Recreation

Peterson Pool Information

Peterson Pool, located in Clague Park, is the city of Westlake’s outdoor public pool. The pool is open to both residents and non-residents from 1-8 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends. For more information, including costs and membership information, please see our website at www.wlrec.org.

Phil Bova Baseball Camp (ages 7-14)

Westlake Recreation Fields, June 20-24 (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) – Coach Phil Bova leads a staff with over 200 years of coaching experience. Coaches from all levels of play will be present to instruct everything from hitting and throwing to actual game playing. The camp includes daily lunch, shirt, cap, guest speakers and a tremendous staff.  To register, visit www.bovacamps.com.

Get Fit

Various fitness classes are offered here at the Westlake Recreation Center including, Yoga, Zumba, Phenomenal Abdominals, Spinning and other fitness-oriented classes. For more information and class schedules please visit our website at www.wlrec.org

A new venture between the Westlake Recreation Dept. and Westlake Schools will offer students a safe, yet fun and active, place to go after school. The Fit ‘N’ Fun After School Camp will open to fifth- and sixth-graders at the start of the 2011-2012 school year.

Students will be bused from Parkside Intermediate School to the Rec Center, where the trained staff will combine fitness with fun. Daily lessons and activities will include basketball, volleyball, nutrition instruction, access to the D.E.N. teen fitness area and other fitness programs.

Peterson Pool Information

Peterson Pool, located in Clague Park, is the city of Westlake’s outdoor public pool. The pool is open to both residents and non-residents. Peterson Pool will open its doors for the summer on Saturday, June 4. The pool is open 1-8 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends. For more information, including costs and membership information, please see our website at www.wlrec.org.

Pee-Wee Coed Softball (ages 4-6)

Come and join one of our longest-running programs. Boys and girls get their first taste of America’s pastime, baseball. Children will need to bring their own glove we will take care of the rest. Participants will learn the basics including how to throw, catch, hit and run the bases. We use a softened, smaller softball for our lessons. This is a coach-pitched program. Classes start the week of June 13.

Peterson Pool Information

Registration for Peterson Pool Learn to Swim classes will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 7:00 a.m.-noon for Westlake residents only. Open registration for non-residents will be held on Wednesday, May 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost is $45 for residents and $65 for non-residents. A $10 discount is available when signing up a child for more than one session or signing up multiple children.

Royal Tea Party (ages 3-5)

Thursday, May 19 (11-11:45 a.m. OR 1-1:45 p.m.) – Come and listen to a princess story. We will make crowns with jewels and edible princess/prince necklaces. We will also have cupcake snack and wash it down with some royal punch. We shall have a splendid good time! Feel free to dress like your favorite princess or prince. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for residents.

Peterson Pool Information

Registration for Peterson Pool Learn to Swim classes will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 7:00 a.m.-noon for Westlake residents only. Open registration for non-residents will be held on Wednesday, May 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost is $45 for residents and $65 for non-residents. A $10 discount is available when signing up a child for more than one session or signing up multiple children.

VIP Special Needs Baseball

Starting its seventh season, the VIP baseball program will begin on Saturday, April 16. Indoor Spring Training will be held at the Westlake Recreation Center. This program is open to any school-age child with special needs from any community. Practices will move outside and to Sunday nights in May. For more information, please contact Jim Dispirito at 440-617-4420.

Happy spring! Visit us online at www.bayrec.org or in person at the recreation department Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. We will have extended hours from May 7–June 11 on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-noon. This is a great time to purchase your summer pool pass and register for summer programs.

We are looking forward to a fun-filled summer! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 440-871-6755 or info@bayrec.org.

VIP Special Needs Baseball

Beginning Saturday, 16 (6 p.m.) – Starting its seventh season, the VIP baseball program is open to any school-age child with special needs from any community. Indoor Spring Training will be held at the Westlake Recreation Center. Practices will move outside in May and move to Sunday nights. For more information, please contact Jim Dispirito at 440-617-4420.

English Rose & Black Tie Etiquette (Grades 1-5)

Thursdays, April 14 – May 19 (6-7 p.m.) – This popular etiquette course will include materials and weekly class supplies. Students are taught how to act in everyday social situations at home and away. Something fun and new is presented each week to help students be the best that they can be.

