Community Service

Hoping to add a little joy to the infirmed, their families, caregivers and staff, Bob Votruba and his dog, Bogart, visited the Hospice of the Western Reserve on Thanksgiving Eve. Many of the staff stood in the windows of the Ames Family Hospice House, expressing their appreciation from inside.

“It was a nice way to help the staff know that they are appreciated“ said Frank Kukula, Facilities Manager Team Leader.

This time of year is especially hard for everyone and with COVID-19, it has added additional challenges for everyone who care so much for our loved ones. A big debt of gratitude is owed to these angels of comfort.

Cleveland Angels is a nonprofit whose mission is to “walk alongside children in the foster care system, as well as their caretakers, by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship.” Gretchen Dupps, a longtime Bay Village resident, is the founder of the Cleveland chapter and executive director.

Before agreeing to start and lead Cleveland Angels, Gretchen felt called to help support children in the foster care system because as a child her parents had been foster parents, so she has first-hand knowledge and insight into the best ways these families can be supported. When the opportunity arose a couple of years ago to begin the Cleveland chapter of the national Angels organization, she jumped on it. She, along with many tireless volunteers, has made it the success it is today.

Many of us have heard of services available for those aging out of foster care, but what about services for those with special needs aging out of high school who are losing their social life connections? When Pam Denzler’s nephew, Thomas, was graduating from high school in 2012, she wondered the same thing.

Without finding a local resource, Pam, an occupational therapist by trade, founded A Place 2B ME, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help those with disabilities explore what they enjoy, connect with others and participate in activities of their choosing.

Pam, who lives in Westlake, founded A Place 2B ME with 40 years of occupational therapy (OT) experience, including health care, nursing homes and group homes. 

One of the services most needed to enable Bay Village older adults to stay in their home is snow removal. In response to this need, Bay Village Community Services has developed the Snow Angels program, in which volunteers are matched with a qualifying senior who requested assistance. A Snow Angel coordinator pairs the volunteer with a neighbor for the winter season.

Becoming a Snow Angel is a great way to:

• Get involved in our wonderful Bay Village community;
• Get to know your elderly neighbors;
• Get fresh air & exercise this winter.

For those who need a Snow Angel:

• You must fill out an application and show proof of residency and income. To qualify, household income is not to exceed $30,000 per year.
• You will be assigned a volunteer or group of volunteers who will shovel your driveway and sidewalk when 2 inches of snow or more have fallen.
• You will be notified by the Snow Angels coordinator if you have qualified and have been paired with a Snow Angel.

To volunteer as a Snow Angel or receive an application, please contact Jennifer Ruese at 440-835-6565, or jruese@cityofbayvillage.com.

The final months of the year are an opportune time for reflection and appreciation. While 2020 is a year that most would rather just forget, one can always find hope in the good deeds of others. Whether it’s a neighbor, member of a civic organization or fellow parishioner, those that give of themselves to help others deserve a moment of recognition.

The Bay Village Community Council has just opened the nomination period for the annual Bay Village Citizen of the Year and Project of the Year awards, to honor those who have made a difference in the community.

The Community Council will accept nominations until Friday, Jan. 22, and the selection committee will meet shortly afterward to choose this year’s winner.

There’s nothing sweeter than feeling like the most important person in the room! And that’s how Pete Mitchell makes you feel. “It’s all about the relationships,” says Pete.  “I tell myself to this day, ‘Slow down, enjoy people and don’t rush through things.’” 

I met Pete in passing years ago. I wanted to know more about the man, one of two brothers behind the ice cream. During our conversation, Pete reflected on his journey to growing this community staple. “When my brother, Mike, and I first opened our ice cream shop in Westlake 21 years ago, we just thought it would be a fun, small business to be creative with,” says Pete.

What surprised Pete was that it was so much more. “Ice cream is such a nostalgic product that people can develop memories around.”  As many of us can attest, it’s associated with celebrating a dance recital, a school play, or a big win against a football rival. “We did not see that coming when we got started, but it’s a very rewarding part of what we do.” says Pete.

The COVID pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, and with the holidays fast approaching, it is important to reach out to those in our community who are suffering from financial insecurity as a result of the pandemic.

