On Sept. 1, at 6:30 p.m. at the Westlake Rec Center, 10 candidates for Cuyahoga County District 1 were present at a forum with about 100 citizens in attendance. This was free and open to the public. It was about historic events in our county, electing a new government to replace the corrupt and rotting county government we had. 

Sadly, it was not attended by any news cameras (invited), or local Staff writers for the PD, the Sun News, or the WestLife.  Why? Because they choose to ignore the movement that is not just grass roots but ground swell. The Westshore Tea Party was able to get both the Democrat and the Republican District 1 candidates at the table. 

The questions were selected based on issues facing the new Charter Reform government. There were no "gotcha" moments because that was not the intent or purpose of the event. Citizens cry out of ethics and knowledge about expertise of those we elect. In this first job interview that was non-partisan, we got to see the human faces of the candidates. Lucky for us, District 1 has some of the best candidates in the entire county. They were a joy to watch.

Cuyahoga County Executive Candidate Matt Dolan

Opportunity. The reason families boarded ships to come to America; risk takers moved west across the country; African-Americans moved north after the Civil War and even the reason Bill Gates left school before his Harvard education was complete.

It is by seizing our opportunities that we have been able to create independence, work, wealth and a future.

Cuyahoga County has the opportunity to reinvent its government. But more importantly, we have a chance to showcase the opportunities that our County holds for individuals. People who want to create, build, invest, serve and take risks need to know that Cuyahoga County can help them capitalize on this opportunity to achieve their goals.

The relationship between the public and private sectors is badly damaged and must be restored. However, the focus must be more than financial. While the influence of private dollars is paramount, the creativity and intellect of the private sector is equally necessary for a vibrant future in Cuyahoga County.

A hike through the biologically rich Costa Rican jungle was part of an incredible summer experience for 10 student volunteers from Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. - Photo by Sean Waitkus

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The day starts with a walk along the beach, pallid sun reflecting off of pools filled with scuttling crustaceans and fish caught in the changing tides. As morning progresses, a trek through a national park reveals chirruping frogs with clear skin and monkeys scouring branches for fruit. An hour of zip-lining through the treetops presents a sunlit vista of forested country and rolling grasslands. In the afternoon, kayaking along mangrove shores yields sights of painted crabs and glimmering snakes. When darkness falls, a nighttime hike exposes thousands of salamanders, amphibians, and yellow-eyed caimans sulking in the shadows of the river.

These scenes are all examples of what student volunteers, called Naturalist Assistants or NAs, at Lake Erie Nature and Science Center experienced on a journey through Costa Rica earlier this summer. Nine days of hiking, kayaking, and exploring the landscape from the Pacific to the Caribbean yielded hundreds of extraordinary wildlife encounters, in a country where holding a toucan or viewing nine-foot crocodiles in the wild are extraordinarily typical experiences.

Dr. Peter Rabins

Dr. Peter V. Rabins, co-author of "The 36-Hour Day," will speak at the Westlake Performing Arts Center at Westlake High School on Friday, September 10 at 7 p.m. 

Dr. Rabins is the Richman Family Professor for Alzheimer’s and Related Diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is Co-Director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

"The 36-Hour Day" is an essential resource for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia.

The first 100 attendees to arrive for the event will receive a copy of the book and an additional resource kit provided by the Kiwanis Club.

Ninety years ago, women gained the right to vote with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution on August 26, 1920. It has been said that no other single event in the 20th century has had a more profound influence in shaping our country, our government and our lives. It is commemorated each year on August 26, as Women’s Equality Day.

More than any other organization, the League of Women Voters claims ownership of this defining moment in American history. Anticipating the need to educate women with the mechanics and responsibilities of voting, the League of Women Voters (LWV) was formally established in February 1920 in Chicago, Ill. Today’s nonpartisan, political organization evolved from the Women’s Suffrage movement. 

Now the LWV has more than 150,000 members and supporters and 850 Leagues throughout all 50 states. There are three Leagues serving our area: the League of Women Voters of the Cleveland Area; the League of Women Voters Cuyahoga Area (with chapters in Bay Village, Westlake/North Olmsted, Lakewood, Rocky River, Fairview Park, Cleveland Heights/University Heights and Hillcrest Area)and the League of Women Voters Shaker Heights.