Learn to Swim Classes

Next session begins the week of April 11. Various classes at various times are offered. For more information, please contact our aquatics department at 440-808-5700, ext. 3420.

RUGBY CLINIC (TOUCH/ TAP, GRADES 5-8)

Saturdays, April 30 – May 28 (3-5 p.m.) – Must have a minimum of 20 players. Fee is $50/residents, $65/non-residents. Deadline to register is April 16 (late fee: $10). Location: Diamond 1 Baseball Outfield (Dover Center and Lake roads).

VOLLEYBALL CLINIC (GRADES 4-8)

Wednesdays, April 13, 20, 27 (6:30-8 p.m.) – Refine your volleyball skills during the three-day clinic. Fee is $65/residents, $80/non-residents. Location: Community Gym (west-entrance doors of Bay Middle School).

BEAT THE RUSH! PURCHASE YOUR 2011 POOL MEMBERSHIP TODAY

Bay Village residents only. Early-bird special ends May 10. Purchase your membership with proof of residency at the Recreation Department office. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Extended office hours from May 7-June 11: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon.

Parents and children interested in learning about a free safe boating program for seventh-grade students should plan to attend an information meeting on Wednesday, April 13, at the Bay Youth Center. The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. to distribute sign-up materials, discuss the program and answer questions. 

This program is open to all seventh-grade children in the Western suburbs. Students enrolled in the program will complete the Ohio Boating Education Course which is required by law for any person born after 1982 to operate a power driven boat over 10 horsepower. This class will be held on May 14 and 21 and is mandatory.

Middle school girls win Recreation League Championship!

The Westlake Demons seventh and eighth grade recreation girls basketball team won the West Suburban Recreation League Championship on March 12. The Demons accomplished the feat by beating the previously unbeaten Columbia Raiders 20-14. 

Coach Jim Schultz’s squad was the No. 3 seeded team and upset the No. 2 team from Middleburg Heights, then upset the No. 1-ranked Columbia Raiders to win the first-ever championship for a Westlake Recreational basketball team. Congrats to Coach Jim and his team.

Spring Break Day Camp (grades K-6)

March 28 – April 1 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) – Enjoy the spring break at the Rec Center one day at a time or join us for the whole week. The camp is designed to keep kids entertained with games, swimming, art projects and other fun stuff in a supervised setting. Children will need to bring a brown bag lunch, towel and swimsuit. An afternoon snack is provided. Daily rate is $30/Member, $45/Resident, $50/Non-Resident. Weekly rate is $150/Member, $225/Resident, $250/Non-Resident.

From 9 p.m. on Friday, February 25, until 5 a.m. the next morning, 115 teens attended the Westshore Young Leaders Lock In at the Westlake Recreation Center. High school teens from Bay Village, Westlake, Rocky River, Fairview Park, Lakewood and North Olmsted enjoyed a night of swimming, basketball, volleyball, corn hole, karaoke, dancing and movies.

School administrators, police officers, teachers, counselors, parents, and Westshore Enforcement Bureau staff chaperoned this fun-filled event. Students from the Westshore communities had fun forming friendships with teens from other schools while enjoying a night of alcohol-free and drug-free activities.

March 28 – April 1 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) Spring Break Day Camp (grades K-6) – Enjoy the spring break at the Rec Center one day at a time or join us for the whole week. The camp is designed to keep kids entertained with games, swimming, art projects and other fun stuff in a supervised setting. Children will need to bring a brown bag lunch, towel and swimsuit. An afternoon snack is provided. Daily rate is $30/Member, $45/Resident, $50/Non-Resident. Weekly rate is $150/Member, $225/Resident, $250/Non-Resident.

Wednesday, March 16 (3:30-4:15 p.m.) Little Chefs (ages 4-6) – This basic class will teach kids how to make simple and tasty recipes with a St. Patrick's Day theme. Supplies are included. Parents are asked to stay and assist. Cost is $10/Member, $15/Resident, $20/Non-Resident.

