Latest News

Learn how to view solar eclipse safely

Coming on Saturday, Oct. 14, our area will have an annular solar eclipse (partial eclipse). The next partial eclipse will not occur until 2029.

This will be a great opportunity and exercise for the total eclipse on April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse is very rare, in fact the last time Ohio had a total solar eclipse was in 1806, and the next time our area will be in this position will be in 2444.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:52 AM, 10.03.2023

Bay LWV to host school board candidate forum

The Bay Village League of Women Voters is hosting a school board candidate forum on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 7-8:15 p.m. in the Bay Middle School library, 27725 Wolf Road.

There are three candidates - Deborah Callihan, James Goodman and Patrick E. Mosier - running for two open positions.    The forum will be moderated by Pam Smith of the Lakewood LWV. 

Members of the audience are invited submit their questions in written form to the moderator. Answers will be timed to allow for the greatest variety of questions. Each candidate will have an information table available to them in the hallway after the forum.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:53 AM, 10.03.2023

What you need to know about Ozempic, the new diet drug

We, doctors and patients, have been hoping for a solid weight-loss drug for all of human history. Currently, obesity affects 42% of Americans; by 2030, the number will reach 50%. We need help.

The problem is complex. It’s social, biological, environmental. Thus, success of the new diet, GLP-1 like drugs (Ozempic, Mounjara, Saxenda, etc.) deserves the rave. But they aren’t a panacea.

I hear celebrity claims – like Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne’s wife – of losing a whopping 42 pounds on Ozempic yet warning others not to use it.

What’s up? 

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:53 AM, 10.03.2023

Bay churches host joint animal blessing

Rev. Alex Martin, St. Barnabas; Charlie Woodward, Prince of Peace Lutheran in Westlake; and Rev. Lisa Kropinak, Bay UMC blessed pets at last year's event.

From dogs and cats, birds and fish, to even horses and goats, all pets are welcome at the annual blessing of the animals to be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 2:00 pm. Of course, they are more than welcome to bring their humans along, as well!

Participating churches include Bethesda on the Bay Lutheran Church and Bay United Methodist Church, who are deeply committed to inter-church dialogue and cooperation. The blessing ceremony will be held on the lawn of St. Barnabas, located at the corner of Wolf and Bradley roads.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:51 AM, 10.03.2023

Voting help available in October

Voting questions can be answered and voting paperwork can be completed on Wednesday mornings in October at the Westlake Community Services Department, 28975 Hilliard Blvd.   

Members of the League of Women Voters of Westlake/North Olmsted will be available between 10 a.m. and noon on Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25 to assist voters with voter registration and address changes (due before Oct. 10) and mail-in ballot requests (due before Oct. 31). 

The League will also have information available on issues and candidates and can describe Ohio’s recent changes in voter identification requirements.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:53 AM, 10.03.2023

Lions and Watsons and Browns, oh my!

As of this writing, the Browns had not yet clinched the AFC North, but, based on all the Super Bowl talk I’ve heard of late, I’m pretty sure they’ll clinch any day now. Any day now…

You can call me “Gloomy Gus” if you’d like, but I’d just like to remind everyone in Cleveland making their Super Bowl hotel reservations that there might be a few obstacles along the way to the promised land. Those of you gulping the Bandwagon Kool Aid may want to consider the following:

This is still Cleveland, after all. Home of “The Drive.” “The Fumble.” “Red Right 88.” Johnny Manziel. Mike Junkin. Barkevious Mingo. My, how soon we forget.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:54 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 1: Dave Long

Dave Long

I was tired of sitting on the sidelines claiming to be a social media activist. I knew I felt strongly about certain issues, but just "liking" and sharing social media posts wasn’t going to be enough to get the things done that I wanted for my community. I decided to push myself outside my comfort zone and actually do something that would bring about change.  