Ziggy the Gecko at BMS with Mr. Kuh's classroom

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The Bay Village Education Foundation is now accepting applications from teachers, staff and students for grant monies to fund creative and innovative ideas that enhance learning opportunities in the Bay Village Public Schools.

The Bay Village Education Foundation (BVEF) turns dreams into reality by supporting projects in all areas of the curriculum. Some of the exciting educational projects made possible by the BVEF (thanks to the financial support of staff, board members and community members) include “Celebrating Bay Village’s Bicentennial" at Westerly School, "Family Math Night" at Normandy School, "Gecko and Habitat" and "Using IPod Touch for Teaching and Learning" at Bay Middle School and Pupil Assistance in Learning (PAL) for special education students at Bay High School. 

The BVEF has awarded over $150,000 in grants to over 70 projects as it celebrates its 25th year creating opportunities for all Bay students. To apply for a grant please contact Rhonda Schneider at 440-892-1829 or e-mail bayedfoundation@gmail.com to request an application. Deadline for application to be considered is September 30, 2010.

In 1944, United States newspapers were publishing eulogies and paying tribute to the fifth-best-known man in North America behind only Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, and Eddie Rickenbacker. The man receiving this tribute was Jack Miner, a noted naturalist and lecturer who was born in Westlake (then known as Dover Center, Ohio) in the year 1865.

Mr. Miner was one of 10 children living in a small frame house that stood near the intersection of Dover Center and Westown Blvd. Jack's English-born parents made a meager living in a brickyard located across the street from the family home. As a boy, Jack chose to work long hours in the brickyard instead of attending school because he was teased relentlessly about his fiery red hair and freckles. He only returned to school at the age of 12 because he was urged to return by friends Jack Rublin, Jack Klotze, Herbert Pease and George Hubbard.

During the years Jack was not in school, he spent hours learning the lessons of nature. The creek that ran near his home was both a play yard and a laboratory. Jack spent a great deal of time studying the creatures that crept and swam there, as well as the lessons he learned about bird life that would become his life's work.

The Bay Village Bicentennial Committee has selected the winners of its "Letters to the Future" contest. Bay Village residents were challenged to write a letter of 300 words or less to the 2110 residents of Bay. Judging took place after the contest closed on July 10, and winners were chosen in three age groups: 16 years and younger, 16 to 64 years, and over 65 years. The letters will be placed in the city's 2010 Bicentennial Time Capsule which will be sealed on December 31, 2010, with an open-date of October 10, 2110 – Bay's 300th birthday.

The Observer will be printing each winning letter, beginning with this one by Caroline Dannemiller, winner of the 16 and under age group.

Dear Reader,

I hope you will enjoy my letter
In it will be some description, complaint and positive things about Bay Village.
Almost everyone here right now loves soccer.
Never use weed killer companies on your grass (they ruined my garden.)

Westlake resident Lynne Rice's miniatures collection, including this portrayal of Alice in Wonderland, will be on display at  Westlake Porter Public Library during the month of September.

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Westlake resident Lynne Rice, a member of Cleveland Miniaturia Society since 1976, will have a small part of her miniature collection and projects on display at Porter Library beginning Sept. 1 and continuing throughout the month of September.

Since Halloween is a popular theme with miniaturists, and the general public, there will be several of Lynne's "Halloween in Miniature" settings, plus her delightful "Alice in Wonderland" vignette. Cleveland Miniaturia Society member and doll collector Peg Graves will also have on display some of her china dolls, doll accessories and dishes.

While at Porter Library, discover the remarkable miniature replica of Westlake's Clague House, located near the large meeting room. In 1980, Cleveland Miniaturia Society members took on restoration of the Clague House replica for the Westlake Historical Society. Some of the furnishings in the replica were recreated in miniature, exactly as they appear in full size at Clague House. Lynne Rice helped work on this project. Five years ago, Westlake Historical Society moved the Clague House replica from Clague House on Columbia Road to Porter Library, where more could view and enjoy it.

(L-to-R) Alex, Nico, Gabriel, Andrew and Nate look through the half completed "Rolling Tide" as night falls.

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The Sea Scouts plan on defending their title at the second annual Lake Erie Boat Float with a vessel named "Rolling Tide." The event will be held at Edgewater State Park Beach on Saturday, September 11, at 9:00 a.m. 