Wednesday, March 16 (4:30-5:30 p.m.) Kids in the Kitchen (ages 7-12) – Same as the Little Chefs class but more hands-on and involved. Parents, please notify the instructor of any food allergies upon registering. St. Patrick’s Day theme. Cost is $10/Member, $15/Resident, $20/Non-Resident.

Highlighted programs for March:

Feb. 1 – April 30: Second Annual “Westlake Weighs Down” – This fitness challenge is open to all Westlake residents ages 18 and older. Awards will be given to the top three males and females with the largest percentage of total weight loss. Other activities include health talks, nutrition tips and healthy recipes. There is a $10 registration fee which includes a T-shirt. For more information, contact Anne Mitchell at 440-808-5700, ext. 3475.

Meadowood Golf Leagues – Registration is now open for the Spring Junior League. Registration will begin on March 1 for the following leagues: Summer Jr., Teen Leagues and Instructional Clinics. Register at Meadowood Golf Course, 29800 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake.

Adult Softball Leagues – Westlake Recreation is now accepting teams for its various men’s and coed softball leagues. Men's leagues include Sunday Men DH, Monday/Wednesday Men and Thursday Men DH. Coed leagues include: Sunday nights, Tuesday DH and Friday DH. Deadline to register is April 12. Season starts the week of May 1.

Highlighted programs for February:

Feb. 1 – April 30: Second Annual “Westlake Weighs Down” – This fitness challenge is open to all Westlake residents ages 18 and older. Awards will be given to the top three males and females with the largest percentage of total weight loss. Other activities include health talks, nutrition tips and healthy recipes. There is a $10 registration fee which includes a T-shirt. For more information, contact Anne Mitchell at 440-808-5700, ext. 3475.

Friday, Feb. 11 (8:30-10:30 p.m.) Ultimate After Hours Bash (6th Grade) – The kids run the center! Come out and enjoy some pizza and use the basketball courts, do some swimming while listening to a DJ play your favorite tunes or just hang out with your friends. Kids only participate in this adult-supervised program. Open to members or children who live or attend school in Westlake. Fee: $10/member; $15/resident, non-member.

Monday, Feb. 21 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) No School Day Camp (Grades K-6) – Camp is designed to keep the kids entertained with games, swimming, art projects and other fun stuff in a supervised setting. Bring a brown bag lunch, towel and swimsuit. An afternoon snack will be provided. Fee: $120/member; $180/resident, non-member; $200/non-resident.

Fitness center memberships
Don't forget your New Year's resolution and renew your fitness membership today! Sign up at the Bay Village Recreation Office during the hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. We look forward to seeing you there!

Summer is just around the corner!
The Bay pool will be open before you know it. Beat the summer rush and purchase your 2011 summer pool membership.  The early bird special ends May 10. While you are purchasing your membership, don't forget to book your splash party at the Bay pool before the dates are filled!

Jan. 26 (6:30-9 p.m.) Decorative Painting Made Easy – Have you ever wanted to have professional-looking faux-painted walls but just couldn’t afford to have it done? It’s not as hard as you think. This class will help you out.

Feb. 1 – April 30: Second Annual “Westlake Weighs Down” – This fitness challenge is open to all Westlake residents ages 18 and older. Awards will be given to the top three males and females with the largest percentage of total weight loss. Other activities include health talks, nutrition tips and healthy recipes. There is a $10 registration fee which includes a T-shirt. For more information, contact Anne Mitchell at 440-808-5700, ext. 3475.

Friday, Feb. 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Father/Daughter Valentine’s Dance – Dance the night away with your little princess. Great father/daughter together time. Snacks and punch provided and each couple receives a free photo from the evening. Open to Westlake residents only. Fee per "couple": $15/members; $20/residents, non-members; $5/add'l child.

Friday, Feb. 11 (8:30-10:30 p.m.) Ultimate After Hours Bash (6th Grade) – The kids run the center! Come out and enjoy some pizza and use the basketball courts, do some swimming while listening to a DJ plays your favorite tunes or just hang out with your friends. Kids only participate in this adult-supervised program. Open to members or children who live or attend school in Westlake. Fee: $10/member; $15/resident, non-member.

