Local News

Herb Guild Garden Club offers scholarships

The Herb Guild Garden Club is offering a one-time scholarship available to graduating high school seniors as well as Lorain County Community College and Cuyahoga Community College current freshmen or sophomore students. Applicants must be residents of the state of Ohio and U.S. citizens. (International or foreign exchange students are not eligible.)

Only students with a proposed academic study in forestry, botany, horticulture, environmental science, agriculture, landscaping, or culinary arts are eligible for this scholarship.

Deadline for applying is April 6. For further information contact Karol Polkinghorn at 440-554-7755.

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Volume 12, Issue 6, Posted 9:41 AM, 03.17.2020

Connecting for Kids of Westlake recognizes 3 with awards

Connecting for Kids has recognized the following individuals with its 2020 Board Awards:

Parent & Professional of the Year Awards

These awards are given to those that exemplify the mission of Connecting for Kids to provide education and support to families concerned about their child. The following individuals have been recognized:

2020 Parent of the Year: Jean Dombrosky, a resident of Amherst

Jean Dombrosky was nominated by her daughter, Lisa Neely, who wrote the following in her nomination: “My mom stopped enjoying being a grandparent six years ago and turned into a parent again. Raising my niece and nephew, Joe and Ada, to be the best they can in all areas of their life. Joe and Ada both carry a large medical and trauma history that requires countless appointments. My mother retired to ensure she could adequately care for them in every aspect. She takes them to all medical and therapy appointments without any voice of discord or second thought. She has turned into their educational advocate and is always in attendance at IEP meetings, conferences and is in constant communication with teachers. She is one of the biggest fans at the various Special Olympic events and attends community programs in hopes to become better educated in her role as caregiver.”

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Volume 12, Issue 6, Posted 9:44 AM, 03.17.2020

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center to close through March 31

UPDATE: Lake Erie Nature & Science Center announced on March 27 that it will extend its temporary closure until Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health provide directives indicating it is safe to repoen.

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center sent out a press release on March 12 announcing that its doors will close March 13 in response directives from state and county officials:

The health and safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors is a top priority of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. The Center is taking appropriate action to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Following directives of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Public Health, Cuyahoga Board of Health and the CDC to limit public gatherings, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center will close to the public, cancel all classes and programs and halt wildlife rehabilitation services from March 13 through at least March 31.

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Volume 12, Issue 6, Posted 7:52 PM, 03.12.2020

Mayor Koomar outlines big changes coming to Bay

Years from now, this moment in Bay Village history may look like the calm before the storm. Just over the horizon, winds are blowing in a front heavy with significant changes to the city’s landscape. In a few short years, not to mention the decades to come, Bay Village will undergo a series of transformations that some consider long overdue.

In the near term will be a new library, an attached housing complex and an accessible network of park trails and lake access. Down the road, if all goes as planned, will come revamped shopping areas, more housing and dining options, and enhanced pedestrian/bicycle routes in an energized city center, to name a few.

To anyone who thinks all is quiet now, Mayor Paul Koomar, members of his administration and City Council would beg to differ. For the past several years, particularly in 2019, several projects have been gaining steam, which Koomar highlighted in his annual State of the City address on Feb. 26.

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Volume 12, Issue 5, Posted 10:08 AM, 03.03.2020

Westlake City Council honors women's suffrage anniversary

A double presentation at the Westlake City Council meeting on Feb. 20 marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as well as the 100th anniversary of the founding of the League of Women Voters.

Council President Pro Tem Kenneth R. Brady presented a resolution signed by all council members to Janice Patterson, Westlake-North Olmsted Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland. An anniversary proclamation was presented by Mayor Dennis M. Clough.

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Volume 12, Issue 5, Posted 10:02 AM, 03.03.2020

'Drugs: Cost & Consequences' in NEO for first time!

The exhibit, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration Educational Foundation, provides an eye-opening look at the devastating costs of drug abuse.

Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL), together with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration Educational Foundation, is proud to announce the opening of the traveling exhibit: "Drugs: Costs & Consequences" at its Parma-Snow Branch located at 2121 Snow Road in Parma.

“We are excited to bring this informative exhibit to the greater-Cleveland area,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin, Detroit Field Division. “I’m particularly proud of the Our Local Story exhibit, which does a great job of highlighting the tremendous work DEA agents do right here in our own community.”

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Volume 12, Issue 5, Posted 10:04 AM, 03.03.2020

Stop the bleed!

Faculty and staff of the Bay Village City Schools have opened the second half of the academic year more prepared for emergency situations.

Through a cooperative partnership with University Hospitals St. John Medical Center and the Bay Village Fire Department, school district officials are being trained in a program called “Stop the Bleed.” This training prepares participants in the use of special dressings and tourniquets to assist in a bleeding emergency before the city’s firefighter-paramedics arrive.

Toward this end, UH St. John donated 250 Stop the Bleed buckets and trauma kits – enough for every building classroom, school bus, and vehicle. Valued at more than $25,000, these buckets and trauma kits contain the tools necessary to help control bleeding in an emergency, and include such items as protective gloves, bandages, gauze and tourniquets.

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Volume 12, Issue 4, Posted 10:07 AM, 02.18.2020

Westshore Council of Governments (WCOG) meeting, Feb. 12, 2020

This report is not an official statement of the League of Women Voters. Mayor Koomar's office prepares official minutes.

Present: Mayors Koomar (Bay Village), Cooney (Fairview Park), George (Lakewood), Kennedy (North Olmsted), Bobst (Rocky River), Clough (Westlake), and Renee Mahoney, COG Fiscal Officer.

Guests: Bay Village Police Chief Mark Spaetzel and Bay Village Fire Chief Chris Lyons.

The meeting was held at Bay Village City Hall, Mayor Koomar presiding. It was called to order at 9:30 a.m.

Fiscal report: The year-end report was submitted showing expenditures significantly below budget. The possibility of additional funding for drug enforcement from the state and possible drug enforcement grants were discussed.

Commission Reports

NOACA: Mayor Bobst reported that there will be a presentation and discussion on Feb. 18, 4-6 p.m., at the Crawford Auto Museum on University Circle titled “From Hyper Loop to Electric Vehicles.” The event is part of an exhibit at the museum co-sponsored by NOACA titled “Electric, Steam or Gasoline: The Past, Present, and Future of Alternative Power" and the presentation will be preceded by a reception and tour of the exhibit. The presentation is free and open to the public but registration is required. The exhibit will continue until April 26, 2020.

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Volume 12, Issue 4, Posted 10:03 AM, 02.18.2020

Sea Scout leader named Bay Village Citizen of the Year

Longtime resident Richard Gash was chosen as this year’s recipient of Bay Village’s top honor in recognition of his tireless work with the city’s youth.

Gash, skipper of Sea Scout Ship 41, launched the program with Scott Engel in spring 2000. Over the past two decades, the Scouting program has provided on-the-water learning adventures to hundreds of area students.

“Since day one I have been impressed with Richard’s dedication to Sea Scouts and the principles of Scouting,” said Dawn Hamil, whose three children participate in the program. “He constantly finds challenges that allow time for thoughtfulness and there are plenty of active challenges to test one’s spirit and athletics. He takes care of and nurtures mind, body and soul which is an amazing gift to these young adults.”

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Volume 12, Issue 2, Posted 10:08 AM, 01.21.2020

League of Women Voters chapters to meet Jan. 25

What’s it all about? Who are the people from the League of Women Voters who keep asking you to register to vote? Or urge you to come to a public meeting? 

Citizens with such questions are welcome to attend a meeting on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 9:30 a.m., at the Fairview Park Branch Library, 21255 Lorain Road, when the League will kick off its centennial year by discussing how the organization should focus its resources in 2020-2021. 