"Rolling Tide," made with 750 Tide bottles, will compete with other boats made out of recyclable materials to highlight awareness about the impact of plastic on our environment. Last year the Sea Scouts were winners of the Best Use of Recyclable Materials Award with their entry, "Hi Tide." This year they are planning on winning Fastest Boat with Rolling Tide's unique design, loosely based on a hamster wheel, which will be propelled by three to four scouts.

Sea Scouts is a co-ed program for youth, 13 years old and over, with an emphasis on nautical skills, sailing dinghies and larger yachts. New members are welcome. For further details contact Richard Gash at 871-6106.

WOW! That’s what you’ll say when you see the Westlake High School Marching Band, the “Pride of Westlake”,  take the field in their brand new uniforms! On Friday, August 27, the Westlake Demons host the first football game of the season right here in the stadium at Westlake High School. 

Marching musicians, Demonettes, Debonaires and Majorettes will all be performing in new uniforms made possible through fundraising efforts of the Music Boosters and the Westlake community. These new uniforms replace the previous attire which had been worn for over 12 years.

In addition to supporting both the athletes and band members on the field by attending the game, the Music Boosters will be selling $1 raffle tickets. One lucky winner will have the opportunity to enjoy the spirit and music of the entire Demon Marching Band play at their own home!

The Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library has a busy and exciting fall season planned for all ages and interests. Storytimes, specials, book discussions and speakers are only some of the programs that will be available.

Storytimes for all ages begin the week of September 20, with no registration needed. Snuggle Bugs for ages birth-30 months, Morning Movers for ages 1-3 years, Wednesday Wonders for ages 30 mos. to 5 years, Preschool for ages 3-5 years, and Friday Fun for ages birth-5 years are offered for our youngest customers and their caregivers. Please check online or stop in for a flyer for dates and times.   

Also coming to the library is Touchdown for Reading! Get in the game this fall! Play the Touchdown for Reading online reading game for grades 4-8, but students of all ages are invited to participate. Presented in partnership with the Cleveland Browns. Visit cuyahogalibrary.org/touchdownforreading for details. Play the game from Sept. 7-November 20.

Wednesday, August 25 (2 p.m.) Afternoon Book Discussion – The August selection is "Sag Harbor" by Colson Whitehead.

Wednesday, August 25 (7 p.m.) Find Money for Your Non-Profit Organization – Learn how to research foundations and companies that give money to non-profit organizations like yours using Foundation Center's database Foundation Directory Online. Please register.

Friday, August 27 (10 a.m.- 12 p.m.) Porter’s Fiber Fanatics – Socialize, share, and solve problems with fellow needle artists while you work on your current project.

Monday, August 30 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Thursday, September 2 (7-8:45 p.m.) Investor Interest Group – Craig Koeth will discuss "Taxes, Capital Gains and Inflation: Planning for 2011." Please register.

Friday, September 3 (10:30-11 a.m.), Wednesday, September 8 (10:30-11 a.m.), Monday, September 13 (7-7:30 p.m.) and Wednesday, September 22 (7-7:30 p.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance! – Join us for a fun session of singing and dancing. For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Last year silouettes on the Fuller House window foreshadowed this year's event when the house will be open for Moondance.

It's been called the party of the year by more than one attendee and tickets to the annual "Light Up the Night" fall fundraiser are already selling briskly for this September 18 event with RPM as the premier sponsor.

Each year the theme focuses on "lights" and this year it's "Moondance," which will be reflected in the decor. The benefit is held each fall to raise general operating funds. Last years event raised $40,000, this year's goal is to exceed that. 

"It rained last year but no one noticed," says Rory Berg, Corporate Sponsor chair. "We danced and ate and had a ball. The common response was 'what rain?' "

Mayor Clough stands in with members of the Lake Erie Electric team, winner of the  2010 Westlake Corporate Challenge.

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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.

Zumba….have you heard about it? Its hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves create a one-of-a-kind fitness program. The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat and having lots of fun doing it.

Our instructor, Sheri Lugo, has developed a program for the "in-between or silver adults" – a dance/exercise class that you will be able to do at your own pace, not too fast and not too slow. This is not your mother's or daughter's Zumba class!

