FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- What began 65 years ago in suburban Buffalo, N.Y., continues as a neighborhood tradition in Fairview Park.

It's hard to miss the Seabury Avenue neighborhood during the holiday season. The exterior and yards of dozens of homes on Seabury and nearby streets are lit and decorated for the Christmas season.

Bill McVicker's late grandfather started the tradition when he began building Christmas decorations in 1953 - a family tradition that grew each year. When his grandfather was unable to continue, McVicker took over.

After moving to Fairview Park, McVicker and his wife, Diane, decorated their home and yard for the holiday season. This is the 25

th

year for their display. McVicker began stringing garland lights along the sidewalk in 2010 and asked a few neighbors if they wanted to join in. The project took off, with more and more neighbors wanting to participate each year.

In 2015, McVicker added stakes in the ground and installed LED snowflakes on them. Soon, after countless requests, he was sharing instructions on what neighbors would need to decorate their yards. He even provided instructions. That morphed into McVicker buying the supplies in bulk and selling them at nearly cost. He rounded the price up to the nearest dollar and donated proceeds to the Fairview High School After Prom Committee.

By 2016, thanks to word of mouth and social media, the project grew even more, bringing hundreds of cars to the neighborhood to view the displays which begin at Seabury and West 220

th

Street and head east.

There's still time to catch this amazing display. There's even a Facebook page, Fairview Holiday Lights

Congratulations to the McVicker family for creating and continuing this holiday tradition.

An end and a beginning:

As 2018 draws to a close, Curt Brosky is ending his 23-year tenure as president and CEO of LSC Service Corp ., a firm that manages senior living facilities. Properties the firm oversees are the Westerly Apartments and Fedor Manor in Lakewood; Knickerbocker in Bay Village; Franciscan Village in Cleveland's West Park; Willowood Manor in Fairview Park; and Rotary Commons in Bellevue, Ohio, as well as Barton Senior Center in Lakewood.

.

The board of directors of the Westerly and Barton Center announced that Donnald Heckelmoser Jr. is replacing Brosky, who announced his retirement last June.

Among Brosky's achievements was directing the $40 million renovation of the 455 Westerly Apartments. He has been active in the community serving with the Lakewood Hospital Foundation, LakewoodAlive, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club and Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp.

Heckelmoser spent the past three years as executive director of the Western Reserve Community Development Corp. Before that, he worked in various program management roles with the city of Cleveland, Department of Community Development and the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corp.

A Lakewood resident, Heckelmoser earned a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Cleveland State University.

Best wishes to Brosky in his retirement and welcome to Heckelmoser.

Girl Scouts from Troop 70347 assisted with crafts at the Fairview Park Women's Club Lunch with Santa. Photo provided by Carol MacAlonis

H

oliday fun:

The Fairview Park Women's Club had its annual Lunch with Santa on Dec 1. Santa, Mrs. Claus and a friendly elf welcomed the children. Girl Scout Troop 70347 assisted with several crafts, Chuck Collings provided balloon creations and pizza and desserts were served.

Members of the Fairview Park Women's Club pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the club's annual Lunch with Santa. Photo provided by Carol MacAlonis

District meeting:

The First District Cleveland Police Community Relations Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 3 in the cafeteria at St. Ignatius of Antioch School, 10205 LoraIn Ave., Cleveland. Attendees are asked to bring canned goods or household products like toilet paper and peroxide to donate to St. Ignatius Parish.

The First District covers all of Cleveland's West Park neighborhood and other areas of the West Side.

At the library:

Remember the Kid's Cafe will be open 3:30-4 p.m. Dec. 27, 28 and Jan. 2 at the North Olmsted Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library , 27403 Lorain Road, North Olmsted. Children younger than 18 can receive a nutritious meal from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank while supplies last.

Also, the library will host a blood drive 10:30 am. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 2. For more information or to make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

The library will offer two drop-in storytimes on Jan. 2. No registration is required. Baby & Me Storytime for children birth to 18 months and their caregivers will be 10-10:30 a.m., and Family Storytime for all ages, featuring stories, songs and fingerplays, will take place 7-7:30 p.m.