Friday, Feb. 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Father/Daughter Valentine’s Dance – Dance the night away with your little princess.  Great father/daughter together time. Snacks and punch provided and each couple receives a free photo from the evening. Open to Westlake residents only. Fee per "couple": $15/members; $20/residents, non-members; $5/add'l child.

Jan. 17, 24 and Feb. 21 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) No School Day Camp (Grades K-6) – Camp is designed to keep the kids entertained with games, swimming, art projects and other fun stuff in a supervised setting. Bring a brown bag lunch, towel and swimsuit. An afternoon snack will be provided. Fee: $120/member; $180/resident, non-member; $200/non-resident.

Tuesday, Dec. 21 (1-4 p.m.) Santa Sleep In (ages 4-9) – Kids will watch Christmas movies, have a snack, play games and do a craft in their pajamas. 

Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 27-30 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) No School Day Camp (Grades K-6) – Camp is designed to keep the kids entertained with games, swimming, art project and other fun stuff in a supervised setting. Bring a brown bag lunch, towel and swimsuit. An afternoon snack will be provided.

Tuesday, Dec. 28 (10 a.m.) Santa’s Elves Shoot Out (Grades 1& 2) – A basketball shooting contest. Beat the clock with each participant shooting 12 basketballs in 45 seconds. Double elimination format.

Tuesday, Dec. 28 (1 p.m.) Santa’s Shoot Out (Grades 3-6) – Teams of two will shoot for one minute from different locations on the court. The object is to see which team can score the most point. Double elimination contest.

Here is a highlighted program for the first half of December. If you are looking for a certain program or are wondering if we have it available, check our website, the Rec Gazette newspaper or give us a call. There are a handful of programs that are not listed in this article.

Saturday, Dec. 4 (8:30-10:30 p.m.) Family Ultimate After Hours Bash – Bring the family up for an evening of being together and having fun after the doors to the Rec close.

Wednesday, Dec. 8 (4:30-5:30 p.m. or 6:30-7:30 p.m.) Elf Workshop (ages 3-8) – The kids will make handmade Christmas gifts.

Friday, Dec. 10 (7 p.m.) Evening at the North Pole – Join us for a story, sing-a-long, snacks and Santa.

Saturday, Dec. 11 (9-10:15 a.m. or 10:30-11:15 a.m.) Breakfast with Santa – This fun morning includes a yummy breakfast, time with Santa and pictures with the jolly big man. Kids up to the age of 12 can be signed up. You need to register early, for this event has limited space.

Thanksgiving is here. With that in mind, the Westlake Recreation Center slows down on some of the programming for the week and weekend. After the holiday keep your eyes and ears open for those programs that will get you moving and burn off all the good holiday food and treats.

Leading up to Thanksgiving we have a handful of programs for the kids and adults. Nov. 23 is a busy day with Learn to Swim lessons starting up for those of all ages and abilities. Also Tiny Turners and Tumble Bugs start up the same day which will have the kids learning about gymnastics in a non-competitive atmosphere. The next day, on Nov. 24, Prenatal/Postnatal Fitness will start. This class will help those soon-to-be moms or recent new moms with the discomforts of pregnancy.

Just a reminder: We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day in observance of the holiday and will be open regular business hours Thanksgiving weekend.

November is here and so is plenty of programming. As the warm temperatures are few and far between, the programming has moved inside. Classes and programs range from family, exercise, adult, children’s and obviously fun. If you can’t find any programs that satisfy your needs listed below pick up the newest version of the Rec Gazette and see what other programs we offer.

The Westlake Recreation Center has several family-oriented programs for you to sign up for. This Saturday, Nov. 6, will be the Parent Night Out. Parents can drop their kids off and attend to whatever is desired and pick the kids up later in the evening. Also on Saturday afternoon is the Great Pumpkin Roll. Bring your leftover pumpkins from Halloween and roll them down the sledding hill in several competitions. Lastly we have the Parent/Child Yoga class that teams up adult and child to participate in a fun atmosphere starting Monday, Nov. 8.

Fall festivities are here at Bay Village Recreation. If you are forced to be inside because of the cool weather, let us help you have some fun! Bay Village Recreation Department offers a variety of programs to help keep you busy and entertained during the fall and winter months.