We are having a free demo at the Dwyer Center (300 Bryson Lane – just off of Lake Road, west of Dover Center) on Wednesday, September 8, at 5:30 p.m. We hope you will join our Zumba Fitness Party! Wear exercise clothes and bring a friend. For more information, call 835-6565.

1890s Huntington Water Tower
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At the turn of the century, many wealthy Clevelanders had homes in the city and beautiful estates in the country. Huntington Reservation, on the shores of Lake Erie, was the former country estate of John Huntington (1832-1893), a prominent Cleveland industrialist and philanthropist.

John Huntington was born in Preston, England. His father was a mathematics teacher in the English school system. He made sure John had a good education. In 1852, John immigrated to the United States and Cleveland, Ohio.

He went into the roofing business with his brother, Hugh, and was successful. He soon became a respected Cleveland businessman, and his company was contracted to roof an early oil refinery by John D. Rockefeller. Mr. Rockefeller offered the brothers payment in cash or stock, and John, daring to adventure a little, accepted part payment in stock. He acquired considerable wealth by this venture and eventually a partnership in the Standard Oil Company.

The 48th Annual BAYarts Juried Show takes place September 10-30. Ages 18 and over with work completed in the past 24 months are encouraged to enter. All mediums and subjects are welcome with cash prizes and awards. This year's judges are Douglas Utter, artist, art critic and writer and Ross Lesko, director of the Kenneth-Paul Lesko Gallery in Gordan Square. Entry forms can be downloaded at www.bayarts.net.

Huntington Playhouse is presenting “Smokey Joe’s Café” featuring the music of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller through Sept. 12. Performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings with one Sunday matinee on September 12 at 2:00 p.m.

The music of this legendary rock and roll songwriting duo light up the stage. Featuring hits from the '50s and '60s, this sizzling revue will have you on your feet and dancing. Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller may not be household names, but their 45-year collaboration has yielded some of the most famous rhythm and blues and rock and roll hits of all time including "On Broadway," "Love Potion #9," "Stand By Me" and "Hound Dog."

 Reservations are strongly recommended by calling the box office at 440-871-8333.

The Women's Board of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center invites you to join them at Huntington Playhouse for a benefit performance of "Cash on Delivery," which the Playhouse describes as "a fast-paced, full-on farce complete with slamming doors, dead bodies, bald-faced lies, and mistaken identities."

A matinee performance followed by a reception will be Sunday, September 26, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 each. Seating is limited. In order to purchase tickets that will benefit Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, call Karen Huhndorff at 440-835-3283.

The first ever Discount Drug Mart Open Throttle Motorcycle Classic, held on Saturday, August 14, at the Westlake Drug Mart store, was a success. With an early morning shower being the only hiccup, the day's events went off as expected.

The Cleveland sports teams were well represented by their larger-than life-mascots. The Gladiators cheerleaders and dance team joined the Cavaliers Moondog, Lake Erie Monsters Sully and the Cleveland Gladiators Rudi. As DJ Jeff and the band TORRN entertained the crowd and a couple dozen motorcycle enthusiasts, the mascots put on their own show with a surprise dance routine.

Officers Ken Delfing and Roseanna McCoy from the Westlake Police Dept. DARE unit attended all day with their state of the art DARE van. Kids enjoyed corn hole games, DARE merchandise and giveaways from Discount Drug Mart. Everyone enjoyed the free hot dogs that were being grilled up along with chips, pop and water.

Who would be crazy enough to start a major building expansion in the midst of the worse economic climate since the Great Depression? Who? Unity Spiritual Center in Westlake!

The new facility, named Unity Hall, is now a venue that will be used for a variety of inspirational events for the people of northeast Ohio, as well as for fellowship, weddings, receptions, meetings, celebrations and more. Construction took a major leap of faith.

In late August, 2008, the members of Unity Spiritual Center celebrated the kick-off of the center’s first expansion project in 30 years. After a year-long capital campaign, and the approval of a construction loan from Shore Bank, Unity was ready to break ground on a large new building which would double the size of the center and provide a beautiful new venue for the greater community. 

At the same time Unity was celebrating, a shift was occurring in the world economy, brought into sharp relief with the collapse of Lehman Brothers investment bank on September 16, 2008. Fears of a global economic meltdown permeated every facet of life in the U.S. and abroad. No one knew what would happen.