Since I began circulating my neighborhood collecting enough petition signatures to get my name on the ballot, things have been ramping up relatively quickly. My first endorsement was by the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats for our shared values in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. My second endorsement came from the Ohio Environmental Council based on the ideas and concerns we share regarding cleaner air, cleaner water and renewable energy efforts.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:59 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 1: David Tadych

David Tadych

I am a long-time resident, seeking your support for my re-election to an eleventh term as your Ward 1 Councilman. When first elected, I originated semi-annual Ward 1 meetings and began connecting to residents directly, keeping the lines of communication open. I serve as the senior member of Council and have developed a good understanding of city issues and finance.

Regarding finance, I firmly support debt reduction and not debt repositioning. I have consistently worked toward this goal and have been appointed year after year to City Council’s Finance Committee. I believe that additional funds should be allocated for 2024 sewer/infrastructure projects. In 2024, I will begin my seventh year as the appointed chairman of the Finance Committee. Our city budget has been balanced each year with no increase in city income tax!

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:59 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 4: David Florez

David Florez

I am running for Council Ward 4 in Bay Village. Ashley, my wife, and three daughters have lived in Bay Village for the past 22 years and we love our community. Bay is more than beautiful homes and parks. It’s Bay Days on 4th of July, the homecoming parades, the annual BMS Rake Out, and the community pulling together to accomplish building a new Home of the Rockets.   

  • If elected, I commit to making our infrastructure issue a top priority, and my past experience in water and waste treatment, stormwater management, and EPA regulations/compliance make me uniquely positioned to help the community with this issue. 
  • The safety of our community is also a priority, and I will work with the city and police to leverage new surveillance technologies to assist police officers in deterring criminals responsible for vandalism and overall crime. In addition, I will work with our city departments to provide safer routes for walkers along our major roads.
  • I also want to continue to build and enhance the green space within Bay Village. I plan to find and utilize local and national grants to continue to enhance our parks, lakeshore, and recreation facilities
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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:59 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 4: Daniel Rettig

Daniel Rettig

I am running for the Bay Village City Council to be your advocate and voice. Having lived in Bay Village for 14 years, with 11 of those years in Ward 4, this city holds a special place in my, and my family’s, heart. It is not just a great place to live and raise our children, but it is our community. I have always felt the need to contribute and serve as an active member.  

My community involvement began with coaching youth sports teams, and soon after, I joined the Bay Men's Club (BMC), leading efforts such as the rake-out, and raising money for high school scholarships. As the current President of BMC, I initiated our participation in the Snow Angels program, helping residents by shoveling driveways.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:59 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village School Board: Deborah Callihan

Deborah Callihan

“Every dream pursued starts with education as the foundation.”

40 years ago, my husband and I chose Bay Village because of its excellent schools and its commitment to the whole child. Our daughter attended Bay Schools through graduation and today, she and her husband are raising their three boys here.  

After teaching Math/Algebra for 33 years, I retired from Lakewood City Schools. I proudly earned recognition as Lakewood City Schools Teacher of the Year. I also worked as a Classroom Teacher Educator for Cleveland State University, training undergraduates in classroom instruction and management. 

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:58 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village School Board: James Goodman

James Goodman

My family and I have called Bay Village home for seven years. We have two boys: a sixth-grader attending Bay Middle School and a preschooler. We love this amazing community and have a vested interest for years to come.

Professionally, I work in the IT Contracts, Finance and Vendor Management Office at Case Western Reserve University managing a multi-million dollar portfolio of vendor agreements. Much of my time is spent negotiating contracts on behalf of the university, with a focus on information security and financial stewardship. My experience here is directly applicable as learning becomes increasingly reliant on technology.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:58 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village School Board: Patrick Mosier

Patrick Mosier

I am running for an open seat on the Bay Village School Board and am asking for your support. My family and I have called Bay Village home for over 27 years. I am the proud father of three Bay High School graduates, all of whom have chosen to stay in Bay Village after college.

