Education

Westlake High School students earn music honors: Short Takes on the Westshore

Westlake High School students earn music honors: Short Takes on the Westshore

Westlake, Ohio
Westlake High School recently announced two senior instrumental music students, Natalie Chang (cello) and Lucas Marques (bass trombone), have been selected for the Ohio All-State Orchestra.
Chang and Marques were chosen from more than 1,300 students who auditioned for the All-State Band, Orchestra, Choir, and Jazz ensembles.
Marques is a second-time All-State member, having previously performed with the All-State Band last year.
The talented students will perform at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Professional Development Conference January 29-31 in Columbus.
The All-State ensembles represent the top musical talent from across the state of Ohio. The selection process is highly competitive, recognizing students for their technical skill and musicality.
BAY VILLAGE
School transportation: The Ohio Department of Transportation invites parents to complete a transportation survey regarding safe routes to school.
To complete the survey, go to odot.formstack.com/forms/srts_caregiver_survey.
Bay Village City Schools will be hosting a Transportation Survey Meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Bay Middle School library, 27725 Wolf Road.
School officials will also share findings from a transportation survey conducted in the spring and summer by Toole Design, as part of the Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan.
Additionally, representatives from the city will be present to introduce the city’s Safe Routes to School initiative.
Book sale: Friends of the Bay Village Library are hosting a Book Sale Oct. 2 – 5 at the library, 27400 Wolf Road.
The sale includes books, puzzles, movies, music and other items.
Sale Hours are from 5 to 8:45 p.m. Oct. 2; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 3-4; and Bag Day from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 5. Bring your own bag or we will provide one to fill for a donation amount of your choice.
Grand tree: City officials recently announced the winner of the Grand & Glorious Tree contest. Congratulations to Eileen and Jerry Jarc for the Southern Magnolia in their yard.
Preserving and growing the tree canopy in the city is a priority. The community is invited to attend the Arbor Day in Bay event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Village Green.
For more information, go to cityofbayvillage.com/599/Grand-and-Glorious-Trees.
ROCKY RIVER
Office hours: In addition to the previously announced Coffee Chats with Rocky River City Schools Superintendent Adham Schirg, he is also hosting Open Office Hours at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, and Dec. 16 in the Fireside Room at Beach School, 1101 Morewood Parkway.
The Office Hours are another opportunity to engage with the superintendent and address any questions/concerns you may have with the school district.
Homecoming: The Rocky River City Schools’ Homecoming celebration kicks off with a Tailgate at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 26.
The event features food trucks, kids area, DJ, face painting, crafts, yard games, and raffle prizes.
A parade will take place at 5:30 p.m. and the football game vs. Normandy begins at 7 p.m.
Health facility closing: The MetroHealth System recently announced it is closing several facilities Oct. 3, including the Rocky River Medical Offices, 20575 Center Ridge Road, in an effort to stabilize finances within the hospital system.
WESTLAKE
Support for moms: Hosted by Lake Lactation and West Side Lactation, Milk Time Meet Ups are infant feeding support groups where moms can come together to share their feeding journeys, ask questions, and connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
Groups are led by experienced lactation specialists who can provide guidance, reassurance, and evidence-based tips.
Upcoming meet ups are from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 30, Oct. 14 and Oct. 28 at 24500 Center Ridge Road, Suite 279.
Homecoming: Westlake High School’s Homecoming Week includes a Juniors vs. Senior Powder Puff Football Game at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at University Hospitals St. John Stadium at Westlake High School, 27830 Hilliard Blvd.
The annual Homecoming Parade takes place at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26 departing from Lee Burneson Middle School, 2260 Dover Center Road and traveling to the high school.
The Rose Arch Introduction and Crowning of Homecoming King and Queen takes place at 6:15 p.m. prior to the football game against Bay. Sept. 26.
The Homecoming Dance is at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Westlake High School. The theme is New York City.
Food Trucks Challenge: More than 20 food trucks will be onsite at Crocker Park participating in the 10th annual Food Truck Challenge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 27.
The event also features live music on the Main State at Center Street.
Visitors can participate by picking up a voting ballot at the designated station, sampling as many dishes as they like, and submit their vote for the People’s Choice Award by 3 p.m. (one vote per person).
Competing food trucks include Birdies Food Truck, Bistro on the Go 216, bRaised in the CLE, Cafe Melissa, Cousins Maine Lobster, Cheesy Dave’s, Cleveland Cookie Dough Co, Dr. Boba, Dr. Hibachi, Enticing Cupcakes, FranksNShakes, Frios Gourmet Pops, Hatfield’s Good Grub, His & Hers, King Tut Street Food, Original Steak & Hoagies, Parilya, Real Chef Food Truck, Rockin’ Refreshments, Samurai Dynasty, Smooth Rider, Squash the Beef, Thai It Up, and The Meatballer.
Shout-out: Congratulations to Captain Mark Morales, Lieutenant Richard Lea and Sergeant Thomas Podulka, recently earning promotions in the Westlake Police Department.
If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email to jshortavon@aol.com. Read Short Takes online at https://www.cleveland.com/topic/westlake. Follow me on X (Twitter) @jshortavon.