I tried the following recipe for the first time last weekend. Everybody loved it, very creamy and full of flavor. It went together quickly and easily. I used white potatoes, white wine vinegar, Grey Poupon mustard and left out the pickle juice and chopped pickles. I plan on making this again, so maybe I'll try them next time.

ALL-AMERICAN POTATO SALAD
Adapted From: Cooking.com

RECIPE INGREDIENTS
4 1/2 pounds red-skinned or white-skinned  potatoes

1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup vinegar (cider, white wine or rice vinegars would work nicely)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Julie Kelsheimer understands the isolation a young mom feels: at home all day, feeding infants, chasing toddlers, and not having adult conversation. When the Westlake mom was starting her family, she “got involved in a group for young moms, just to keep my sanity,” she says.

That group buoyed her through many long, trying days as her husband worked long hours. “Older women with grown children became mentors to me. I always said that when I was older, I would repay what those women did for me.” 

When she moved to Westlake, with kids entering their teens, she made it a priority to find ways to encourage young moms. That’s when she found Mothers of Preschoolers, or MOPS, whose Cleveland chapter meets at Providence Church in Avon.

Every other Monday, Kelsheimer and 70 ladies filter into Providence amid smells of quiche, homemade bread, and coffee.

The Compeer Program at Far West Center is now in the twenty-first year of "Making Friends. Changing Lives," the motto of Compeer Inc. At the Far West Center Compeer Office we have made numerous friendship matches that have decreased the depression and isolation that often comes with managing mental illness. 

In this era of new technology and medical research, mental illness is still too often misunderstood by the general public.  Severe mental illness is a physical illness. Mental illness is an imbalance of some of the countless number of chemicals that make up brain function. Mental illness is treated with medication in order to restore brain chemicals to a healthy functioning balance. Persons in recovery from mental illness also benefit from education regarding brain function and coping with symptoms.

In Part I of this article in the last issue, I told you how I got started in writing Letters to the Editor and some of the experiences this avocation has  led to over the years in two areas – greater Nashville and greater Cleveland. Overall my purpose in these pieces is to encourage you to also express your opinions in writing to papers, magazines and web sites.

While I have accumulated some experience in writing and some success in having many of my letters printed since I started about 18 years ago, I would not presume to tell you how to write. I consider writing, much as opinions, to be very personal. We all have our own style just as we have our own opinions. Sometimes, people that know I write letters will suggest topics to me. While I appreciate their confidence, writing others’ opinions would just not work for me – and probably not for you either.

This General Assembly, the people of Ohio have experienced a roller coaster of triumphs and struggles. We saw the extension of the job-creating Third Frontier initiative, while at the same time, a nearly billion-dollar tax increase was levied when families were least able to afford it. While there has been significant job loss and economic decline both here at home and across the state, there is still hope—as long as the legislature puts politics aside and works to breathe new life into our region.

For the past 20 months, I have kept my promise to the families back home who entrusted me to be their voice in the People’s House. Specifically, I sought to create jobs for our community by introducing legislation that would fortify Ohio’s economy and get Cuyahoga County back to work. The 10 “Future of Ohio” jobs bills would help get our state back on the right track by offering businesses incentives to hire new employees, creating a more conducive business climate, and striving to keep young, educated college graduates within our borders.

There is a moth who eats
the shredded fabrics
of discarded love,
and he is very fat.

You have fed him my torn rags,
and I, ever the fool,
run quickly to my loom
to supply his future needs.

I am becoming older
Strangely defiant
Of youthful ideals.
What worked for me
At twenty, thirty, etc.
No longer pleases me.

I am becoming
Someone I do not know,
Someone whose skin
I am not yet comfortable in,
I am becoming who I am not.
I am becoming who I was meant to be.

Lakeshore Speech Therapy LLC, a speech-language therapy private practice serving the west side of Cleveland, recently opened an office in Westlake at 24865 Detroit Road, Suite #2. 

Lakeshore Speech Therapy is co-owned by my partner Ellen Spear and myself. Together we have over 30 years of experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and long-term care. We opened Lakeshore Speech Therapy in 2009 to provide speech therapy services in clients' homes and quickly expanded to our newly-opened Westlake location.

Workers using a backhoe dig out the stump of a removed diseased tree.
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Wedsnesday, August 12. Construction has started on the Bay Village Skate & Bike Park.