This is a special community; and it would be my privilege to keep Bay Village the unique community that we all love. Bay Village Schools has a long legacy of providing excellent education and experiences for our children, our grandchildren, and our entire community. Maintaining that quality is a responsibility and a challenge, a challenge that I am excited to accept.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:58 AM, 10.03.2023

View the partial solar eclipse at Porter Library

Westlake Porter Public Library will celebrate the upcoming partial solar eclipse with programs, including "Shadows and Sunshine: Exploring the Eclipse," an eclipse viewing party, and "2017 Solar Eclipse Viewing with Google Cardboard." The eclipse will occur on Oct. 14, starting at 11:49 a.m., be at totality at 1:07 p.m. and end at 2:28 p.m.  

"Shadows and Sunshine" will take place on Friday, Oct. 13, with two different sessions: a 1-1:45 p.m. session for ages 4-6 (up to kindergarten) and one at 2-2:45 p.m. for Grades 1 and 2. At both, children will learn about the eclipse and make a pinhole camera obscura (a device used to safely view an eclipse) out of a cereal box. Registration begins Oct. 6.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:53 AM, 10.03.2023

Bay High senior named to All-State Band

Ewan Moss

Ewan Moss, a senior at Bay High School, was named to the All-State Band on trombone. He is one of eight trombone players in the state of Ohio to receive this honor. Ewan will perform at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Conference in Columbus this February.

At Bay High School, Ewan is a Section Leader for Bay High School’s Marching Band, Principal Chair of Chamber Winds, a Leadership Team member of Model United Nations, Treasurer of Key Club, Treasurer of Thespians and President of the Robotics/Science Club. He is also a member of Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, National Honor Society and Varsity Soccer. His favorite subject at Bay High School is Chemistry.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:52 AM, 10.03.2023

Henry and Regina Wischmeyer House, 26565 Lake Road, c. 1872

Photo by William Krause

The 17th in a series of articles to be published as a walking tour of Lake Road by the Bay Village Historical Society in 2026.

The book “Retracing Footsteps” by Catherine Burke Flament has a wealth of information about both Henry and Regina and their families because many of them are buried in Lakeside Cemetery.

Henry was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1832; Regina in Wurtenburg, Germany, in 1834. Regina’s family immigrated in 1850; Henry in 1854. They were married in 1854 and Henry (and therefore Regina) was naturalized in 1860.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:54 AM, 10.03.2023

Bay grad launches math camp at BW

Does your third- through fifth-grade student want to participate in a night of fun and interactive math games? Jacket Math Bash is a math camp created by Baldwin Wallace University Honors student Norah Schlegel to research the correlation between whole-body learning and a positive association with math in third- through fifth-grade students.

Jacket Math Bash is a free event for all students and will be hosted on Friday, Nov. 10, from 5-7:30 p.m. at Baldwin Wallace University, Knowlton Center, 370 Front Street, Berea. A Parent Consent form must be submitted by Nov. 1 as a pdf to my email: nschlege23@bw.edu. The form can be accessed online at bit.ly/JacketMathBash. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. Thank you!

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:51 AM, 10.03.2023

Rubber duck race returns

The Westlake Historical Society’s rubber duck race, silent auction, and old-fashioned pie contest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Westlake Recreation Center. Rubber ducks can still be adopted on our website, www.westlakeohiohistory.org, or by calling 216-848-0680. Duck adoptions may also be purchased on race day.
 
The winner of the rubber duck race and last-place duck will be awarded cash prizes. The event promises to be a lot of fun and begins at noon on Oct. 7.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:52 AM, 10.03.2023

Westlake Porter Public Library's October calendar of events

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s October 2023 calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Instagram (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Wednesdays, Oct. 4 and 11 (4:30-6 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog. Sign up starts at 4 p.m. Dogs will stay for 10 minutes past the last registered reader or 1-1/2 hours, whichever comes first. Recommended for Grades K-4.

Wednesday, Oct. 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Horror Film Club – Join us for another creepy classic from the Vault! New members are welcome; children under 13 must be with an adult. Please register.

Wednesdays, Oct. 4 and 11 (7-7:30 p.m.) Family Storytime – Join us for rhymes, songs and play! Children are welcome to wear their pajamas and bring along a stuffed animal. Ages 2-6 with a caregiver.