If you are a Bay Village resident who is or was laid off from your job and needs help this holiday season, Bay Village Community Services can help by providing:

• Gift cards for groceries
• Gift cards to purchase gifts for family members
• Personal care and cleaning items

We also can provide up to $250 to help with utility bills, medical bills, rent or mortgage through our Emergency Funds program.

For more information, contact Leslie Selig, director of Community Services, at 440-899-3409 or lselig@cityofbayvillage.com.

The Holiday Caring & Sharing Program, a Bay Village tradition for more than 10 years, is seeking donations to benefit the community in the coming year. There are two ways to contribute to this program:

• Cash donations for emergency funds for residents in financial need. The City will pay up to $250 to a resident in financial crisis for:
• Utility bills
• Rent/mortgage
• Medical expenses

•  Gift cards for groceries, gas, drug stores or Target/Walmart/Amazon are also appreciated

Donations may be dropped off or mailed to the Bay Village Senior Center, 300 Bryson Lane. Holiday Caring & Sharing is sponsored by the Bay Village Department of Community Services.

Families of boys and girls, grades K-5, are invited to attend a Virtual Open House hosted by Bay Village Cub Scout units!  Register to attend an online presentation of the Cub Scouting program in Bay Village on Friday, Oct. 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m.. Local units will provide information on their activities and meeting schedules. Learn more about the program at lecbsa.org/join-scouting. Access to the online meeting will be provided to all who register at this link: tinyurl.com/BVCubs2020.

After a long delay due to restrictions on indoor gatherings, the Bay Village Community Council finally presented Richard Gash with his Citizen of the Year award at an outdoor reception Sept. 24 at the Bay Boat Club. Mayor Paul Koomar read a proclamation in honor of Gash, a 48-year resident and leader of the Bay Sea Scouts.
 
Several Scouts – Norah and Zak Hamil and Jennie Koomar – gave presentations about the dedication Gash shows for his students. The Bay Village Garden Club prepared a nautical-themed floral arrangement for the honoree.

Are we ever too old to stop learning? Bob Piccirilli says “no!!” In fact, Bob is still “thrilled by the chase” of learning something new.

An avid learner, Bob earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Clarkson University and completed his post-doctoral work at Duke University. After retiring in 2009 from a rewarding 33-year career with PPG, Bob wanted to continue his learning and make a difference. “I’m a task-oriented person. I knew I could never sit at home alone and watch TV, and I can’t golf in the winter,” says Bob.

Bob’s wife, Barb, suggested that he volunteer for the Bay Schools’ Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). Bob found this group fascinating. “Each year the school board would give us a useful project requiring us to do extensive research, collect data and present our findings to the board.” Bob volunteered on the CAC for three years and served as chairman for one year.

Oct. 1 brings in the new Kiwanis year and Westlake Kiwanis installed Kevin Walker as their president for 2020-2021 year. Doing the installation was Robert Clancy, former Division 14 Lt. Governor. Kevin takes over for outgoing President Ray Budoi.

Walker laid out his agenda for the coming Kiwanis year, hoping to connect with the local community and to continue to serve the children of Westlake. Please consider joining the Westlake Kiwanis to help serve the youth of Westlake.

St. Ladislas Knights of Columbus Council 16373 received multiple recognitions at Ohio’s Knights of Columbus and Supreme Convention earlier this year, among them the No. 1 ranking of Ohio’s Knights of Columbus councils.

"These awards are the result of a growing group of men who are truly putting their faith in action,” says Bud Tetzlaff, Council 16373 financial secretary. "In only our fifth year, and one of the smallest councils in Ohio, to earn Five Star Council and Number One in the State of Ohio is very, very special. Five Star Council was earned by less than 1% of over 17,000 councils worldwide."

The Community West Foundation board of directors approved $564,000 in third-quarter grants to nonprofit agencies that provide basic needs services to the community. The receiving organizations include:

• Building Hope in the City
• Cleveland Housing Network for the Water Champion Program
• Community Service Alliance
• Cornerstone of Hope
• Edna House for Women
• Front Steps 
• Joseph’s Home
• Koinonia Homes
• Malachi Center
• NAMI Greater Cleveland
• Scranton Road Ministries
• Second Harvest Food Bank
• The Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition (MHAAC)
• True Freedom Ministries
• Ursuline Piazza
• Youth Challenge

The mission of Community West Foundation is to advance the health and well being of our community. The staff and board of directors are guided by the words in Matthew 25:35-40: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and  you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

For more information, contact Community West Foundation at 440-360-7370 or visit communitywestfoundation.org.