We offer programs for the toddler and preschool ages, such as: preschool playtime, toddler bikes to teach balance, and more. The Rec offers youth programs such as: basketball leagues, youth yoga, creative dramatics, indoor tennis, and more! 

As Halloween approaches, the Westlake Recreation Center is getting into the spirit of things. We have numerous programs oriented for the family and young ones to enjoy. Don’t miss out on these fun, Halloween-spirited events. There are other programs if you are interested in exercising, dancing, and drawing that are running in the next week and a half. Here are some of the programs that are being offered.

As I mentioned before Halloween will be here very soon and to kick things off we have the Great Floating Pumpkin Patch taking place on Oct. 22, followed by the children’s Halloween Monster Mash on Oct. 29. There is limited space in both of these events so make sure to sign up quickly.

The Westlake Recreation Center is in the full swing of fall programming. We have fitness classes, classes for the kids and teens, family programs and more. As the weather forces you inside, don’t fall into the rut. Stay busy and venture on up to the Rec Center to see what we have to offer.

We have several family programs coming up. To start off we have the Funutation Family workshop, Family BINGO, the Haunted Chalk Walk and the Fall Festival. Take a look at our website or the current issue of the Rec Gazette for dates and times.

Don’t worry kids, we have programming that is just for you. Junior Hapkido is a fun way to learn martial arts. The DEN Instruction class will teach you the importance of exercising and nutrition. Under the Sea Tea is a great for the little ones to make a craft, have a snack and read a fun story. Learn Karate and its hidden values or watch a Magician work his tricks and then learn some magic of your own.

As fall begins, the weather is changing, the kids are back in the swing of school and the Westlake Recreation Center has started its fall programming. We have classes, events and programs for people of all ages. If you're looking for something for the kids or something for yourself we have what you want.  Listed below are just some of the great programs we have starting within the next week or so and if you do not see what you are looking for give us a call or check out our website.

Yoga can make you feel relaxed, relieve stress and improve your flexibility. The Westlake Recreation Center offers several of these yoga classes. Parents and children can take a yoga class together to learn the moves in Parent/Child Yoga or if the child would like to take a class by his/her self we have Yoga Kids. Both classes will start September 27.

Just like the schools, the Westlake Recreation Center is in session with our fall programming. We have a wide variety of classes and programs for people of all ages. The month of September is loaded with chances for learning, having fun and exercising. Here some programs we have coming up within the next week. Don't miss out on any of these opportunities.

Now that the kids are back at school and are involved in extracurricular activities, this will allow for more "you" time. The Westlake Recreation Center is offering an assortment of classes for adults, from dancing to drawing. Check out belly dancing, ballroom or swing dance classes that will have you moving and grooving to the music. If you like to draw there is an Adult Water Coloring class and an Adult Drawing class focused on the fundamentals of drawing.

Wednesday, August 4, was the kick-off for the 4th annual Westlake Corporate Challenge which featured seven local companies and businesses. Participating in this years Challenge were: City of Westlake, Fidelity Investments, Lake Erie Electric, Pharmacy Management Group, Rock Point Church, Sea Land Chemical and Westlake Village Retirement Community.

As the four-day challenge went along, the companies and businesses had to compete in various team-building events. Events ranged from a food drive and blood drive to cardboard boat races and kickball. The teams had a great time and got to show off their competitive side. Katy Ostromek from Pharmacy Management Group (PMG) said, “Pharmacy Management Group had a fantastic time. Every event was both fun and challenging. The teams we played against were good spirited and fun to share the court with.”

The kids are starting to head back to school and fall will be here before we know it. Fall programming is close to starting up at the Westlake Recreation Center. Programs are filling up quick so be sure to sign up for the classes you had been planning on signing up for before its too late. We have many programs to offer for people of all ages. Here are some programs that are starting here within the next week or two. Other events and activities may be found online or in our Rec Gazette.

As the summer is winding down Peterson Pool has some fun for the kids up to the age of 10. The Goldfish Grab will be held Sunday, August 29, starting at 7:00 p.m. Each child will get the chance to catch a goldfish and take it home. Make sure to bring a net or bucket to catch your goldfish in.