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Volume 12, Issue 2, Posted 9:52 AM, 01.21.2020

Community West Foundation announces new president and CEO

Martin J. Uhle is no stranger to the Community West Foundation or to the west side of Cleveland. Marty, as everyone knows him, has been on the Foundation’s board of directors since 2009 serving in many capacities. It has been through his service that he was identified as the optimal candidate to assume the position as the next president & CEO of the Foundation.

“The last several years that I have dedicated to non-profit work have inspired me,” says Marty. “I left the for-profit world in 2011, immersed myself in service to the community, and consider this an amazing opportunity to lead such a well-respected and successful organization.”

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Volume 12, Issue 2, Posted 9:53 AM, 01.21.2020

Bay VFW launches new website

In order to better serve and communicate with our local communities on the West Shore, the Bay Village VFW has initiated a website for our Post, vfwpost9693.org.

As more of our membership is online and as most of our potential members are looking for quick info, we believe that this will greatly benefit our recruiting and communication.

The website can be utilized by members for event and meeting information, by students looking to participate in one of our essay competitions or apply for the military scholarship, and by community members interested in learning about Post events and Americanism activities throughout the year.

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Volume 12, Issue 2, Posted 9:48 AM, 01.21.2020

Westlake clerk of council: guardian of Dover history

In 1833, Dover Township's annual expenditure was $120.93.

Here’s where some of that money went: Ransom Foot was paid $1.14 for “Constable services.” Asa Blood was paid $3.75 for “Trustees & Clerks Services.” Eli Clemans was paid $2.34 for “paper & services as a [township] clerk.” Over 60% of expenses were in support of “Pauper” and “Poor.”

Today you can find all of these historical gold nuggets (from the 1800s to today) on the city website – thanks to the diligent work of Westlake’s Clerk of Council, Denise Rosenbaum. 

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Volume 11, Issue 24, Posted 10:19 AM, 12.17.2019

Bay residents share visions for future development

The city of Bay Village held a public meeting Dec. 10 to gather residents’ input on the proposed mixed-use zoning overlay project. Planning consultant Jason Russell led the hour-and-a-half-long session, which included an extensive audience comment period.

Nicknamed “Stay in Bay,” the aim of the zoning overlay is to update the city’s commercial building guidelines to “encourage more retail, additional housing options and new community gathering spaces that exist in harmony with our residential neighborhoods.”

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Volume 11, Issue 24, Posted 10:07 AM, 12.17.2019

Westshore Council of Governments (WCOG) meeting, Nov. 13, 2019

This report is not an official statement of the League of Women Voters. Official minutes are prepared by Mayor Summers' office.

Present: Mayors Summers (Lakewood) presiding; Kennedy (North Olmsted), Bobst (Rocky River), Patton (Fairview Park), Koomar (Bay Village), and Renee Mahoney, COG Fiscal Officer.

Guests: County Council members Nan Baker and Dale Miller. Mayor Summers welcomed Meghan George, newly elected to replace him as Lakewood mayor; and Patrick Cooney (not present), elected to replace Mayor Patton of Fairview Park. He explained the background of WCOG and noted that the police chiefs and fire chiefs also meet monthly to discuss common issues.

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Fiscal Officer’s Report: Budget allocations for enforcement in 2020 went according to previous years.

RTA: The new president will come to next WCOG meeting. There is still a vacancy on their board. Patton stated that Fairview is having safety problems with the transit station on Center Ridge where there is no off-street parking and people have been sleeping in the heated shelter. She wants to know the role of the transit police. Are there general safety regulations? She will bring up these concerns at the end of the next meeting, as they may need to have a separate conversation.

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Volume 11, Issue 24, Posted 10:10 AM, 12.17.2019

3,000 pounds of dangerous drugs collected

The Westshore Enforcement Bureau Drug Task Force (WEBDTF) gratefully acknowledges the citizens of our six western suburbs for actively participating in the semi-annual collection event on Oct. 26, 2019, when 276 pounds of outdated and unwanted medications were collected for safe disposal.