A huge cooperative effort by the City of Westlake, Westlake Police Department and Westlake Kiwanis gathered supplies for victims of Hurricane Laura in Louisiana.

Bottled water, non-perishable food items, pet supplies and food, toiletries, household items and new or gently used clothing were gathered and stored at the Westlake police garage. Monetary donations were also accepted.

The accumulated supplies were moved to the Nehemiah Network Warehouse in Cleveland where they were loaded on a tractor trailer truck and shipped to Louisiana.

There are special people that make the world a better place. Rick Grane, a Westlake super volunteer and recent nominee for the “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign of the American Cancer Society, is one of those people.

After experiencing a TIA (mini-stroke) last year, Rick’s tests came back all normal. Using his humor, Rick immediately insisted his doctor raise his right hand and swear to his daughter, Laura, his “police partner in crime”, Marian, and his friend Timmy, “I hereby state that Rick Grane is completely normal.”

Rick is anything but normal! There’s a reason he’s received an abundance of awards over the years including Mr. Westlake 2014, Auxiliary Policeman of the Year twice and the Fraternal Order of Police Associates (FOPA) member of the year for Ohio, to name a few.

The Bay United Methodist Women are sponsoring a donation drive for Fill This House on Oct. 1, 3 and 4.  Fill This House is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving living conditions of local youth aging out of the foster care system. By providing household needs for the transitioning youth to independent housing, Fill This House delivers support in a manner that maintains their dignity and provides encouragement to these young adults.

The United Methodist Women will have masked volunteers in the west church parking lot at 29931 Lake Road with open trunks to accept donations on the following dates and times:

• Thursday, Oct. 1, 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 3, 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 4 after church, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The wish list of items needed may be found on the Bay United Methodist Church website, www.bayumc.org. All items should be NEW and unwrapped.

Are you looking for a way to give back to the community to make a positive difference? Hospice of the Western Reserve is seeking reception desk volunteers at Ames Family Hospice House, its hospice inpatient care center located near the intersection of Crocker and Clemens Road in Westlake.

Reception desk volunteers are the “first face of hospice” to visiting families and guests. They not only provide a friendly welcome but play a crucial role in helping the facility provide a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors and staff. During the pandemic, receptionists play an especially vital role, screening all visitors and taking temperatures. (Training for these procedures is provided.)

A decade has passed since Bay Village resident Barb Harrell first laid eyes on "Nourishing Connections," a cookbook published by Ceres Community Project of Sebastopol, California. She was intrigued and inspired by the Ceres Project’s innovative concept of using local teenage cooks to prepare nutritious meals for people in their community who are experiencing health problems. She traveled to California to find out more. This little, spiral-bound cookbook set Barb’s life on a new path.

On Sept. 24, 2010, Village Project was born with its mission to come together as a community of all ages to provide nourishing meals and extended care and service to our neighbors experiencing cancer.

Barb had no problem enlisting the help she needed to make her vision a reality. In just weeks, Bay Village embraced the fledgling Village Food Project, as it was called then, and volunteers eagerly came forward to share their time and resources with the new project.

The Westlake Police Department, the City of Westlake and Westlake Kiwanis have joined together to gather donations for the victims of Hurricane Laura. They need your help to help them. They will be loading an 18-wheeler full of supplies to be taken to Louisiana to be distributed as needed. The need is great, for this is one of the most deadly storms to hit Louisiana. 

Bring your donations for the victims of Hurricane Laura to the Westlake Police Garage, 27700 Hilliard Blvd., throughout the month of September. Items that are needed are: bottled water, non-perishable food items, gently used or new clothing, pet supplies and food, toiletries and household items.

A series of articles that aims to inspire readers to take the risk to try something new, see the positive in life, and recognize that everyday people can make a difference by following their passions.