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

Friday, Oct. 6 (11:15-11:45 a.m.) Yoga with Ms. Jen! – Calm your body, mind, and spirit in this yoga class taught by a certified yoga instructor. Wear comfy clothes and bring your own mat or towel. Ages 2-6, siblings welcome. Please register.

Friday, Oct. 6 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday – Get ready for some nocturnal learning about the only mammals that fly. Bats can be useful by eating over 1,000 mosquitoes an hour! Discoveries will be made with hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take-home project. For ages 4-6, up to kindergarten. Please register.

Saturday, Oct. 7 (11 a.m.-noon) Body Rhythm – Develop gross & fine motor skills, creative expression & thinking, social interaction, problem solving, cooperative play, rhythm, & rhyming skills by exploring sound through percussive instruments. Ages 3-9. Please register each child attending.

Saturday, Oct. 7 (2-4 p.m.) Make It, Take It! – Stop by Youth Services to complete a featured craft. While supplies last. PreK-Grade 2.

Saturday, Oct. 7 (2-3:30 p.m.) Photography Walk – Patrons with disabilities are invited to meet at Clague Park for a walk to take nature photos. The library will provide devices for participants, but you may use your own if you prefer. All ages. Please register.

Saturday, Oct. 7 (3-4 p.m.) Illustration Creation – Learn about a featured illustrator then create a project inspired by their art. For children with disabilities and their typical peers. Grades 1-3. Please register.

Saturday, Oct. 7 (4:30-5:15 p.m.) String Instrument Petting Zoo – Watch a narrated performance of "The Story of Ferdinand" set to melodies from "Carmen" then participate in an instrument petting zoo, learning how to touch, feel and hold a real stringed instrument. Ages 3-5, siblings welcome. Please register.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:52 AM, 10.03.2023

Ohio company expanding operations in Westlake

Out of state operators and private equity firms have been buying up local nursing homes, leaving seniors with few options for quality care. In one effort to fight this trend, Foundations Health Solutions (FHS) has purchased The Greens of Westlake, soon to be renamed Crocker Pointe.

Says owner Brian Colleran, "Our commitment to exceptional customer service and the best clinical teams allows us to provide the FHS brand of top-notch senior care. Ohio, and specifically Westlake seniors deserve a private room in a beautiful, quality care center to rehab, or if needed, to call home."

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:51 AM, 10.03.2023

St. Bernadette School celebrates Blue Ribbon status

Last month, St. Bernadette Parish School in Westlake was selected as a 2023 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious honor is a recognition of the school’s outstanding academic achievements and a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of the school community. 

Students were given the good news during an impromptu all-school assembly. As one teacher shared, “They were all screaming, ‘we are the winners’ as if they won the Super Bowl.” While a parent quipped that her young son proudly told her: “Guess what? We are a Blue Ribbon school which means we are the best school in America!”

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:50 AM, 10.03.2023

We need your help!

Since 2009 the Observer has strived to fulfill our founding mission – to strengthen our community by informing and engaging Westlake and Bay Village residents. 

Times are tough, and the pandemic has presented an added challenge at a time when emotional connection and togetherness matter so much. Please help us continue to provide a free medium where the community can share news, share stories and share laughs.

If you’d like to keep the Observer serving the community, please send a cash or check donation along with your name for recognition in a future edition of the Observer. Donations may also be made via credit card using the links in the left column of the website. All supporters will be recognized in a future edition of the Observer.

Please make checks payable to WBV Observer and mail to: 451 Queenswood Drive, Bay Village, OH 44140.

The Observer is an independent, community owned publication. Please note that charitable contributions are gratefully accepted but not tax-deductible. For questions about donating or more information on how to get involved, contact publishers Denny Wendell or Tara Wendell at 440-409-0114, staff@wbvobserver.com.

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Volume 12, Issue 8, Posted 12:43 PM, 04.21.2020