Bay Village groups announce plans for new year

Members of the Bay Village Community Council met via Zoom on Jan. 24 to share news and notes from their civic organizations. Prior to the regular meeting, a six-person selection committee reviewed nominations for Citizen and Project of the Year and unanimously agreed to honor Patrick McGannon and the Bay Village Historical Society's revitalization efforts.

Following is a condensed report of the groups' activities:

The Bay Village Branch Library reports that the new building is on target to be completed by the end of April. The Friends of the Library book sale continues with lots of materials for all ages. A bag of books is $2, with proceeds supporting library programming. Visit cuyahogalibrary.org to view upcoming programs.

Bay Village Kiwanis sold over 300 Christmas trees between Nov. 27 and Dec. 10. The proceeds will benefit community service programs. The Club is reworking outside display standards for Lake Erie Nature & Science Center and working on projects for BAYarts.

The Friends of the Bay Village Kennel's Facebook page has replaced its website. The page publicizes lost and found animals, encourages rescue animal adoption, supports animal rescue organizations, disseminates useful information about animals and animal care, and helps lost and stray community cats through trap/neuter/release. FOBVK responds to neighborhood calls and assists by furnishing material support for lost, stray or injured companion animals, usually cats. The Bay Village Police Department cares for lost or stray dogs by sending them to the Cuyahoga County kennel if their owner is not located within 24 hours.

The Bay Village Historical Society will host a Feb. 17 potluck at Bay Lodge on "Matters of the Heart," with the featured speaker talking about courtship practices of the past. Attendees are encouraged to wear red. The main entrée of three soup choices will be provided. Those with a last name beginning with A through L are asked to bring an appetizer to share, while attendees with a last name beginning with M through Z are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. The meeting begins at 6 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the speaker at 7 p.m. The cost is free for historical society members and $10 at the door for non-members. RSVP to blinglady17@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is open for free general admission seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free wildlife services are also available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 440-871-2900, ext. 204 or email wildlife@lensc.org with wildlife questions and concerns. Visit lensc.org for information about upcoming programs.

Village Bicycle Cooperative’s Fix It Forward program had a record year in 2021, donating 141 bikes to various charitable organizations. In addition, 180 refurbished bicycles were sold at very reasonable prices to the community. Bike donations will be accepted during volunteer shop hours, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-5 p.m. Check villagebicycle.org for updates.

The Bay Village City School District is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Bay High School. The annual BHS Talent Show is Feb. 26, 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Kindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year begins Feb. 2. Upcoming Board of Education meetings will be Feb. 7 and Feb. 22. (There are some Tuesday night Board meetings this year. They have traditionally only been on Mondays.) The Board meetings continue to be held at the Bay Middle School cafeteria to allow for more social distancing and more attendees.

The Bay Village League of Women Voters is making plans to offer the League’s Voter Girl curriculum to local Girl Scout troops. This is a fun and age-appropriate civics curriculum designed for each level of scouting to teach the foundations of democracy.

The Bay Village Garden Club adapted to the pandemic by decorating wreaths, centerpieces and boxwood trees to sell for their annual "Greening of Bay" fundraiser, rather than hosting the typical DIY workshops.

The Bay Village Women’s Club's annual Antique & Vintage Show returns to Bay High Feb. 26 and 27. The Club is looking for volunteers and anyone who might be interested in being the food vendor; i.e. preparing food and selling it at the event.

The Bay Village Foundation is accepting requests for funds to be donated for specific projects of local civic and non-profit organizations. Awards may range from $500-$5,000. Submission deadline is Feb. 28.

Village Project is hosting their annual Nourish fundraiser on March 12. Visit ourvillageproject.org for tickets. The Project Shoppe will be open on Saturday in February from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Bay Village Community Council will meet again in March. Membership is open to all nonprofit organizations in Bay Village. Contact Tara Wendell, tara@wbvobserver.com, for more information.