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Dolly and Dick Hartman's Crossings Village patio garden won the Lu Walter "Best in Bloom" award in this year's Westlake in Bloom competition. Photo by Jim Bedell

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Colorful patio garden takes top honors

It is often said that the best things come in small packages. Westlake residents Dolly and Dick Hartman proved that to be true when their small garden won big in the Westlake in Bloom competition earlier this month.

After coming in first in the “Patio and Abutting Garden, Multi-Family Residence” category during the awards ceremony Aug. 8 at LaCentre, the pair were shocked to hear their names called again at the end of the evening for the Lu Walter “Best in Bloom” award.

Suffragist and women's rights advocate Abby Scott Baker speaks with Ohio Gov. James Cox.

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On Monday, Aug. 26, the Westlake-North Olmsted Chapter of the League of Women Voters will celebrate Women’s Equality Day, marking a key date in the history of women’s right to vote in the U.S.

This August date in 1920 was when the United States Secretary of State certified the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, making female citizens eligible to vote for candidates at all levels of government beginning with the presidential election of November 1920. The lead-up to this change in law had been long and tumultuous, beginning formally in 1848 at a national convention of advocates for women’s right to vote in Seneca Falls, New York.

Camp Gan Israel combined learning and fun for Jewish children this summer.

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For the second year in a row, children of the West Side enjoyed a fantastic summer experience at the Camp Gan Israel Jewish summer camp.

Guided sports activities with professional coaches, exciting field trips, and exploration of the arts filled each day this summer. Most importantly, children learned about their Jewish heritage and Jewish values in a fun-loving environment. 

The administration at Chabad of the West Side was ecstatic to see the steady growth since last summer, with enrollment more than doubling over the past year. It looks indeed like Jewish learning and activity has a bright future here on the West Side!

Laura Curry, who graduated from Bay High School in 2017, is studying abroad in Tanzania.

Laura Curry, a 2017 Bay High School graduate, received a Boren Scholarship and is studying abroad this year in Tanzania, Africa. She is a junior at West Virginia University and is WVU's 26th Boren Scholar.

As a history major at WVU, Laura has concentrations in American, African, Asian and Latin American history but developed a special interest in Africa. She also has a minor in Business Administration and is a student in the Honor's College.

The Boren Scholarship promotes linguistic and cultural immersion. Laura will be learning Swahili while learning the history and culture of East Africa.

Church of the Redeemer UCC will host a screening of Stu Maddox’s critically acclaimed film, "Gen Silent," Sunday, Aug. 25, at noon at the church, 23500 Center Ridge Road, Westlake. The viewing is free, but attendees are asked to make reservations by calling the church at 440-331-0834 or emailing church@corucc.org.

The documentary tells the story of six LGBT older adults transitioning to assisted care and facing the decision of going back into the closet to survive.

The Forest Stewardship Council's certification logo on a package of Kleenex tissues.

Have you ever wondered what you can do to save more trees? Yes, you have power to help the trees on earth! To do this is simple: Vote with your dollars.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has a certification system that designates the paper or product made from trees was created from trees in forests that are responsibly managed.

“Responsibly managed forests” means that the trees that are harvested are replaced or allowed to regenerate naturally. Furthermore, you can be certain that rare plants and animals are protected entirely, and the rights of indigenous people are protected.

The Encore Campus Fridays program at Cuyahoga Community College debuts this fall at Westshore Campus to enrich the minds and lives of those aged 55 and older.

The fall program begins Sept. 20 and runs every Friday for seven weeks at the campus, located at 31001 Clemens Road in Westlake. Age-eligible students can enroll in one to six courses for a $99 fee. The 50-minute classes take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

A bit of the home's "gingerbread trim" peeks out from behind overgrown vegetation. Photo by Will Krause

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Part one of a four-part series on the Limpert family and their bygone fruit farm on Detroit Road in Westlake.

