Maria Shine Stewart
SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – Are you a rugged individualist? An independent spirit? A person who doesn’t necessarily need people to feel connected with the world, to invert the lyrics of the popular song made famous with the astounding voice of Barbra Streisand?
Well, maybe don’t read on if a community of one is enough for you. But I hope you might. At every phase of life, from preschool through thriving career, it can be a steep trek if we try to go it alone. Ideally, we can find community support and a few close friends who are our best confidantes. And if we are supremely fortunate, we may find ourselves to be mentors and mentees. The stillness of solitude has its charm, but as social creatures, the minds and hearts of others can comfort, inspire, energize (and yes, aggravate, complicate, and deter). Yet, we can strive for give and take in our best relationships. And from age five to 105, I think it’s a very good idea to take time to put the phones down to talk with, empathize and learn from those around us. Plus, there is a lot in the community that can activate joy. Oprah Winfrey has spoken of our “inner GPS” that guides our decision making on personal vocation and life purpose. I think that’s wise, for introverts and extroverts alike.
A fun raiser and fundraiser. Every school deserves support. And Center Elementary School’s fundraiser called “Magic Gives Back” approaches! Center Elementary is one of four elementary schools in the Mayfield City School District. At 2 p.m. on February 26 in the Mayfield High School auditorium, 6116 Wilson Mills Road, a grand, Vegas-style magic show put on by Rick Smith Jr. and a dozen magicians, illusionists, dancers and strong-men will captivate, enthrall and raise money for this very worthy cause. With about two weeks to go, 475 tickets have been sold already! There is still room, but it may not last. All students and families in the district – plus neighboring areas – are invited to take part on a first-ordered, first-served basis. Consider becoming a part of this incredible family-friendly event at Mayfield High School and leave with the wider vistas, and your imagination, dazzled. Tickets are first come and can be purchased at www.magicgivesback.com and go under Center “CSA”
Open house. In my opinion, the preschool years are unique and among the most critical in the development of a child. Of course, socialization is promoted – the art of give and take, cooperating and enjoying a sense of community. Preschool also nurtures the young child as she or he encounters the wider world, preferably with warm and encouraging guides. And the three-year-olds and up are so creative! I remember my son’s preschool years well, and how important the right fit was for him. There are a variety of options in our area, but did you know that Faith Church Preschool first opened its doors in 1967 and is marking its 50th year of operation in 2017? A Parent Information/Open House is coming up for the 2017-18 School Year. “Play, learn, and grow together” is the school motto, with the lovely image of a tree on its logo. On the tree could be leaves but instead are receptive, interdependent hands.
This special event will allow parents to get acquainted with highly qualified teachers, explore classrooms, take a look at our policies in the Parent Handbook, meet current preschool families to learn about their experience at Faith, and learn about all that Faith Preschool has to offer children. And there are some additional perks of attending. New families that register at the Open House will immediately receive a discount for the returning family rate of $90 along with the enrollment forms that need to be completed and returned before the Parent’s Meeting on Thursday, August 24. And yes, children are welcome at the event.
Faith United Church of Christ is at 575 Richmond Road, Richmond Heights (north of Wilson Mills/Richmond intersection). The preschool is nonprofit and nondenominational.
Business is blossoming. Join fellow business owners at the annual “SoEuBAM!” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 2 in the University Suburban Atrium, 1611 South Green Road. With 2017 being the South Euclid’s 100th anniversary, coordinators are hoping to have at least 100 business owners at the event! The mixer is a chance for the city and others to show appreciation to and for its business community and also offer a chance for camaraderie, networking and mingling. The program includes live music from “Gruve Tonic,” and hors d’oeuvres and refreshments courtesy of South Euclid’s own Nevaeh Cafe. A special treat this year will be wine and beer tastings from great Warehouse Beverage. This year’s “SoEuBAM!” will also be a chance for business owners to celebrate South Euclid’s 100th Birthday. As part of this celebration the “SoEu (So You) Awards” will recognize select businesses. The awards presented this year will have a special connection to the City’s Centennial.
The mixer is co-sponsored by the City of South Euclid, the Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce (HRCC), and One South Euclid. Please do RSVP for this event by contacting Karen Schaefer at HRCC at (216) 397-7322, or karen@hrcc.org, or on-line by visiting: www.hrcc.org/events/soeubam-south-euclid-business-appreciation-mixer To submit an on-line RSVP, please use the password “soeu” when prompted to do so.
Let your community spirit shine. Send Sun Messages of people, events and accomplishments to mariashinestewart@gmail.com
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