In addition, our WEB communities' citizens were responsible for properly disposing of medications via the use of the 365/24/7 drop boxes located within each of the police department lobbies to the tune of 3,028 pounds through Nov. 30!

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Volume 11, Issue 24, Posted 10:20 AM, 12.17.2019

Town Criers name Mr. & Mrs. Westlake

The Westlake Town Criers is an organization comprised of men dedicated to aid and assist worthy causes within the City of Westlake. Since 1955, the Town Criers have been honoring a couple that have best served the youth and citizens of Westlake in a positive and outstanding manner.

This year we would like to honor Andrew Mangels and his wife, Christine. Andrew is the director of Westlake Porter Public Library. He is “over and above” involved in the community. He belongs to the Westlake Town Criers, the Westlake/Bay Village Rotary and the Westlake Kiwanis. He is not just a member in these groups but has taken on leadership roles. He is a member of the PTA and ran Hilliard’s Field Day for years.

Andrew helped run the Baseball Association. He coordinates the volunteers for Celebrate Westlake. He is president of the board of directors for Connecting for Kids. He is also on the board for the Far West Center. He helped start up a group called “Continuing the Conversation” which brings together the police, schools, library and nonprofit organizations to work on solving the heroin issues in town. The list goes on and on.

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Volume 11, Issue 23, Posted 11:00 AM, 12.03.2019

Bay Village eyes building code updates to encourage development

The City of Bay Village is launching an overlay zoning project that will affect the retail and commercial districts.

We are working with Jason Russell of Concord Consultants to help put this together; he is a professional planner who has worked with the City of Lakewood, served as a councilman for the City of South Euclid, and is currently with developer RMS managing the Van Aken District in Shaker Heights.

Russell treated us to an interactive presentation, introducing the project to the Planning Commission on Nov. 20. The city will also hold a public input meeting at Dwyer Center on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.; and two Planning Commission meetings open to the public on Wednesdays, Jan. 8 and 15, at 7:30 p.m.

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Volume 11, Issue 23, Posted 10:14 AM, 12.03.2019

Westlake has elite team of first responders

On Nov. 19, the American Heart Association (AHA) presented the Westlake Fire Department with its Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award for excellence in treating heart attack victims.

This marks Westlake’s fifth Gold Award in six years. They won a Silver Award in the gap year.

In the case of heart attacks, every minute counts. Triage before arrival to the hospital is crucial to survival.

The AHA recommends an EKG in the field for all patients with suspicious chest pain. EMS needs to alert the nearest cardiac cath lab within 10 minutes. The time from the first EMS contact to the first therapeutic intervention in a hospital should be less than 90 minutes. The Gold status is awarded for those with a 75% compliance rate for two consecutive years.

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Volume 11, Issue 23, Posted 10:12 AM, 12.03.2019

Westlake neighborhood reels after dog bites

On Sept. 11, 2019, Chelsea, a golden retriever, was walking with her owner in a peaceful Westlake neighborhood when a neighbor’s two pit bulls attacked her.

Lester, one of the pit bulls, bit her. His owners were not home at the time. But an acquaintance was. Chelsea’s owner was not hurt.

Lester has a history of biting. In April of this year, he bit a passerby on the thigh. The county investigated and labeled him as a “dangerous dog.” But the city was not aware of the incident.

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Volume 11, Issue 22, Posted 9:31 AM, 11.19.2019

Celebrating 3 years of political activism in Bay Village

Following the presidential election in 2016, an interesting community began to build online among women who were dismayed over the outcome of the election. The media has covered this phenomenon with articles and segments noting that women – suburban women in particular – do not approve of President Donald Trump and have formed activist groups to organize and do something about it.

This phenomenon, this rush of energy coming from women motivated out of disgust over Trump and extremist politics, is happening in your backyard, right here in Bay Village.

On Nov. 10, 2016, a secret Facebook group was formed by a concerned mother living in Bay Village who needed to channel her anger over the outcome of the election into something positive. She realized she had found solace among a few like-minded moms and created the group to commiserate, plan and organize around change. Her initial goal? “Fight like hell for the 2018 midterm elections.” 