A mere $2.3 million will buy you 8.6 acres, twin circa-1893 Eastlake style homes and a unique piece of Dover history. The property is located just west of St. Paul Lutheran Church on the south side of the street, 28083-28119 Detroit Road. The white frame homes are set back a fair distance from the road and are almost obscured by overgrown vegetation. When they were still clearly visible from the road the “gingerbread” trim was a pleasant sight to see.

An Ohio Historic Inventory form says that a sign advertising “Wine for sale” was still displayed in 1977. As recently as the 1990s I believe a red and white “Bonded Winery” sign was mounted on the side of the road. Was it once illuminated with neon? Did it also say “Limpert’s Fruit Farm”? I can’t remember for sure.

A portable form factor, combined with the ease of operation using only one finger – which I coined as “Power of One” devices – smartphones have become ubiquitous devices that are always connected to the internet, aka the cloud, and always with you.

While we use a smartphone in the real world, it is a vehicle into the digital world that supports the duality-in-lifestyle of living in both real and digital worlds simultaneously. There are no beginnings nor endings to these worlds; they coexist and are interwoven, blurring the boundaries as technology continues to permeate into every nook-and-cranny of our lives.

Well, I’m so excited to talk about the 2019 Browns, I can’t wait to get star–

Hang on a microsecond, there’s something I need to get off my chest before we get to my Browns predictions ...

We interrupt this column to bring you a more pressing topic (in the eyes of your columnist, anyway, but NOT so much in the eyes of this publication) …

So there I was, sitting in my easy chair, watching the Indians demolish the Yankees this past Thursday evening, accomplishing something that hadn’t happened in baseball in 113 – count ‘em, 113 years – when … oh wait, that’s not true, my TV provider no longer carries Fox Sports Ohio, who in turn, carries the Tribe games. I guess I imagined that part about “watching” the Tribe’s record-setting annihilation of the Yankees, so what you want to take from this is that I’m just a teensy-weensy bit annoyed.

One hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, three girlfriends, and a soccer stadium filled with screaming fans. What could possibly go wrong?

It’s 1930s Paris and the stage is set for the concert of the century – as long as producer Henry Saunders (played by Lou Will) can keep Italian superstar Tito Merelli (Mark Rabkin) and his hot-blooded wife, Maria (Jenny Erbs), from causing runaway chaos.

The Bay Village branch library is continuing its Teen Zone program on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. starting on Sept. 4 for the 2019/20 school year. This weekly after school program for students in grades 5 and up focuses on themes in gaming, art, movies, technology and more. Parents must sign a release before their child can participate. Please stop by to see a librarian to register your child for Teen Zone.

CHILDREN

Weekly storytimes are on hiatus for the month of August. Please join us again starting Sept. 3.

Wednesday, Sept. 4 (7 p.m.) Mad Scientists: Strawbees Tower – Grades K-2: Join us for a hands-on science program. Construct the tallest tower using Strawbees that can hold a ping pong ball at the top for two minutes.

Saturday, Sept. 7 (11 a.m.) Let's Celebrate Grandparents – Bring your grandparents or grandparent figure to share stories, activities and crafts.

TEEN

Wednesday, Sept. 4 (3 p.m.) Teen Zone 

ADULT

Wednesday, Aug. 21 (7 p.m.) Through the Eyes of the Artist: Mary Cassatt – Mary Cassatt influenced Impressionism not only as an artist, she also had an important role in sponsoring and financially promoting Impressionist art. She was single-handedly responsible for introducing the paintings of the French Impressionists to the United States. Join us to learn about her life and art as presented by Felicia Zavarella Stadelman.

Saturday, Aug. 24 (2 p.m.) Canvas Button Art – Join us to learn how to make a piece of art from beads, buttons and a silhouette image. All supplies will be provided. This program is intended for adults ages 18 and over.

Tuesday, Sept. 3 (7 p.m.) '90s Maker Nights - Let’s hit rewind to a wicked cool time. Join us for totally '90s maker nights featuring your favorite old school crafts and snacks. This month's craft is Perler Bead Jewelry.

Please register to attend the featured programs online at cuyahogalibrary.org, call us at 440-871-6392, or stop in to the library at 502 Cahoon Road and register with a librarian.

