NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio — The North Royalton High School Choirs, directed by Sydney Jahingen, brought the spirit of the season to the community during a special day of caroling on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
Throughout the day, NRHS choir students visited several local communities, including North Royalton Elementary School, Royalton Woods Assisted Living, Danbury at Broadview Heights Senior Living, and Vitalia Senior Residences at Strongsville. The students shared a selection of festive holiday music and spent time mingling with residents and students, creating meaningful moments of connection across generations.
The experience proved to be a heartfelt and memorable one for all involved. Choir members were warmly welcomed at each location and expressed deep appreciation for the continued support the North Royalton community shows to its music programs. Students had the opportunity to reconnect with alumni, exchange stories from different walks of life, and reflect together on the impact that music, the holidays, and ensemble experiences like choir have on building community.
The event provided students with valuable opportunities to serve while showcasing the excellence of the NRHS choral program. This annual tradition highlights the NRHS Choirs’ commitment to service, musical excellence, and community engagement, leaving lasting smiles and spreading holiday cheer wherever they perform. The NRHS Choirs are honored to share their talents beyond the classroom and look forward to continuing to build strong community connections through music.
Live theater collaboration: Near West Theatre and the Baldwin Wallace University Music Theatre Program are joining forces for their first-ever co-production, presenting the Tony Award–winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Jan. 22–25, 2026, at Near West Theatre.
The limited five-performance run marks a milestone collaboration that deepens ties between a nationally recognized university program and Cleveland’s community-centered arts scene. By combining BWMT’s rigorous training and emerging student talent with Near West Theatre’s mission of access and youth-focused storytelling, the partnership aims to create meaningful opportunities for young artists while delivering high-quality theatre to local audiences.
The show follows six quirky adolescents competing in a spelling bee, sharing funny and heartfelt stories along the way. Known for its improvisation and audience participation, Spelling Bee offers a unique experience at every performance.
Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Hemphill, the production also features music direction by Rachel Woods and is part of Near West Theatre’s 2025–26 season, Own Your Own Story, which celebrates bold voices and community connection through the arts.
Two rotating casts will perform. Showtimes are Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 23–24 at 7:30 p.m.; and Jan. 24–25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20, with a Pay What You Choose option available to support accessibility. Tickets and information are available at nearwesttheatre.org or by calling 216-961-6391.
The production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Wildlife conservation: North Royalton High School students recently demonstrated their commitment to wildlife conservation by participating in the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Gorillas On The Line Recycling Drive. Thanks to the efforts of senior Hayden Wanyerka and the support of teachers, staff, and fellow students, the school collected an impressive 405 electronic items to support the zoo’s initiatives.
“Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to collect used electronics for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,” said Wanyerka. “I know the zoo will be extremely pleased that NRHS cared so much.”
The collected electronics will help the zoo raise funds for gorilla conservation programs while promoting sustainable recycling practices among the community.
Scholarships: The College Club West is excited about accepting scholarship applications from female undergraduate students pursuing a four-year degree or a graduate degree.
Applications must be completed and submitted by March 16, 2026. Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded to women who are 25 years of age and older, and will be based on their financial needs, career goals, and academic records. More information and applications are available online at collegeclubwest.org/scholarships.
| College Club West is a non-profit organization for women on the westside of Cleveland with college degrees or RNs. |
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| http://www.collegeclubwest.org |
Transportation copay: Broadview Heights Human Services announces that beginning January 1, 2026, there will be a $5 copay for all trips provided to residents by the Senior Transportation Connection. This is a direct result of the increase in the cost of providing the service. The $5 one-way fee will either be collected by the driver at the time of service or can be billed at the end of the month payable directly to the STC. If you have any questions or would like to register for the service, call Human Services at 440-526-4074
Give the gift of life: The American Red Cross will host a community blood drive at the local library on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering residents a simple but powerful way to help save lives.
In just one hour, a single blood donation can help save up to three lives. Blood donations are essential to ensure hospital patients receive the treatments they need for surgeries, medical emergencies, cancer care, and chronic illnesses. Winter months can be especially challenging for maintaining an adequate blood supply, making community participation more important than ever.
Community members who are eligible to donate are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance, though walk-ins may be accepted as space allows. Donors should bring a valid photo ID and are advised to eat well and stay hydrated before donating.
To make an appointment or learn more about donor eligibility, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call the American Red Cross at 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
Winter home preparation: As winter approaches and residents spend more time indoors, officials are reminding homeowners to prepare their homes for colder temperatures. A few preventive steps can help avoid costly repairs, lower energy bills, and protect lives.
Homeowners are encouraged to have their HVAC systems serviced and cleaned before freezing weather arrives. Chimneys and flue liners should be inspected and repaired if needed, including flues connected to hot water tanks. Fireplace chimneys should also be cleaned and swept to reduce fire and carbon monoxide risks.
Fire safety is essential during winter months. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested and replaced, if necessary, with batteries changed at a minimum. Smoke detectors are recommended in every bedroom and at least one on each level of the home.
Outdoor maintenance is also important. Clean gutters, trim low-hanging or overhanging tree limbs—especially those near power lines—and winterize exposed water lines, including hose bibs. When clearing snow or ice from roofs, use a telescoping rake and stay a safe distance away.
Residents are reminded to put health and safety first by asking for help when needed and shoveling snow early and often to prevent dangerous buildup. With preparation now, homeowners can enjoy a safer and more comfortable winter season.
Read more news from the Sun Star Courier here.
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