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Volume 11, Issue 22, Posted 9:24 AM, 11.19.2019

Bay veterans groups add 6 names to honor wall

The joint efforts of VFW Post 9693, American Legion Post 385, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 249, along with the Dwyer Senior Center, officially added 6 new names to existing Veterans Honor Wall plaques at the Veterans Luncheon on Nov. 8. The Dwyer Center hosted the annual event. The 20 veterans in attendance were treated to lunch and a traditional veteran pinning ceremony.

The ceremony included a brief history of the Veterans Honor Wall and reading of the names of the deceased members being added. They were Timothy J. McAndrews and Alan Valenzeno from the VVA; and Charles Holmes Jr., Clarence Engle, Ronald Tatarowicz and Robert Yates from the American Legion. A full plaque of VFW members would have been dedicated but it arrived too late to be mounted for the ceremony. It will be honored in May, at the next Honor Wall dedication ceremony.   The May dedication will be open to all organization members and local veterans and family as well as interested citizens. It is being planned for the Saturday morning prior to Memorial Day.

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Volume 11, Issue 22, Posted 9:23 AM, 11.19.2019

American Legion plans flag retirement

Bay Village American Legion Post #385 is planning to formally retire old, faded and torn flags as part of their annual Veterans Day celebration. Citizens are requested to bring these flags to the Legion Post, 695 Cahoon Road, Westlake, next to the White Oaks Restaurant. There you will find a red, white and blue box next to the front door. Please place the flags in the box. Deposit the flags before Nov. 8, if possible.

The Legion retires flags twice a year, on Flag Day and on Veterans Day, following official retirement ceremonies.

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Volume 11, Issue 21, Posted 9:23 AM, 11.05.2019

Youth Challenge receives $30,000 grant

The KidsCents Regional Grant program awarded Youth Challenge (YC) with $30,000. The grant will help fund the free adapted sports and recreational programs that YC provides for young people with physical disabilities.

"We are thankful to receive a KidCents Regional Grant," said Chris Garr, CEO. "The Rite Aid Foundation's support helps us to continue improving the lives of young people in Northeast Ohio."

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Volume 11, Issue 21, Posted 9:31 AM, 11.05.2019

USDA notice for Parkside Preschool & Child Care Center

Parkside Preschool & Child Care Center at 23600 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake, Ohio 44145 announces sponsorship of the USDA-funded Child and Adult Care Food Program.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

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Volume 11, Issue 20, Posted 3:41 PM, 10.17.2019

BVFD adds new, more versatile ladder truck to fleet

When the Bay Village Fire Department began back in 1915, the mission was primarily focused on intense and sometimes chaotic efforts by volunteers to douse fires using a horse-drawn wagon supplied with a dozen pails and a ladder. Since those early days, the fire department has evolved into a fully-staffed professionally-trained complement of firefighters, who utilize the latest advancements in technology to respond to fires, as well as a whole host of other emergency situations.

In fact, the modern Bay Village Fire Department – the BVFD – trains daily in order to be prepared to respond to all hazards, including such varied dangers as drownings and water rescues on Lake Erie, calls for emergency medical assistance, motor vehicle crashes, elevator search and rescue, surface ice rescue and, of course, structure fires.

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Volume 11, Issue 20, Posted 9:24 AM, 10.15.2019

League of Women Voters holds Westlake candidates, issues forum

The Westlake/North Olmsted chapter of the League of Women Voters sponsored a Candidate Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Porter Library. The following article contains highlights of the issues and candidates presented that evening. A full video can be seen on youtube.com (search "westlake league of women voters").

Westlake Issue 71: Renewal of Infrastructure Tax

Westlake voters will be asked on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot whether to renew a 0.375% income tax specifically designated for infrastructure needs. This includes funds to repair roadways, storm sewers, water lines, and retention basins in the city. Mayor Dennis Clough explained that 68% of Westlake residents who work outside the city receive a 100% tax credit. The remaining 32% who live outside Westlake but work in the city pay a 1.5% income tax. The 0.375% is part of this 1.5% tax that brings in an estimated $8 million per year to fund infrastructure needs.

