Congratulations to Lisa Hanson, Lakewood High School choir director, who is the Ohio Music Education Association Teacher of the Year.
Hanson learned of the surprise announcement at the conclusion of the LHS winter choral concert on Dec. 14.
She is in her 15th year at LHS, where she directs the ninth grade choir, concert choir, symphonic treble choir, symphonic mixed choir and chamber choir. And if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, she also teaches Advanced Placement music theory.
Christine Gordillo, communications specialist for the Lakewood schools, tells me that Hanson's choirs consistently earn "Superior" ratings at adjudicated events around the state,
Hanson is planning to retire at the end of the school year.
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE — Friends of St. James Inc. will have a candlelight prayer service 9-9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve on the steps of St. James Church at Granger and Detroit avenues.
Toni Sabo said traditional Christmas carols will be sung, the nativity gospel will be read and participants will pray for a positive outcome of their appeal to the Vatican to reopen the historic church.
St. James is one of more than 50 churches that were closed or merged during a downsizing of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese in 2010.
TOP DOG CONTEST — Peyton Buildt, a first-grader at Hayes Elementary School, doesn't have a dog, but that didn't shut Peyton out of Cuyahoga County's Top Dog essay contest for students in grades 1-5.
Winners received dog licenses numbered 1-5 for their dogs.
Five non-dog owners, including Peyton, were recognized for their essays celebrating other dogs.
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS — Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and enjoy some programming at Lakewood Public Library.
“Let’s Dance” will be featured Dec. 23 and “It’s a Party” is on tap Dec. 30-31. The free programs take place at both Lakewood Public Library’s Main and Madison branches. No registration is needed. Materials and ideas are provided for families who want to continue reading and storytelling at home. Programs feature tips and techniques to help develop early literacy skills.
For more information, visit the library website, lakewoodpubliclibrary,org/youth, or call (216) 226-8275, Ext. 140.
NEWLY ELECTED — Deborah Hiller, president and chief executive officer of Eliza Jennings Senior Care Network in Lakewood, was elected vice chair of the LeadingAge Ohio Board of Directors. She is serving her second three-year term on the board and is one of four LeadingAge Ohio members appointed to the LeadingAge Public Policy Congress.
Hiller has been president and CEO of the Eliza Jennings Senior Care Network since 1993.
NATIONAL CHAMPS — The Cleveland Internationals Soccer Club U12 boys Super-Y League won the North American Finals in Tampa, Fla., earlier this month.
Team members hail from the east and west sides, including Brennan Foran and Daniel Strachan of Lakewood.
INK FOR NATURE'S BIN — The full-service natural food market was featured in this month's issue of Natural Foods Merchandiser as part of its full-page standing feature called "Retail Excellence."
The story looks at Nature’s Bin’s mission to help people with disabilities to develop their skills, confidence and workplace potential. It also showcases the uniqueness of Nature’s Bin, which operates a natural foods market and is a nonprofit operated by Cornucopia, Inc.
Scott Duennes, executive director of Cornucopia/Nature's Bin, said he was pleased the operation was featured in the magazine.
“Training and working with employees with disabilities is in our roots and a part of who we are. To be able to tell our story to a broader audience and share the rewards we experience daily at Nature’s Bin is something we are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to do,” Duennes added.
Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin has been serving people with disabilities since 1975, when it began operating in the city’s Bird Town area. It now is located in a larger, modern store at 18120 Sloane Ave.
SEASON'S GREETINGS — Merry Christmas to all Sun Post-Herald readers! Be sure to drop me a line with news of any out-of-town visitors — family and friends back in town for the holidays — or other newsy tidbits.
Submit column items to [email protected], fax them to (216) 986-2340, Attention: Carol Kovach, or mail them to me at 5510 Cloverleaf Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44125.