Inspirational people are all around us. In fact, they could be right in your own back yard. Meet my neighbor, Kate Kerlin.  

“I wake up happy every morning. I know that’s a blessing,” says Kate, a Bay Village newcomer. Growing up third of nine children, living in a 1,300-square-foot Parma bungalow, life could have been perceived as chaotic. Yet, Kate says, “It was such a loving place to be. I felt blessed to be raised in a family with so much support.”

Kate’s cheerful, of-service attitude is inspiring because Kate was not dealt an easy hand. At age 41, Kate’s beloved husband passed away 42 days after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, requiring Kate to re-career to provide for her children, ages 12 to 21. Despite tragedy, Kate’s goal was not to survive but to thrive.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes for everyone, including organizations that serve the most vulnerable in our community. Westlake Meals on Wheels has received numerous inquiries from residents to volunteer with the non-profit meal delivery program.

One of those residents is Kendall Adams, her mom, Emily, and younger sister, Morgan. Kendall is 4 years old and started making potholders to earn spending money. Her project was so successful that her mother suggested donating some of her profits to a local charity.

The family had begun delivering meals, and Kendall immediately said, “How about the place where we go help take meals to people in their houses?” Her mother, Emily, was thrilled Kendall thought of Meals on Wheels, and saw it as a perfect fit.

Throughout this pandemic it has been challenging to keep up personal connections and still find ways to impact our community in a meaningful way. This has not stopped the Westlake/Bay Village Rotary Club, who meet weekly via Zoom, from continuing their support for the many local charities and international causes. 

The Westlake/Bay Village Rotary Club funds their many donations and volunteer activities by holding an annual charity golf outing. This year the golf outing is Friday, Oct. 9, at the Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station. The event includes greens fees, cart, box lunch, beer/soda/water, prizes, awards, and a complete clambake dinner.

Third in a series of articles that aims to inspire readers to take the risk to try something new, see the positive in life, and recognize that everyday people can make a difference by following their passions.

The Bay Village Green Team is a 100% volunteer-operated non-profit organization founded in 2007. Its vision is for Bay Village to become a model sustainable community. This means "passing on the world in as good as or better condition as was handed on to us,” says Patrick McGannon, president of the Green Team.

“I was always geared toward the natural world,” he says. “Growing up in Bay, you could find me outside playing in the woods and biking the neighborhood with friends.”

Patrick started out as a pre-med student at John Carroll University, but changed plans during the last semester of college. Instead, he added courses that focused on the environment and graduated with a degree in biology.

While social distancing outdoors, the board of the Bay Village Garden Club gathered to welcome our two new co-presidents, Holly Colleran and Eileen Ernst. Both Holly and Eileen are Master Gardeners and are active in various community activities. Little did they know what the future held when they agreed to become co-presidents back in March. Due to the virus many of our activities programs and field trips have been postponed until future notice.

In the interest of the safety and health of our volunteers and participants, the board has made the difficult decision to cancel our Holiday Greening Workshop for 2020. We do not want to potentially expose anyone to the virus and since it is not possible, due to space, to socially distance during the workshops it is necessary to cancel the 38th annual Greening. We thank all those who have supported our only fundraiser in the past and we look forward to seeing you in 2021.

Stay healthy and keep gardening!

During our summer camp and throughout the year at Bethesda Childcare Center in Bay Village, we do various community service projects for different causes. We do these projects to encourage the children to think about the world around them, while increasing self-confidence and providing a sense of purpose.

In the past, we have sold lemonade as part of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, raised money to adopt an animal at the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, did a Trike-a-thon for St. Jude's, had a bake sale to support Multiple Sclerosis, and also do a Blessing Bag project in December.

On Friday, July 24, we had a car wash to raise money for Lucky Paws Cat Rescue and Golden Treasures, raising $750. Lucky Paws Cat Rescue is a small, foster home based, non-profit organization. They rescue animals from situations that are abusive, endangering, or neglectful. They provide foster care and medical care for the rescued animals and find them responsible pet owners to adopt and care for these animals.

The Westlake Kiwanis and the Westlake Town Criers joined forces in donating to the Westlake Fire Department purchase smoke detectors. The donation of $250 each was to help the Westlake Fire Department provide smoke detectors for qualifying families.

