BEREA, Ohio Long a supporter of a music theater summer camp, Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts will soon provide year-round musical theater programs for kids and adults.
Heidi Biever, a veteran arts educator and professional performer, is spearheading the program’s expansion.
Biever has decades of experience performing and teaching, and she has both national and international credits, such as Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors and Maria from The Sound of Music. In addition, she established three musical theater programs across the country.
Biever’s method emphasizes age-appropriate development and confidence building while incorporating singing, acting, and movement.
“On and off the stage, theater is about community,” she remarked. We provide an environment where students of all ages can develop both artistically and personally.
Real-world theater casting is reflected in both beginner and advanced workshops for kids and teenagers. Additionally, students create the lighting, costumes, and props.
Community people are encouraged to bring their Broadway belts to adult lessons, which provide a fun and encouraging environment for getting out of the shower and onto the stage.
Students will adore the chance to perform their favorite roles and celebrate some of their favorite musicals on stage.
As interns, BW’s esteemed undergraduate music theater majors will advise younger students and help in the classroom.
Parents commend Biever’s influence: According to a testimonial, “She infuses her classes with more love and encouragement than seems possible for one person.”
Fall classes at BW’s Berea campus start on September 4. Through the BW Community Arts School, registration is currently open.
Awards banquet: The Aviator Event Center, located at 20920 Brookpark Road, will host the Berea Chamber of Commerce’s 7th Annual Grindstone Award Banquet on September 10.
Susan Hans, president of the Berea Schools’ Education Foundation, is the 2025 Grindstone Award recipient.
Teachers and children in the Berea City School District benefit from funding provided by the foundation.
A business owner who has launched a new venture within the last five years is also given the Chamber’s Rising Star Award during the event. Susan Scheutzow’s Bridge Street Local is the recipient of this year’s award.
A long-standing company that has had a major influence on the community is granted the Legacy Award. This year’s winner will be Polaris Career Center.
Melissa Haskins-Berger of the Berea City School District, Linda Kramer, editor of the Berean Newsletter, Stephanie Kronika of Berea-Midpark High School, and Maria Salmen of Fifth Third Bank will all receive the Courtesy Award.
Elizabeth Chen, Emma Rivera, and Emmy Flemming of Berea-Midpark High School will receive Future Leader Awards.
The cost of admission to the Grindstone Banquet is $65. A cheque can be mailed to the Berea Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 774, Berea, OH 44017, or they can be bought online at bereachamber.org.
monies requested: In order to upgrade the Coe Lake concession area and facilities, the City of Berea has applied for county monies.
The renovation would enable year-round use of the restrooms. An estimated $630,000 will be spent on the renovations overall.
If accepted, a gift from the late Mayor Jack Kafer’s sister would cover the remaining half of the expenses, with the county grant covering the other half.
Serving youth: Naomi Torres, a representative of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cleveland, spoke at the August meeting of the Berea Kiwanis Club.
According to Torres, BBBS works with children ages 8 to 17 and aims to provide one-on-one mentoring that can assist kids in realizing their full potential while placing a particular focus on their safety and well-being.
In 2024, the group provided services to 160 children, and 100 of them were on a waiting list in need of mentor volunteers.
Torres stated that there are more males than girls on the waiting list, adding that geographic proximity can be a determining factor. Volunteer big brothers or big sisters are paired with the youngster.
Big brother or big sister mentors have a 20 percent higher chance of going to college and a 15 percent higher lifetime income than unmentored adolescents.
Torres gave the club a quick overview of the company with a video.
Check them out online at www.bbbs.org/volunteer if you’re interested.
(440) 260-7226; 398 W. Bagley Road, Williamsport Plaza; SCAN Hunger Center Pantry. The second Friday of the month is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the fourth Friday is open from 4 to 7 p.m.
440) 234-0609; People’s Community Church Pantry, 628 Wesley Drive. On the third Saturday of each month, it is open from 10 a.m. until noon. The following pantry will take place on Saturday and September 20th.
(440) 239-0549; Second Mile Outreach Pantry, 1480 Bagley Road. It is open Monday through Friday from noon until two o’clock.
Food Pantry at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8888 Prospect Road. It offers fresh food, basic necessities, and toiletries and is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11 a.m. On September 13th, there will be another pantry.
Bread Ministry: Berea United Methodist Church, (440) 234-3525, 170 Seminary St. Just bread and cakes. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from noon to two p.m. Visit the church addition located off Seminary on the north side of the building. There are two brown doors leading to the pantry.
The free community lunch is served twice a month on the second and last Wednesday from 5:30 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, located at 276 E. Bagley Road. Only drive-up is available.
Every month on the second and fourth Sundays, from 10 a.m. to noon, Animal Rescue Friends Pet Food Pantry, 10015 E. River Road, Columbia Station… To learn more or to make a donation, visit www.bereaanimalrescue.com or give them a call at (440) 234-2034.
Twice a month, on the second and final Wednesdays, from 5 to 5:30 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, located at 276 East Bagley Road, serves free community meals.
Meals suspended: For the time being, Rise in Love’s hot meals at St. Adalbert Church are not being served.
The complimentary monthly lunches have been suspended due to supply problems. When meals are prepared to resume, an announcement will be made.
Tiny Free Pantriesare close to People’s Community Church and the Berea Branch Library. At the intersection of Prospect Street and Jacqueline Drive is the Prospect Pantry. A food donation box is located close to the side door of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Please only bring non-perishable goods.