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Volume 11, Issue 20, Posted 9:24 AM, 10.15.2019

Nominate a 'kind kid' for award

October is Kindness Month. Do you know a child who goes above and beyond to help others? If so, nominate him or her for the Connecting for Kids Kind Kid Award.

The Kind Kid Award is given to a child 12 years of age or younger who demonstrates kindness and compassion to peers. The nomination should include specific examples of acts of kindness performed by the nominee.

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Volume 11, Issue 20, Posted 9:27 AM, 10.15.2019

Contentious Avon Road to close again

Avon Road between Bradley and Nagel is closing again, this time to less animosity.

In 2009, Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough placed a guardrail at the Avon border, effectively closing a quick access for Avon residents to the Crocker Road I-90 interchange, among other destinations. His reasoning: The road was unsafe and too expensive to fix.

This occurred years before Avon got its own access to I-90 with the Nagel interchange, which is at the east end of Avon road.

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Volume 11, Issue 19, Posted 9:35 AM, 10.01.2019

Lake Road Bridge Opens

East-west traffic resumes on main route through Bay Village after six months

Bay Village residents breathed a sigh of relief on Sept. 24 when the long-awaited new Lake Road bridge opened to traffic. A couple dozen infrastructure enthusiasts attended a brief ceremony on Sept. 23 as Mayor Paul Koomar, City Council members and administration leaders cut a ceremonial ribbon to open the bridge on Sept. 23.

After almost six months of minor traffic congestion due to the construction detour – sometimes jokingly referred to as “rush minute” in Bay Village – the bridge opened on time and at a cost of just over $2.7 million. The project was fully funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

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Volume 11, Issue 19, Posted 9:35 AM, 10.01.2019

Rotary fills shoe boxes for Nicaragua

Westlake Bay Village Rotary recently sent 890 shoe boxes filled with personal care items, clothing and toys as well as 35 Layette bags filled with clothing and accessories for newborns to Chinandega Nicaragua for “the Children of the Dump.”

The boxes and bags were put together by Rotary Clubs all over Northeast Ohio. The project’s coordinator, Kevin Krantz, who is a CPA based in Westlake, said “some of the smaller clubs will fill 10 boxes for us while other larger clubs may fill as many as 60.” In addition to overseeing the distribution of empty boxes and retrieving the filled ones, Westlake Bay Village Rotary completed 15 boxes.

Chinandega was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 which led to over 800 children scavenging off the local dump to subside.

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Volume 11, Issue 18, Posted 9:12 AM, 09.17.2019

Bay VFW honors POW/MIA service members

Friday, Sept. 20, is designated as a national day of recognition and remembrance of our many military members that have no closure, they are not known to be deceased or captured.

The families of these service members have not been able to properly grieve and honor their family. Many today do not know the fate of their loved ones. This is a terrible burden on them and it will continue until they know for sure.

Just this past year, the remains of several Korean War heroes have been returned to their families. This effort to find and identify our missing comrades will never end!

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Volume 11, Issue 18, Posted 9:10 AM, 09.17.2019

Westlake’s Corporate Challenge 2019

The annual Westlake Corporate Challenge kicked off on July 30, featuring 10 local companies. Participating in this year’s Challenge were: ECHO Health, City of Westlake, Energizer, Q-Lab Corporation, Sea-Land Chemical Company, Seeley Savidge Ebert & Gourash, The Spy Glass Group, United Consumer Financial Services (UCFS), University Hospital St. John Medical Center, and Western Enterprises.

As the challenge went along, the companies had to compete in various team-building activities. Events ranged from volleyball, a cupcake competition, cardboard boat races and kickball. The teams donated 112 backpacks to Fox 8’s Stuff the Bus and had 134 people donate blood.

Photographer Haley Birchard was on hand to capture all the action over the six-day event.

