Short Takes on the Westside, December 16: Rocky River Pickleball returns, Avon Lake Jubilee and more

Bay Village

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Police Academy: Residents can go behind the scenes and learn how the Bay Village Police Department runs during the upcoming free Community Police Academy.  

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The Community Police Academy will meet on Wednesdays for 12 weeks. Classes will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. beginning Jan. 7 and ending March 25 (graduation) at the police department.

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To apply, click here for printable and fillable application forms. Completed applications can be mailed to the address included at the bottom of the application or emailed to Administrative Assistant Darren Ingham at dingham@cityofbayvillage.com.  Applications are due by Jan. 5.

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Well-balanced parent expo: Save the date for the Bay Village City Schools free inaugural wellness event, The Well-Balanced Parent, from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at Bay Middle School.

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All parents, grandparents and residents are encouraged to attend. There will be information and live demos featuring yoga, reiki, fitness, healthy eating, sleep and a keynote speaker providing information on helping you navigate phones and social media with your children.

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Avon

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Store closing: It’s just a few more weeks until the last remaining antique store in Avon’s historic French Creek District closes at the end of the year.

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Mary Ann Brown opened Jameson Homestead Antiques, 36675 Detroit Road, in 1979.

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The City of Avon bought the Jameson property in 2018. Mayor Bryan Jensen and Brown came to an agreement that as long as she wanted to run her antique business there, she could. Sadly, Brown passed away in August.

When the City purchased the property, the original intention was to make it a Visitor’s Bureau office. City officials have now decided to relocate the Recreation Department to the house building. The department is currently located at 35001 Schwartz Road.

Plans are also in the works to restore and utilize the barn adjacent to the main building for educational programming, both for children and seniors.

Principal retire-rehire: Avon High School principal Kristina Dobos Buller is remaining at the school after being awarded a new three-year contract, effective Jan. 6, 2026, which is a few days after her Dec. 31 retirement date.

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She has been principal at Avon since 2011. Prior to that, she served as assistant principal of the high school for 13 years.

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In other news from the Avon Local Schools, Director of Innovation and Technology Kelly Gonzalez is heading to Polaris Career Center to become the new Director of Educational Technology and Innovation, for the school (effective Jan. 1, 2026). She joins former Avon superintendent Ben Hodge in Middleburg Heights.

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Avon Lake

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Lights on the Lake: A Community Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration featuring music, storytelling, and reflections, led by Cantor Laurel Barr from Temple B'nai Abraham, Lorain County's only Reform Jewish congregation, will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 32770 Lake Road.

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New principal: Avon Lake High School assistant principal Adam Slabodnick has been named principal of the school effective Jan. 5, 2026. He fulfills the role following the recent news of the pending departure of current principal Mike May, who recently accepted a position in another district, contingent upon their Board of Education's approval. Information regarding May’s new position was not disclosed in the superintendent’s weekly newsletter. I reached out to May for more details, but didn’t hear back before my deadline.

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Time to play: It may be a little frosty out, but the Avon Lake Play Space (ALPS) is no longer an active construction site and is now open to the public.

The ALPS community celebration will have to wait until Spring, but you can bundle up for a visit and start making memories. Guests can check out the view from Lakers Lookout, make snow angels, or go sledding.

Don't forget to visit the donor bricks that have been installed at the south entrance to honor the community members who helped make the original park possible. Consider becoming a sponsor, to learn more, click here.

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Change in leadership: City Council president Jennifer Fenderbosch is passing the gavel next month to At-Large councilman Geoffrey (Geoff) Smith who will lead council going forward.

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Board member: The Avon Lake City Schools (ALCS) Foundation is seeking applications from individuals who are interested in serving on the Board. As a member, you will have the opportunity to support educational opportunities for students, encourage fundraising efforts to support grants and scholarships, and increase community awareness.

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To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: current Avon Lake resident, former (ALCS) student, or work in the city of Avon Lake. For more information, click here.

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Happy birthday America: The Avon Lake 250 Jubilee is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration honoring America's 250th birthday, and city officials want the community to be part of the party,

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Next summer will be filled with music, events, contests, a 5K race, and plenty of family-friendly fun, culminating in a grand fireworks display on July 3.

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Join the celebration as event hosts, sponsors, and volunteers are needed. Click here for more information.

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North Ridgeville

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Coffee chat: Join Mayor Kevin Corcoran for his last Coffee and Conversation of 2025 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Dec. 18 in Council Chambers at City Hall.

This month’s special guest is Chris Hibsman, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the North Ridgeville Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Bureau.

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Chamber honors: The North Ridgeville Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Bureau recently held its Business of the Year luncheon. Taking home this year’s honors as  Business of the Year is Between the Bun.

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Lorain County Health and Dentistry received the Pride Award for new construction.

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Ward seat: There is another vacant seat on City Council after Ward 2 representative Eric Shaffer pled guilty to stealing more than $8,000 in veterans benefits from Lorain County Veterans Service.

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The Ward 2 seat term ends on Dec. 31, 2027.  Interested parties, who must be a resident of Ward 2 in the City of North Ridgeville and a registered voter for at least one year prior to appointment, should send a cover letter and resume to the Clerk of Council’s Office via email at councilclerks@nridgeville.org by Dec. 26.  Council will then review the applicants and appoint a replacement per the prescribed Charter timeline.

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Rocky River

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Pickleball returns: The city’s Recreation Commission recently met regarding pickleball after activities were postponed due to the bad behavior of some players.

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There is now a Pickleball Program Plan. There will be a designated Program Supervisor and their responsibilities will include signing people up and setting up and managing the space. The program will be registration-only with priority given to residents first, non-resident members and then non-residents. Each session will run for five to six weeks including a small program fee, much like swim lessons.

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Registration will be limited to 20 players per session to ensure a quality experience and a manageable group size. The program will initially operate for two days a week with the third week for mini sessions to teach people the rules of pickleball.

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Fees for pickleball will be $30 per session for members, $36 for residents and $48.00 for non-residents.

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Boutique closing: It’s the end of an era. After nearly 11 years in business, Tart Boutique, 20145 Lake Road, will be closing up shop after the New Year. The store opened in April 2015 as a consignment shop and then transitioned in December 2021 to a gift boutique.  

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New medical facility: Planning Commission members recently reviewed a proposal for University Hospitals’ new urgent care to be located at 20914 Center Ridge Road. The plans include renovation of an existing building for a walk-in medical facility.

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Westlake

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Votes needed: Westlake High School alum and diver Grace Kelsheimer (Class of 2021) has been named a finalist for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission’s Female College Athlete of the Year. She currently attends Marshall University.

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To vote, click here.

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Community honor: Congratulations to Dale and Betsy Smith, the new Mr. and Mrs. Westlake, presented by the Westlake Town Criers during the recent treelighting ceremony at City Hall.  

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Dale’s family settled in Westlake in 1936. He graduated from Westlake High School in 1968. He later served as auxiliary officer for the Westlake Police Department, as well as with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office, Cleveland Clinic Protective Services, and Westshore Enforcement Bureau.

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He is also very involved in recreational efforts throughout the community including spearheading efforts to help disabled children play baseball.

Betsy is recognized for standing by Dale's side and supporting his community efforts throughout their years together.

Shout-out: The Westlake Kiwanis Club recently distributed food and good cheer to families at the Westlake Community Center along with a donation of $1,000 toward feeding those in need. If you are interested in being part of the Westlake Kiwanis Club, click here.

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