To qualify, you must: live in the city of Westlake; own and live in your home; and live on a low income, are a senior citizen or are disabled. To request installation of smoke alarms in your home, call the Westlake Fire Prevention Division at 440-835-6422, Westlake Fire Department at 440-871-3441, or Community Services’ outreach coordinator at 440-899-3544.

Westlake residents in need of assistance with putting food on the table can once again register online for Curbside Food Pickup through the Westlake Food Pantry.

After a brief hiatus, the program restarted in July and will be offering pre-packaged food bags to residents the last Thursday of each month through at least September.

As with the program’s previous iteration in May and June, food will be distributed at Westlake Senior & Community Services Center to residents who register in advance via the city’s website: www.cityofwestlake.org/activities.

A number of the past presidents of the Bay Men's Club recently donated $2,100 for the proposed Home of the Rockets facility at the high school. The donation by the past presidents came on top of another $1,000 donated by the club. Past presidents who donated were Dave Blevins, Thomas Brugh, Wayne Douglas, Eric Eakin, Chris Edelman, Pete Gierosky, Dominic Giovannazzo, Sean Riley, Rob Spies, John Stanton, Mike Thies and Pete Winzig.

Second in a series of articles that aims to inspire readers to take the risk to try something new, see the positive in life, and recognize that everyday people can make a difference by following their passions.

“I always admired people who do really big things in this world,” says Lisa Lowrie. “I’m not good at being that big-project person, but I like to do the small things that help the people doing the big things, so they keep going.”

Lisa’s “small things,” done with great passion, are actually “big things”!

Last fall, a friend introduced Lisa to Cleveland Angels, a non-profit organization whose mission is to work with children in the foster care system, as well as their caretakers, by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building and mentorship. This mission piqued Lisa’s interest as she has a soft spot for people who foster and adopt children. At 18, Lisa was adopted.

First in a series of articles that aims to inspire readers to take the risk to try something new, see the positive in life, and recognize that everyday people can make a difference by following their passions.

During this pandemic, many of us have struggled to stay positive and motivated. Therefore, let us look to role models to inspire us. Jane Blackie, chair of the Bay Village Chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWV) is one who could serve as a role model for us all as she is one of those inspiring people making a difference during these unique times.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization, formed 100 years ago in conjunction with the suffrage movement.

The Westlake Kiwanis and the Westlake Police Department partnered on providing bike helmets for children attending Safety Town.

The helmets were purchased jointly from the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation as a fundraiser for the Foundation. The Kiwanis Foundation also provides funds to local clubs to help with projects dealing with children.

The police department and Safety Town will see to the distribution of these helmets.

If you know the Bay Village Chief of Police, Mark Spaetzel, then you know he is a thoughtful, caring and diligent father, police officer and chief. After 35 years with the Bay Village Police Department, Mark Spaetzel is retiring. Since we can't have what would be a large party of family and friends the least that should be done is to note a little about his life and achievements.

Born in 1963 in Lorain, Ohio, Mark's family has lived a long time in Avon Lake. Not only did he grow up in Avon Lake and go to school there, his grandmother was in the first class to graduate from Avon Lake High School. His father, Richard, and mom, Dorothy, are both still living in Avon Lake and very proud of their son. Police work is in the family: his grandfather, Ed, was part-time Avon Lake officer, while his brother Steve is a Lakewood police officer and a cousin is also a policeman.

It didn’t take long for the Bay Men’s Club to jump in and help a Bay Village family struggling with cancer. Damon Bower, a Bay High schooler, is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
 
Volunteer organizer, past president of BMC and current Ward 4 City Councilman Peter Winzig led the effort. "A close friend of mine called and asked if I would reach out to some friends to help the Bower family with some much needed yard work", said Mr. Winzig. “I made a few calls, sent out an email request to other BMC past presidents, and asked current BMC President Matt Williams to do the same to our membership. In typical BMC fashion, positive 'count me in' support rolled in and the guys just kept showing up to help.”
 
