's Greenhouse is not affiliated with Lowe's Home Improvement Store. They carry the usual variety of items you would find in a garden store, and in addition give a variety of fun workshops. At the presentation, Jeff will pick 10 plants and tell a story about each one. This is sure to be a fun and educational event. As always, guests are welcome to join.  

The latest Bay Village Schools Ohio Report Card results demonstrate strong student achievement at all levels.

“We continue to focus on improvement for all individual students,” said Superintendent of Schools, Clint Keener. “With each year of testing, we are able to learn more about the measurements used, and we can make appropriate adjustments in classroom instruction. Our teachers and students can be very proud of our performance overall.”

Bay Village is one of only 21 school districts in Ohio to earn an A in the Performance Indicator grade. The district met 23 out of 24 performance indicators and moved from a B last year to the A.

Tuesday, Oct. 3 (7-7:30 p.m.) Bedtime Stories: Toybox – Put on your pajamas and join Mrs. K as we unwind at the end of the day with quiet stories, songs, fingerplays and other activities to help us get ready for bedtime. Ages 4-6. Siblings welcome.

Tuesday, Oct. 3 (7:30-8:30 p.m.) Westlake Westshore Arts Council: FYI Opera – David Bamberger from the Cleveland Institute of Music brings his students to perform scenes from the upcoming opera.

Wednesdays, Oct. 4 and 11 (10:15 & 11 a.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance! – Sing and move to the music with Miss Nancy! For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Please arrive early to receive a ticket.

Wednesday, Oct. 4 (1-2:30 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogy Society Help Session – Please join the genealogy group for an informal walk-in help session.

Wednesdays, Oct. 4 and 11 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, Oct. 5 and 12 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – The reading therapy dogs return! Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with one of them. Registration begins each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Horror Film Club – Join us as we explore some of the classic films from the genres of horror, science fiction and suspense. Children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Please register.

Thursday, Oct. 5 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Thursdays, Oct. 5 and 12 (4-5:15 p.m.) Code Club! – Learn how to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code! Grades 3-4. Registration begins one week before each session.

Friday, Oct. 6 (1-2 p.m.) Fantastic Fridays – Fantastic Friday is a great day for homeschoolers! This month we will explore the book "Harriet the Spy" by Louise Fitzhugh. We will complete a craft and activities related to the book. Ages 6-12. Please register.

CHILDREN

• Mondays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months
• Tuesdays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months
• Tuesdays (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesdays (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Fridays (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Wednesday, Oct. 11 (7 p.m.) Mad Scientists: Eye Spy – Grades K 2: Join us for a hands-on science program to build a periscope. Registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Branch Library. 

Thursday, Oct. 19 (4 p.m.) American Girl: Josefina – Grades 2-4: Learn about the times and cultures that the doll Josefina represents through discussion crafts and snacks. Feel free to bring your doll to the program if you have one! Parents must sign a Release and Hold Harmless form prior to the program. Registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Branch Library. 

Friday, Oct. 20 (10 a.m.) Play, Learn, and Grow – Ages birth-3 years with parent or caregiver. Children will play with developmentally appropriate toys in a play group atmosphere while parents meet and learn from community health experts.

To the voters of Westlake,

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Council President since 1996. Together we have seen Westlake mature into a great place to live and raise a family – with outstanding police, fire and city services, modern and well maintained infrastructure, Crocker Park, a remarkably strong financial position, low taxes and so much more. I have worked very hard over the years to provide strong leadership and guidance, and I ask for your support to continue Westlake’s success.

Using my professional experience, I have insisted on long term planning so that Westlake is positioned to address ever-changing needs. We must continue to use creative, cost effective and innovative ways to build on our successes. My proven abilities, experience, independence and dedication uniquely position me to continue serving all the citizens of Westlake.

My name is Joe Kraft. I want to be your Westlake City Council President. 

Why Am I Running? Simply put, it is time. A new, fresh face in government will bring new relationships, a change in dynamics, and an increase in two-way communication. Westlake is a vibrant, gifted city with relatively low taxes, providing us with high quality services at an excellent value.

My goal is to protect what makes Westlake a wonderful place to raise a family, build a business and invest in a neighborhood, while continuing to seek opportunities to improve our community. We must always look for ways to innovate, otherwise we will fall behind. I’m proud to live in Westlake and want the same for future generations.

I attended undergraduate college at Cleveland State University and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in 1984. I then attended law school at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, where I earned my J.D. degree in 1987. I began my legal career as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor in 1987. I prosecuted hundreds of serious felony charges, including Murder, Major Drug Trafficking, and Corruption cases. I then went in to private practice at a firm and later on my own. When opening my law practice, I also started as an assistant law director for the City of Parma. I have now been licensed and practicing law for 30 years.

I have been employed as a prosecutor at the felony and misdemeanor level for a combined 24 years, and as a law director for 17 years. I have a career of legal work in both the public and private sector, and on both sides of civil and criminal litigation.