Tuesday, Aug. 20 (7-8:30 p.m.) Mansions of Euclid Avenue – Join Michael Goldstein as he discusses the history and the mansions of Euclid Avenue, also known as Millionaires’ Row. The wealthiest owners and managers of the city’s largest companies and banks lived along this stretch of road. Cleveland’s booming industry spelled the end of this wealthy enclave as it encroached upon the mansions and their owners left for the suburbs. Please register.

Tuesday, Aug. 20 (7-7:30 p.m.) Bedtime Stories: Counting Sheep – Put on your pajamas and unwind at the end of the day. We will count sheep and relax with quiet stories, songs and other activities to help get ready for bedtime. Ages 4-6. Siblings welcome.

Wednesdays, Aug. 21 and 28 (9:30 & 10:15 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, Aug. 21 (2-3:30 p.m.) eBooks, Streaming Music, Digital Movies, and More! – Learn how to access free eBooks and eAudiobooks, digital music, streaming movies, and more! Patrons are encouraged to bring their own devices. A brief presentation will be followed by an open lab. Please register.

Wednesday, Aug. 21 (3-4 p.m.) Walt Disney World Travel Tips – Essential tips to get the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation. Join Karen Kulow as she brings her years of experience in the travel industry to help you understand what you need to do to have a fun, exciting, and safe trip to Walt Disney World, including the unexpected costs and fees that crop up with any trip planning. Please register.

Wednesday, Aug. 21 (7-8 p.m.) Tech Lab: Home Automation and Smart Devices – Discover the latest in home/office automation and smart devices in a blended lecture and hands-on demo. Learn about how you can apply new technology to make your surroundings safer and life easier. Please register.

Thursdays, Aug. 22 and 29 (4-5 p.m.) Code Club! – Grades 3-4: Learn how to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code! We’ll start with Khan Academy and Google’s CS First. Registration begins one week before each session.

Friday, Aug. 23 (10 a.m.-noon) Fiber Fanatics – A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems, and show off.

Friday, Aug. 23 (4-5 p.m.) Got Science? – Learn all about earthquakes. Can you build a structure that can stay standing during an earthquake? Grades 1 and 2. Please register.

Westlake Porter Public Library is currently accepting applications for a position on the board of trustees that starts on Jan. 1, 2020. The position will become available when Lindsay English’s term expires on Dec. 31.

The board is composed of seven members and has primary responsibility for approving library policies, setting the budget, hiring a director and fiscal officer and advocating for the library. Terms are seven years with a maximum of two terms. Library board meetings are held monthly, usually on the third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the library.

Glenview Brownies standing in a field in front of the Huntington barns.  Huntington was a popular place for outdoor activities on the west side. Picture was taken in 1946.

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The following tidbit was part of the weekly news in Katherine Messenger’s local newspaper column in the summer of 1945.

"Girl Scout News – 1945: This week brought to a close the first Girl Scout Day Camp to be conducted in Bay Village. The project consisting of outdoor craft, handcraft, singing, and games was met with enthusiastic response from the Brownies and Girl Scouts. A program demonstrating a few of the activities will take place July 4th at 1:30 pm in the valley of Cahoon Park. Everyone is invited to attend."

Many Girl Scout events were held in the valley behind Rose Hill Museum. The pond was used for "crossing over the bridge" from Brownies to Girl Scouts. There was a small park with a merry-go-round, teeter-totter and swings close by. I remember making pads out of red-and-white-checked linoleum squares by sewing them together with leather striplings for seat pads.

Typically in October, Christian churches honor the famous, beloved St. Francis of Assisi by having pet blessings. But did you know that St. Francis is not just the patron saint of animals, he is also the patron saint of stowaways, the environment and ecology? He was a friend to the poor, calmed and blessed an attacking wolf and his quotes are well documented and used each day.

Researching St. Francis' biography, I learned that he was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon and preacher. He founded the men's Order of Friars Minor, the women's Order of St. Clare, the Third Order of St. Francis and the Custody of the Holy Land. St. Francis is considered one of the most venerated religious figures in history.