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Volume 11, Issue 18, Posted 10:54 AM, 09.04.2019

The first time is the charm

Congratulations to Lysa Stanton on winning first place in the CP Division of the 2019 Ames Performance Pontiac Nationals automobile show. This year’s show was held at the Summit Motorsports Park on Aug. 3-4 in Norwalk, Ohio, and attracts hundreds of entries from all over the United States.

The show is an annual event that is limited primarily to Pontiac automobiles, and is considered to be the largest juried event of its kind in the country. Some of the other types of cars in her category included the Pontiac Astre, Sunfire, Fiero, and Solstice.

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Volume 11, Issue 18, Posted 9:08 AM, 09.17.2019

Bay Legion, Kiwanis host Buckeye state delegates

The Bay Village American Legion Post #385 and the Bay Village Kiwanis Club welcomed the 2019 Buckeye Boys and Girls State Delegates to their August meetings.

The delegates had completed a nine-day program, experiencing many levels of state, county and city government. They each had an opportunity to compete for and serve in positions from state governor down to local city offices. Around 900 Girls State delegates from all over Ohio met at Mount Union University. The Boys State participants numbered 1,200 and gathered at Miami University.

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Volume 11, Issue 17, Posted 9:48 AM, 09.04.2019

All-veterans picnic held in Westlake

On Saturday, Aug. 24, volunteers from the Bay Village Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9693, Bay Village American Legion Post 385, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 249, held our third annual All Veterans Picnic.

The event was again held at the American Legion Post 385 Lodge on Cahoon Road in Westlake.  Over 70-75 people total attended at some point in the afternoon, including 36-38 veterans. Many attendees belong to our three host groups, but we did have a significant number of area veterans and guests not affiliated that visited from nearby. This was our goal – to reach out to other veterans and military in our greater West Shore area and bring them in for information, food and fellowship.

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Volume 11, Issue 17, Posted 9:50 AM, 09.04.2019

Annual ceremony honors Westlake's best blooms

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 16, Posted 9:35 AM, 08.20.2019

West Side children enjoy Jewish summer camp

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!

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Volume 11, Issue 16, Posted 9:20 AM, 08.20.2019

First large Westlake sinkhole

Over Memorial Day weekend, a sinkhole measuring 25 feet in width, 50 feet in length and 25 feet in depth opened up on 30532 Detroit Road, adjacent to Fifth Third Bank’s parking lot in Westlake. Days later, a smaller second sinkhole appeared near the first one.

These two sinkholes were caused by a collapsed storm sewer pipe, according to Westlake Chief Engineer Robert Kelly. In all, 300 feet of storm sewer pipe needed to be replaced. It will cost the city $183,278.67. Kelly said that this particular segment of pipe had served “its useful life.” Made of metal corrugated pipes, popular in the '70s, it was retrofitted when the Savannah development was put in.

The old pipe accounted for about 5% of Westlake’s storm sewer lines, Kelly estimated. “We know where they are at … [the] vast majority.” This is the first-reported sinkhole in Westlake.

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Volume 11, Issue 15, Posted 10:15 AM, 08.06.2019

Westlake graduate receives Jeffery Owen Marriott Memorial Scholarship

Abigail “Abby” Rence, a 2019 Westlake High School graduate, received the Jeffery Owen Marriott Memorial Scholarship at the Senior Awards Banquet Night earlier this year. The scholarship was established to celebrate the life and contributions of WHS 1992 alum, Jeffery Marriott, who passed in March 2015. This was the fourth consecutive year a scholarship was awarded to an exemplary student in honor of Marriott.

Rence ranked in the top 15 of her 2019 WHS class while maintaining a near year-round athletic schedule on Westlake’s varsity soccer and basketball teams. In addition, she exhibited remarkable leadership abilities, serving as a senior class officer and co-president of National Honor Society, captaining her basketball team and volunteering for the Elks Lodge 1350.

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Volume 11, Issue 15, Posted 10:16 AM, 08.06.2019