Dear Westlake residents,
 


Westlake needs a strong, independent law director who will fight for its residents and victims of crime – and collaborate with the mayor and council. An attorney for 24 years and a Westlake resident for nearly as many, civic participation is integral to who I am. My ties are to Westlake.

Open government has been the bedrock of my career. Already residents have shared their concerns and they will be my focus:

I have enjoyed representing the people of Ward 1 for nearly 4 years. I want to continue in the role for the following reasons:  

• Build on the email and social media communication I implemented. I love hearing from you and sharing what the city is working on.
• Continue fiscal responsibility and exemplary community services. I’m proud to have supported the textile recycling initiative; so far nearly 40 tons have been recycled, reducing landfill waste.
• Work with interested businesses to continue to expand and promote economic development. 
• Advocate for further collaboration between the city and our schools. I attend School Board meetings to stay informed about the issues and the spending of our tax dollars.
• Be a voice and represent the needs of Ward 1 in conjunction with the city’s goals.
• Be a presence in the community at large to foster communication and responsiveness. You've seen me at city events; rec events; school events. All opportunities for you to talk to me about your concerns.

I am running for Westlake City Council, Ward 1, to keep Westlake a vibrant, thriving community with low taxes and a high quality of life.

I grew up in Ward 1 and returned to raise my here family because of the excellent city services, the great schools, and the beautiful neighborhoods.

To keep us on the right track, now is the time to update Westlake’s master plan, with input from the community, to address changing trends in where we work, shop and play. We need to be proactive and smart about how the limited vacant land, and existing underutilized properties, are developed in the future. The result: quality development to keep our economic engine going and our taxes low, while protecting our neighborhoods and open space.

Dear Residents of Ward 5,

It is my privilege to serve as your council representative.

This year alone I have worked personally with more than 120 of you, resolving your issues, listening to your suggestions to improve our city, and helping you find solutions to your concerns. In addition, I have spoken with many of you at city functions and out in our community. I welcome these opportunities to meet you and listen to your ideas.

To those of you I have not yet met personally, please know that I give thoughtful consideration to all matters that come before City Council, and every vote I make is done with your safety and well being in mind.

Born and raised here in Northeast Ohio, I have been a resident of Westlake and Ward 5 for over 18 years.

Professionally, I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with my MBA. I have worked with individuals, small and large companies and for-profit and non-profit organizations. Currently, I work for myself and a local charity, Coats for Kids. I’m grateful to be able to use my profession to give back to the community.

Over the years I have been elected president of three different PTA units, the most recent being the Westlake Council of PTAs which oversees all of the PTA units in Westlake and interacts with other community organizations. I have served on the Strategic Planning Commission with Westlake City Schools, a group of community members, business owners, parents, and staff dedicated to plotting the course for our schools in the future. I represented parents during Recreation Master Plan meetings for the City of Westlake.

I am running for Westlake City Council from Ward 6. I have practiced law for 37 years and am currently a partner in a Westlake law firm. I have lived in Westlake for over 30 years and served on the board of the three homeowners associations where I’ve lived. I have been an official/referee in local school sports programs. I have volunteered with organizations providing assistance to the homeless, hungry, high school students and Legal Aid clients.

As a first-time candidate for political office, I walked every street in Ward 6, knocking on doors to introduce myself and ask for residents’ support. I listened to their concerns and answered their questions. I want to earn every Ward 6 resident’s vote on Nov. 7. With your vote, I will truly be that fresh face and new voice on city council.

I have lived and worked in Westlake for over 30 years. During that time, I have been actively involved in the community. The positive spirit of both Westlake and its citizens inspired me to begin serving on Westlake City Council in 2009. Exciting projects are in the works, including a potential new pool, new community center, and improved park system. I hope to see the evolution of these projects through, and I believe that my experience will prove an incredible asset.

My upbringing has molded the person I am today. My father suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for as long as I can remember. His illness never broke his resolve, as he never ceased leading and helping others. He taught me that character is defined by selfless, unacknowledged action. I learned by his example and have served the Westlake community with integrity, honesty, and truthfulness.

Mark your calendar for Dec. 10. The Women's Board of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center invites you to join them at Clague Playhouse for a benefit performance of "Christmas at the Wiley Diner."

The 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee will be preceded by a social at 1:15 p.m. featuring food and beverage. General admission tickets are $25 each and are available by calling 440-773-7743 or 440-670-6760. This benefit is a perfect time to invite a friend to share a holiday event or to purchase a ticket as a gift.

Drone photo of the expo. Photo courtesy of Aerial Agents

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Over 100 Power of More members from seven different chambers of commerce set up shop at Market Square in Crocker Park on Sept. 28 for the Business Expo. This trade show event has been held for the last five years at the Gemini Center in Fairview Park. Originally, it was a showcase of businesses in the Fairview Park chamber.

Over the past few years, as the Power of More has grown from four chambers to seven, the show had outgrown the space. When the offer to use the new Market Square was made available through the city of Westlake, a new home for the show was found.