Paige Burns receiving the "Student Volunteer of the Year" award at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

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Lake Erie Nature & Science Center recognized Kirsten Wykowski and Paige Burns with volunteer-of-the-year awards at the organization’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on Aug. 13.

Each year, the Center celebrates its many volunteers who are vital in helping the Center to fulfill its mission to educate children, families and students and provide wildlife services. Volunteers help with animal care, docent education, family and youth programming, summer camps and more. The Center’s Volunteers of the Year are people who consistently demonstrate teamwork, reliability, responsibility and leadership within the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Volunteer Program.

Thank you to everyone who has already adopted ducks for the Westlake Historical Society’s annual Rubber Duck Race on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Westlake Recreation Center. Ducks can still be adopted on our website, www.westlakeohiohistory.org. The event begins at noon and promises to be a lot of fun.  

As part of the Rubber Duck Race, there will also be a large Silent Auction and Old-Fashioned Pie Contest.

Haley Sathre of Bay Village and Sophia Abdelhamid and Arielle Kriaris of Westlake received Tri-C Honors Program Fellowships.

Three students from Bay Village and Westlake have been selected for Cuyahoga Community College Honors Program Fellowships, which offer high-achieving students scholarships to cover tuition, fees and books as they work toward an associate degree.

Scholarship recipients include Haley Sathre of Bay Village and Sophia Abdelhamid and Arielle Kriaris of Westlake.

The students signed commitment letters with the College during an Aug. 7 ceremony at Tri-C’s Jerry Sue Thornton Center in Cleveland. Each scholarship – funded by donors to the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation – is valued at up to $5,160 per academic year.

The fall session of Case Western Reserve University's continuing education discussion classes in Bay Village begins Sept. 16.

Explore the life and historical setting of Leonardo da Vinci, the man whose very  name is synonymous with creativity, curiosity and inventive genius. Anatomist, artist, astronomer, biologist, botanist, city planner, dramatist, engineer, geologist, inventor, militarist, ornithologist, physicist – da Vinci questioned all, created much amid the turbulent Renaissance world of mighty popes and princes. This passionate, flamboyant, but flawed man became one of the most extraordinary human beings in all of history. 

From left to right: Kathleen McClement, Anita Marshall (both 2nd vice presidents and co-chairs of the Scholarship Luncheon); Hannah Miu and Rachel Drobnak (both scholarship winners); Mary Kay Filipiak (chairperson of the scholarship committee).

On Wednesday, Aug. 7, The Herb Guild Garden Club held its 35th annual scholarship luncheon. Two area students received $2,000 scholarships and both were present at the luncheon to receive them.

Rachel Drobnak is a graduate of Olmsted Falls High School and will be attending Michigan State University. She will be majoring in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and minoring in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. Hannah Miu is a graduate of Berea-Midpark High School. She will be attending Bowling Green State University, majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Horticulture. Both are looking forward to attending college this fall.

Many years ago in Houston, I met the woman I fell in love with and married. She was from Ohio, and I was from Michigan. I knew little of Ohio, except there were some cousins, near Ashtabula.

As I got to know my wife, I visited her family in the town where she graduated from high school and her parents resided, Bay Village. At first, it seemed like just a nice name. I met her mom. Within half an hour, she told me how proud she was of living in Greater Cleveland, saying many times that day (later, too): "Cleveland, the Best Location in the Nation." I was open to that and felt welcomed and loved.

The purpose of this essay, is to celebrate a special place which, from the perspective of a visitor here, is amazing. Though, I have been here many times in the past 29 years, this year I was struck how simply incredible this small town really is.

The Avon Lake Women’s Chorus is a non-profit organization that welcomes women of all ages and all communities (not limited to Avon Lake residents).

We prepare winter and spring programs to entertain residents of independent/assisted living facilities and clubs/groups in Lorain and western Cuyahoga counties. Under the direction of a professional choral director and an accomplished pianist, our upbeat programs feature holiday music, show tunes, old favorites, pop melodies, traditional, whimsical, gospel and rock 'n' roll that get faces smiling and toes tapping!