BRECKSVILLE, Ohio -- Memorial Day in Brecksville is more than just the start of summer -- it’s a cherished tradition of remembrance.
Each year, residents gather in large numbers to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom.
This year, the community is once again preparing for a heartfelt celebration, starting at 10:30 a.m. May 26, led by Mayor Daryl J. Kingston.
The parade will begin at City Hall and proceed to Highland Drive Cemetery, where a solemn ceremony will follow.
A key highlight of the event is the proud display of Brecksville’s 20-foot-by-38-foot American flag, which requires 30 volunteers to carry.
Residents interested in helping with this honorable task are encouraged to call the Brecksville Human Services Department at 440-526-2499.
Marching bands, community organizations and veterans will fill the streets with patriotic spirit.
The Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School marching band will perform, and members of American Legion Excelsior Post 196 and the Women’s Auxiliary Unit will play leading roles in both the parade and the cemetery service.
Following the tribute, refreshments will be served at the Brecksville Fire Station, offering a chance for community fellowship.
Community groups are invited to participate, whether by creating floats, decorating bikes or simply walking in honor.
Applications to join the parade are available at City Hall or in the Brecksville Bulletin. All participants should assemble by 10 a.m. on parade day.
For more information or to sign up, call City Hall at 440-526-4351 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
As Mayor Kingston reminds us, “Memorial Day in Brecksville is not just a date on the calendar -- it’s a commitment to never forget.”
Garden club: Each April, Arbor Day and Earth Day provide meaningful opportunities to engage with nature.
This year, the Chippewa Garden Club celebrated both by connecting with students at Assumption Academy and Lawrence School, as well as participating in the Earth Day Event in Brecksville.
To mark the occasion, the club purchased and distributed 500 Eastern redbud seedlings, complete with planting and care instructions.
Both students and adults expressed great interest, asking questions and sharing thoughts about the vital role trees play in a healthy environment.
For over 20 years, the club has continued its tradition of giving away a different tree seedling each year to inspire young minds and promote environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, the Chippewa Garden Club’s next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. May 27 at the Brecksville Human Services Building, 2 Community Drive.
The featured speaker will be Noelle Akin, manager of training and education at Petitti Garden Center. She will present “Ten Top Culinary Herbs for Your Garden,” highlighting how culinary herbs can enhance both your cooking and your garden.
Akin will cover tips for growing herbs in pots or garden beds, making them easily accessible and how to dry them for future use.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, guests are always welcome.
For more details on events and gardening tips, visit www.ChippewaGardenClub.com or find them on Facebook.
Historic village: Following the annual Strongsville Memorial Day parade and ceremony, the Strongsville Historical Village will once again be open to honor this special day.
All buildings will be open for visiting. Visit the military display, place a blue or gold star on the Gold Star tree honoring veterans or view the Missing Man Table honoring our fallen heroes.
There will also be crafts for the kids and a scavenger hunt to learn more about some historic items in the Village.
Ohio History Day exhibits, created by Strongsville High School students and recently entered in the Ohio Annual History Day competition, will be on display. Be sure to check them out as you tour the Village.
Strongsville Historic Village is available for walk-in tours every Wednesday and the third Saturday each month starting in May. Check-in times are 10 a.m. and noon. No reservations are needed.
Don’t forget about the Strongsville memorabilia sold in the Olds General Store in the Historic Village, where you can buy pottery, aprons, sweatshirts, afghans, vintage Deganhart glass, postcards and note cards, Strongsville Family history books, etc.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17, they will be offering vintage and antique Ohio pottery for sale at greatly reduced prices.
View Fenton, Universal, Weller, Roseville, Labino, Amber, Hobbs, St. Clair, Crooksville, McCoy, Hall, Hull and others. Some early American pressed glass is also available.
Cash, check and credit cards are accepted. Strongsville Historic Village is located at 13306 Pearl Road in Strongsville.
The Strongsville Historical Society and Village invites you to become a member. Various levels are available. Learn more by going to www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org and Facebook.
Musical presentation: At the April meeting of the North Royalton Board of Education, the spotlight was turned toward the talent and dedication of the district’s high school student performers.
Sydney Jahnigen, adviser representing both North Royalton High School Theatre and Royal Harmony, delivered a presentation that celebrated an extraordinary year in the arts -- a year marked by packed houses, powerful performances and historic wins.
The theatre program enchanted audiences this season with two major productions: “Shrek! The Musical” in the fall and “Alice in Wonderland” in the spring.
The fall musical, which featured a nearly sold-out run, was a heartfelt and hilarious production showcasing the power of individuality and community.
The spring production took a whimsical turn, captivating viewers with its imaginative take on a classic tale.
In total, more than 160 students were involved across the year as actors, crew members, musicians and technicians -- a true community of collaboration and creativity.
Jahnigen took time to highlight the vital behind-the-scenes contributors who help bring each show to life, from costuming to lighting.
Royal Harmony, the school’s show choir, also had a record-breaking year, delivering a competition season filled with passion, perseverance and a powerful message.
Their show, “I Am Because We Are,” rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasized unity and mutual humanity.
Royal Harmony’s success was not just felt at home. Their journey through the regional show choir circuit included top honors and finals placements at prestigious events, culminating in a groundbreaking win at the Kenton Cup, where they took home overall Grand Champion -- a first in program history.
The students closed the presentation with a performance of “If You’re Out There” by John Legend, showcasing the group’s vocal and emotional range and celebrating its most successful season yet.
Honor tree: Have you ever seen the Brecksville Honor Tree? It is a beautiful metal sculpture that graces the north wall of The Gathering Room at Brecksville’s Human Services Center.
Its leaves are engraved with the names of Brecksville citizens, past and present, who have contributed to Brecksville’s more than 200-year reputation as a wonderful town to call home.
You can memorialize a distinguished individual or family, past or present, by purchasing one or more engraved leaves.
Or perhaps your organization would consider recognizing a past or present member who has contributed to the community.
The cost is $250 per leaf. Proceeds are directed to The Brecksville Honor Tree Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
The funds are used to help residents -- typically seniors -- who have fallen on difficult times and need a significant helping hand.
For more information, contact Steve Paciorek, Human Services Center director, at 440-526-2499.
Let the Brecksville, Broadview Heights, North Royalton and Strongsville communities know what is going on with your organization, church, school, business or family. Email me at shirleymac48@att.net.
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