What have you done for democracy lately? Voted in a primary? Check! Attended a candidate forum? Check! Researched a ballot issue? Check! Petitioned your government to end gerrymandering? Huh?

Drawing legislative districts to favor the governing party – aka gerrymandering – is unAmerican. It undermines "one citizen, one vote." It disfavors moderate candidates. It erodes the need to compromise. It destroys democracy.

Ohio has been one of the most-gerrymandered states in America. In 2015, 71.5 percent of us voted to end gerrymandering for the Ohio Legislature. But the Legislature, which wrote the constitutional amendment with its eyes on a different prize, failed to end gerrymandering for United States congressional districts.

Okay, so tell me if I understand this correctly: The Cavaliers think they are a shoo-in for the NBA Finals with the signing of Dwyane Wade? The same guy who LeBron played with for a few years down in Miami – that Dwyane Wade? The guy who’s – in terms of relative ability – a mere shadow of his former self?

This comes on the heels of the Cavs acquiring Isaiah Thomas from the Boston Celtics, the same Isaiah who has a chronic hip injury and is – in terms of relative ability – a mere shadow of his former self? And this comes on the heels of the Cavs signing Derrick Rose, the same Derrick Rose who’s been a mere shadow of his former self since a devastating injury took his quickness in 2012 – that Derrick Rose? Nope, can’t see anything wrong with that pipe dream.

As towns and cities grew during the late 1800s, more urban land was needed for development. Often, the most attractive “open spaces” to develop were inhabited by the dead. Consequently, many urban cemeteries were relocated to the surrounding suburbs. But not all of the dead made the journey to a new cemetery.

Local author William G. Krejci tracked down more than 50 displaced cemeteries throughout the Greater Cleveland area. His most recent book, “Buried Beneath Cleveland: Lost Cemeteries of Cuyahoga County,” details his discoveries of Revolutionary War veterans, famous scientists and illustrious dignitaries buried beneath grocery stores, parking lots and gas stations.

I am no longer a candidate for Bay Village City Council, but this decision wasn’t about winning the election. In fact I felt the general election was probably winnable given a little luck.  

Politics is a messy business, and I’ve seen friends who got involved battered and vilified. Worse, they weren’t able to achieve their objectives. Some tried to “go along to get along” and this approach was unsuccessful because they’d sold their political soul. I became convinced that my historically contentious relationship with City Hall would thwart my efforts, and in some cases the very fact that I was the one pushing an issue would doom the effort. I was in for a frustrating and unproductive two years.

Recently we gathered our friends and family to celebrate our home’s 107th birthday with the placing of our Bay Village Century Home plaque. We view the plaque as a salute to a big old house that has been our home for so long. We aren’t sure what the future holds for any of us or for our home, but for the time being, we’re together enjoying our life and looking forward to making more memories.

Owning a Bay Village Century Home comes with its wonderful history which is sadly, incomplete to us. Several families lived here before us and there was a doctor’s office operating on the second floor at some time. We do know this is where St. Raphael’s started in 1947 before it moved to its present site on Dover Center Road.

Prompted by such a desirious school system, our young family moved to Westlake 33 years ago; it was a wise decision. What we came to appreciate very quickly in addition to the schools were the many city services that our sons participated in throughout their school years: soccer, t-ball, baseball, tennis, golf, swimming and the parks. All these amenities were generously provided right in what they came to call their hometown of Westlake. When we became empty nesters, we determined we would move from the family home but came to the conclusion that Westlake was the community of choice so we stayed.

I am blessed with many grandchildren but it troubles me to see them, all thumbs pounding their dainty little computer phones. I wonder, "Is this all there is? Will they be able to actually sit down and write a letter, using appropriate letters?"

And I fondly think of a simpler time, when most of today's seniors were learning their reading, writing and arithmetic, and we had to take those homework pages home and practice making circles, vertical lines, pronunciations, etc. Yes, indeed, times have changed, and yes, we need to " keep up with the times" and yes, I am computer friendly – because I did not want to be left behind with the many who decided not to change the format of their lives!

The Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) posted record enrollment numbers this fall, leading the College to an overall increase in the student population.

Enrollment at the Westlake campus climbed to nearly 2,200 at the start of this academic year, the seventh since Tri-C opened the academic center in 2011. This year’s headcount is an 11 percent jump from last fall.

Overall, enrollment at the College reached 23,900, a slight increase from 2016.

Westlake Kiwanis President Rick Grane passes the gavel to incoming President Suzanne Rusnak.

The Westlake Kiwanis held their new officer installation on Sept. 26. Robert Clancy, past Kiwanis Division 14 Lt. Governor, performed the installation ceremonies for the new officers.

Current President Rick Grane passed the gavel to incoming President Suzanne Rusnak for 2017-2018. Suzanne thanked the past officers for their service to the Westlake Kiwanis and community. Suzanne outlined her goals for the upcoming Kiwanis year and ended with a quote: "If you want to be a person that belongs to a service organization then you can't have a spirit that wants to do it alone."