Moms: Get the opportunity to work out while your young one is watched. Mom and Munchkin will allow moms to enjoy an exercise class with an instructor while our staff watches your child (must be 2 years old or younger). Classes will begin Monday, August 30, at 10 a.m.

As a reminder to our readers and patrons of the Westlake Recreation Center, every year around this time the Westlake Recreation Center closes for its annual ceiling-to-floor cleaning. Beginning the week of August 9 the Recreation Center staff will be working hard to clean the center and repair anything that needs to be fixed. 

During this time members can stay in motion and use Rocky River’s or Fairview’s facilities by showing their Recreation membership card upon arrival at either center. Members of the Westlake Recreation Center can also use their membership cards to gain access to Peterson Pool.

The Fitness Room will reopen August 14, the Aquatics Center and Gymnasium will reopen August 23 and the rest of the Rec Center will reopen August 16. If you would like any further information please call the number listed below.

The Westlake Recreation Department has a challenge for you. Starting August 30 the 10,000 Step Challenge begins. Walk away from inactive behavior and join this challenge. Commit to becoming more active and reach 10,000 or more steps a day to help you stretch your daily physical lifestyle farther, one step at a time.

You must register for this challenge and upon doing so you will receive a pedometer, packet of information and a 10-week log to record your daily steps. You could be eligible for prizes if you walk 10,000 steps or more at least four times per week.

Prizes will be awarded after the first five weeks of the challenge and at the end. Each step you take is a step in becoming a healthier you. If you have any questions, please contact Anne Mitchell (440) 808-5700 or at amitchell@cityofwestlake.org

The heat is on. Summer has presented itself with plenty of warm weather and nice days. The Westlake Recreation Center has the programs and activities for you to beat the heat and get inside. Some of these programs might have you sweating but it is fun and a good workout. Others will teach you something new. Check out our Rec Gazette for additional programming an further information. For now here are several different activities we have coming up soon.

Soccer is a growing sport and more and more people are catching on. Westlake Soccer Camp will take place the week of August 2. Running Monday to Friday this camp is geared for kids ages 5-14. Get the chance to improve your skills and receive hands-on instruction from coaches and players.

The kids will need something to do or somewhere to go during the summer, and you might want to keep yourself busy, too, by beating the heat. The Westlake Recreation Center has a program for you, the kids, or the entire family to keep yourselves cool. Here are some programs that are coming up soon. Don't forget to check out our website or our program book for more information about programs that are not mentioned.

Here’s something for the young ones. Playful Preschoolers is for children ages 3.5-5. This program is taught by preschool teachers that will have the children learn, play and explore. The kids will enjoy making crafts, large muscle activity, academic enrichment, music and snacks. The fun, new learning experiences start Monday, July 19.

The Westlake Recreation Center is on a roll. Programming is a full go and there are activities for people of all ages. We have programs that are indoor and outdoor, for the kids and for adults, and programs for exercise or entertainment. We have plenty of options for everyone. Summer is a busy time for us here and we invite you to check out what we have to offer you. Here are just some of the programs we have coming up within the next week.

The kids need something to do or somewhere to go during the summer when school is out. The Westlake Recreation Center can help you out. Starting Monday, July 5, Summer Day Camp and our Manners Boot Camp will start. Summer Day Camp is for children in grades 1-6. The kids will stay busy, keep entertained and will enjoy a field trip each week. Manners Boot Camp is for children in grades 1-5. They will learn how to act in social settings both at home and away. Spots are filling up quick in each camp. Make sure to sign up before it’s too late.

Summer is a great time for you and the family to check out what the Westlake Recreation Center has to offer. We have a wide range of programs for the young to the adults. Enjoy some of our programs that will be outside and don't forget about the ones that are held inside, too. For further references for programming refer to our summer program book or our website. Take a look at what we have coming up in the near future:

Give yourself the chance to increase your flexibility, coordination, balance, and strengthen your core muscles and have fun at the same time. These two classes will offer you both a work out and a chance to learn new moves. The Beginner’s Belly Dance and Continuing Belly Dance classes will start Monday, June 21.

The City Of Westlake recently concluded a 13-week weight loss challenge, coined “Westlake Weighs Down.” One hundred twenty residents and over 300 employees from eleven Westlake companies competed in the friendly competition. All of the winners were recognized at the first annual Health Forum. Mayor Dennis Clough was on hand to make the presentations. 

