Students learn the value of defending our country’s freedom: Talk of the Towns

NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio - North Royalton Elementary School was filled with patriotism and gratitude as the school community gathered to honor local veterans. For the fourth consecutive year, the staff and students continued the proud tradition started at Albion, Royal View and Valley Vista elementary schools.

The school hosted special breakfast events to recognize the service and sacrifice of their family members, friends and neighbors who had served in the military. Veterans proudly wore hats and uniforms representing the branches they had sworn to protect.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by students dressed in red, white and blue, eagerly waving miniature American flags. During the program, a slideshow featuring photos of veterans with their loved ones played on the screens, set to patriotic music.

"North Royalton Elementary is humbled to continue this cherished tradition," said Principal Kirk Pavelich. "Our students gain invaluable lessons about duty, service and sacrifice by connecting directly with those who have defended our freedoms."

The school choir performed rousing renditions of "America the Beautiful" and "Thank You Soldiers" under the direction of their music teachers.

As the breakfast concluded, veterans mingled with students, sharing stories and answering questions.

Food for families: This is the 42nd year for the Yuletide Hunger Program which provides food for low-income families in Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Seven Hills and Independence. Donors are asked to bring food to their city's respective senior centers until Nov. 29.

Brecksville's Senior Center is located at 2 Community Dr.; Broadview Heights is at 9543 Broadview Rd.; Independence is at 6363 Selig Dr.; and Seven Hills is at 7325 Summitview Dre.

Also, and just as importantly, the Yuletide committee is asking for monetary donations by check made payable to your city of residence with Yuletide Hunger Program on the memo line. Funds received will be used to buy food to augment what is donated and certificates for a turkey.

Contact the Human Services Center in your town for more information: Brecksville, 440-526-2499; Broadview Heights, 440-526-4685; Seven Hills, 216-525-6230; Independence, 216-524-7373.

Here comes Santa: Every year the Brecksville Kiwanis Club brings Santa Claus back to town with their "Santa's Delivery Service" for residents of Brecksville and their families.

This year Santa's delivery date is Sunday, Dec. 15. For more information, contact a Kiwanis Club member, go to the Brecksville Kiwanis Club Facebook page or www.kiwanisofbrecksville.org .

Power problems: Winter winds and ice can cause occasional power outages. Remember that when there is a power outage Brecksville residents should call the Illuminating Company directly at 1-800-589-3101 or 1-888-544-4877. They are the experts at getting you back online.

Do not call the Brecksville Police Department or 911. An influx of power outage calls prevents the dispatcher from receiving and processing true emergency calls as rapidly as possible. Imagine if your home were on fire. Then imagine if the dispatcher were not able to get to your call immediately because of calls saying, "My power is off." Try to exercise good judgement when the power goes off.

Craft show: North Royalton High School is excited to host its 43rd Annual Craft Show on Saturday, Nov. 23. This community event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the high school, located at 14713 Ridge Rd.

Attendees can enjoy a wide array of handmade items created by talented artisans. The show promises unique gifts and decorations just in time for the holiday season.

Admission is $2, and children under the age of 5 are admitted for free. Free parking is also available for all visitors.

All proceeds from the event will directly benefit North Royalton High School students, supporting various programs and activities. For more information, contact the organizers at

Anniversary: Sgt Clean Car Wash is excited to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the new Broadview Heights location. From Dec. 2 through December 9, special discounts will be offered to show their appreciation to the community. For more information, visit their Broadview Heights location at 1123 W. Royalton Rd.

Photo with Santa: Stop by the Community Broadview Heights Amphitheater Saturday, Dec. 7th from 4 to 6 p.m. to meet and have your photo taken with Santa. There will also be ice sculpting demos, hayrides, Santa's workshop, Christmas music, and fireworks to close out the event. Entry is free and all are welcome.

Christmas parade: It's almost here - the holiday season in Brecksville.

And it all begins with the Christmas Parade at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, followed by the Christmas tree lighting and fireworks.

This year the parade will start at City Hall and march to the Square at Routes 21 and 82. Santa will be in the parade and at the square. The jolly old elf will lead a sing-along so practice your carols and holiday tunes.

New this year will be train rides for the kids and other activities. There will also be cookies and hot chocolate served at the square.

There's plenty of parking at a variety of spots near the square. You can see the fireworks at the square or the Community Center parking lot, the Brecksville Town Center parking lot and behind PNC Bank.

Holiday dance: The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Holiday Scholarship Dance at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, at the Encore Event Center (formerly Michaud's), 16808 Pearl Rd.

Tickets are $100 per person and includes valet parking, food stations, open bar, desserts, music, photo booth, raffles, auctions and a martini bar. Call 440-238-3366 or go to www.strongsvillechamber.com to reserve a table.

Santa photos: Get in the holiday spirit at Fun and Photos with Santa at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center, 18100 Royalton Rd., Strongsville on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The event includes a professional digital photo with Santa, milk and cookies, face painting, balloon art, a Christmas craft and a door prize.

Available time slots are available between 9:15 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $10 per child for rec members and $15 for non-members. They are for presale only at the front desk of the rec center.

Kids classes: Connecting for Kids provides resources, support and community to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child. They support families who have children with mental health concerns, developmental delays and disabilities as well as those facing major life changes.

Programs, Resource Fairs and a Family Resource Specialist (FRS) Program are offered free of charge to families. Programs include support groups for adults, presentations by professionals as well as hands-on programs that caregivers attend with their child. The FRS program offers a CFK staff member who meets with families and assists them in navigating resources.

Upcoming virtual classes include:

Share & Support Group: Parenting is Lonely for Families of Children with Complex Needs, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.

Join the Connecting for Kids staff to discuss the , "Why Parenting Can Be Lonely, Even When You're Rarely Alone." They will explore the theme of isolation when raising a child with disabilities or mental health issues and how to build a village of support. For in-person programs, free, supervised children's activities are available, but adults and children must register separately. www.connectingforkids.org/support . Sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland (UCP)

· Behavior Chat: How Structure Can Prevent Meltdowns, Monday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m. Ochanya McRoberts-Wells, MEd, will lead a discussion guided by your questions on a variety of behavior topics. Each session will focus on a new tool from the free Behavior Toolkit but questions on any behavior concern are welcome. Content is geared toward children 18 months - 6 years.

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