On Memorial Day, the volunteer team of adults and kids descended up the Bower house, trimmed trees and bushes, cleaned and raked out the gardens, cut grass, edged the gardens and sidewalks and spruced up the entire yard.

The Bay Men’s Club has awarded $1,500 scholarships to three very deserving Bay High students: Claire Blevins, Mason Hewko, and Jane Finley.

Scholarships are awarded based on need, character, scholastic achievement and leadership qualities.

Blevins enjoys art, photography, being outside, and hanging out with friends. She was on the varsity volleyball team her freshman and sophomore years, which got cut short after she was diagnosed with cancer in 2017. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and after many rounds of chemo and hospitalizations she finished treatment in December 2019, only to sadly relapse in March. She is preparing for a bone marrow transplant in June, and plans to take classes at Cuyahoga Community College her first year while she finishes treatment, then transfer to another four-year college and major in nursing.

The Bay Village American Legion Post #385 honored Memorial Day with their traditional 21-gun salute at Lakeside Cemetery.

Chaplain Ed Kus gave an opening prayer and Commander Stanley Zeager read the names of those 59 individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms that we all enjoy.

Janice Blanton represented the Daughters of the American Revolution at the event.

The Bay Village Kiwanis Club has been sponsoring the annual Bay Village Academic Achievement Awards Night for over 50 years. The Awards Night is typically held in the Bay High School auditorium. This year, due to social distancing guidelines, the event was held online. The annual Kiwanis Awards Dinner honoring the recipients will tentatively be held later this summer.

For the 2019-2020 school year, the Bay Village Kiwanis Club has awarded 16 scholarships totaling $12,750, to the following students:

• $250 Department Awards: Olivia Doland, Art; Thomas Ferrara, Business; Dominic Yontosh, Career Based Intervention; Elizabeth Holup, English; Caden Barker, Family & Consumer Sciences; Ben Anderson, Mathematics; Max Linn Shelton, Music; Audrey Ray, Science; Patricia Yuhas, Social Studies; Stephen Tepper, Technology; Juliana Reising, World Language
• $2,000 Kiwanis Scholarship Awards: Olivia Doland, Noah Lowery, Edward Papp
• $2,000 Kiwanis Key Club Scholarship Awards: Madison Florez, Shea Janos

Part of a series of articles highlighting local employees going above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic.

Heroes wear many uniforms ... and this one wears jeans and a baseball cap!

I’d been wanting to buy a glass top for my pedestal table for five years. The stay-at-home mandate created time to research this purchase. I grabbed my phone and typed in “glass tops” in Google Maps, and a list appeared.

First listing: permanently closed. Sad. Second listing: within five minutes, I knew this was NOT the person I wanted to do business with as he made selecting a glass top as complicated as rocket science.

While many of us are supporting local restaurants by taking advantage of their curbside pickup services, the Westlake Food Pantry has flipped the script and is using the curbside pickup concept to benefit locals in need.

The Senior and Community Services Department’s new Friday Curbside Pickup program, supported by a $1,000 grant from the Community West Foundation, offers residents facing economic struggles related to the coronavirus pandemic a new, safe and discreet avenue to utilize the city’s Food Pantry. Friends and family members of residents who are struggling but unable to pickup food items themselves also are encouraged to register to use the program.

It’s a concept that has gained traction in other parts of the country and the Community Services staff in Westlake hopes it can become the norm in Northeast Ohio. Similar events have been organized in the area but not necessarily with plans to run long-term. In Westlake, the Community Services Department intends to continue to keep the program going as long as the demand is there.

The Bay Village Chapter of the League of Women Voters is pleased to announce the Bay High School recipients of the 2020 Good Citizen Scholar Awards: Ellie LaMotte and John Kilbane. These students will be awarded $1,000 each for their college expenses and were selected by the Bay High staff to whom we are grateful.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of women suffrage, the 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters, and the 73rd anniversary of the Bay Village Chapter. As a grassroots organization with nationwide influence, the League firmly believes that each of us can make a difference by demonstrating character, scholarship and leadership.  Our scholarship winners embody that sentiment.

This memorial scholarship honors two eminent Bay League members: Maxine M. McQuate, a champion of student involvement in government, and George Serb, community historian and peerless citizen activist.