“Our goal was to establish an initiative to motivate you and create an atmosphere that promoted a balanced lifestyle change,” he said. “Daily exercise and intelligent nutrition decisions have lead you to a healthier, happier you. By the looks on your smiling faces, it appears we have succeeded.”

Many events took place over the 13-week time frame, including special presentations by Dr. Michael Roizen; a food drive that netted approximately 600 non-perishable items that were donated to the Westlake assistance program; free weekly exercise classes; monthly seminars on a wide range of subjects pertaining to health and wellness; two fitness evaluations to measure important body indexes; and weekly newsletters with exercise tips, recipes and fun facts about dieting. 

June marks a start of the summer and the launching of a significant amount of programming at the Westlake Recreation Center. So much so that it would require an entire page to list it all in the paper. Keep in mind there are plenty more of this programs that are not mentioned. Check out our website or program book for the programs not mentioned. Here are some programs that will keep you busy in the mean time.

If you’re over the age of 19 and were hoping to work on your tennis skills, this is the class for you. Beginner Adult Tennis Lessons will start Saturday sessions on June 5. This class will focus on developing fundamental skills or skills that have previously been learned. Make sure to bring your own racquet and water bottle.

The weather is nice and this time of the year is golf season. We have just the class for the season. We are offering a Short Game of Golf class that will cover pitching, chipping, putting and sand traps. You will need to bring a 9-iron or wedge to the first class. Class starts June 5. Don’t miss out on a chance to learn some tips to lower your golf score.

Rain gave way to sunny skies at the start of Emily’s Rainbow Run held at Westlake High School on Sunday, April 25. Over 625 participants took to the streets and track racing in either the 4-mile race, 2-mile run/walk or Kids Run in memory of Emily Lewis, a 12-year-old Westlake resident who passed away in August 2009 after courageously battling pediatric cancer for three years.

Emily’s parents, John and Debbie Lewis, proudly announced that proceeds from the event will allow Emily’s Rainbow Fund to donate $15,000 for pediatric cancer research at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. 

Race festivities began with the presentation of the “Emily Lewis Youth in Philanthropy Award.” Dr. John Letterio, chief of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Rainbow explained that the award is to be given annually to a young person who demonstrates Emily’s qualities of enthusiasm, spirit and zest for life in philanthropic support of Rainbow’s children. This year’s recipient was Abby Villaneuve who raised $7,000 for Rainbow through an online auction she hosted.

The beginning of June has several programs starting for people of all ages. We offer programs for all interests. Check out your program book, visit our website or keep an eye out for the next issue of the Observer for some great programming that will keep you busy and in shape. Here are some programs that are coming up very soon. Don't miss out on these great opportunities.

We can help you out if your child is home schooled. We offer the Home School Sport Swim and Fitness Program for children up to the age of 15. This is an instructor-led program that teaches the basics of fitness, sport skills, PE-style games and swimming fundamentals. The children will get a chance to run around, swim, learn and have fun. Classes start May 20.

You and your family now have convenient access to basic reading and basic math classes in Westlake and available to surrounding communities. These classes are for students of all ages and are held at the Westlake Recreation Center. 

“The purpose is to offer you high quality tutoring in small groups at affordable rates,” said Robert Deminico, manager of the Westlake Recreation Center. “All of North Coast Tutoring Services' tutors are experienced, professional master tutors with bachelor’s degrees and are specifically trained for these classes. Many tutors have advanced degrees.” 

It’s too hot! It doesn’t look cool. I know how to swim. Nothing is going to happen to me. These are just some of the many reasons people claim that they do not wear their life jackets.

But with approximately 700 people drowning each year from recreational boating accidents, it is imperative for you to wear your life jacket at all times while you are on the water. Life jackets are no longer the orange, hot and bulky life jackets that are commonly associated with on the water safety gear.

New innovations and developments in life jackets have produced a smaller, sleeker, and much more comfortable version of a life jacket, leaving you with no reason not to wear one. Life jackets are an essential part of your boating safety equipment and should be worn at all times while on the water.