Visit cuyahogalibrary.org and click on the North Olmsted Branch for more information on these and other programs.

Dems to gather: Fairview Park Democratic Club will have two guest speakers at its 7 p.m. Jan. 3 meeting in the Dunson Room at Fairview Park City Hall, 20777 Lorain Road.

Steve Holecko, political director for the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus, will discuss the 2018 midterm election results, local elections and the caucus' agenda.

The second speaker will be a representative from the Lead Safe Cleveland Initiative who will explain more about lead in Cleveland water, how the water supply can be protected and how to take action to check the water for lead safety.

fairviewparkdems.org For more information, including how to join the club, visitor visit the club's Facebook page.

Lakewood Uncorked:

Lakewood Chamber of Commerce will have a wine dinner and fundraiser 6-9 p.m. Feb. 5 at Pier W, 12700 Lake Ave. (in the Winton Place), Lakewood Early bird tickets are on sale for $100 until Jan. 1 and seating is limited to 50 guests. Proceeds will benefit the chamber and its scholarship program.

The event will include a four-course meal and exploring the wines of Italy. Each wine was selected by Kliment Stevoff, Pier W's sommelier, and will pair with Chef Regan Reik's cuisine. Representatives of the wineries will be on hand to discuss each wine as it is served.

Visit lakewoodchamberoh.chambermaster.com/events for more information or reservations.

Open invitation: The Rev. Jason Thompson, Senior Pastor, and the congregation of West Park United Church, 3909 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland invite the community to join them at their 10 a.m. Dec. 30 worship as they prepare to ring in the new year. All are invited to stay and enjoy lunch at the monthly free community meal at 11:30 am., after the service.

westparkuccoffice@gmail.com visit the website, WestParkUCC.org For more information, call the church at 216-671-7228, emailorvisit the website,

Find your roots:

Members of Cuyahoga West Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will offer free family history research assistance to the public 1 -2:30 p.m. Jan. 2 in the computer room at Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road.

Those who have data recorded to pedigree and/or family group sheets are asked to bring those forms.

cuyahogawest@gmail.com For additional information, email

Nominations sought:

The Fairview Park City Schools Alumni Hall of Fame is accepting recommendations for induction to its Alumni, Athletic and Staff Halls of Fame until March 1.

Nominations must be submitted on an official nomination form. There is no limit on the number of candidates a person can nominate, but each nomination must be on a separate, official nomination form in order to be considered. Nominations received after the March 1 deadline will not be reviewed for 2020 Induction.

fairviewparkschoolshalloffame.com Applications can be printed from the Hall of Fame website,

Information, please: Readers are invited to share information about themselves, their families and friends, organizations, church events, etc. in Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted and West Park for the A Place in the Sun column, which I write on a freelance basis. Awards, honors, milestone birthdays or anniversaries and other items are welcome. Submit information at least 10 days before the requested publication date to carolkovach@hotmail.com .

FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio - What began 65 years ago in suburban Buffalo, New York continues as a neighborhood tradition in Fairview Park.

It's hard to miss the Seabury Avenue neighborhood during the holiday season. The exterior and yards of dozens of homes on Seabury and nearby streets are lit and decorated for the Christmas season.

Bill McVicker's late grandfather started the tradition when he began building Christmas decorations in 1953 - a family tradition that grew each year. When his grandfather was unable to continue, McVicker took over.

After moving to Fairview Park, McVicker and his wife, Diane, decorated their home and yard for the holiday season. This is the 25th year for their display. McVicker began stringing garland lights along the sidewalk in 2010 and asked a few neighbors if they wanted to join in. The project took off, with more and more neighbors wanting to participate each year.

In 2015, McVicker added stakes in the ground and installed LED snowflakes on them. Soon, after countless requests, he was sharing instructions on what neighbors would need to decorate their yards. He even provided instructions. That morphed into McVicker buying the supplies in bulk and selling them at nearly cost. He rounded the price up to the nearest dollar and donated proceeds to the Fairview High School After Prom Committee.

By 2016, thanks to word of mouth and social media, the project grew even more, bringing hundreds of cars to the neighborhood to view the displays which begin at Seabury and West 220th Street and head east.

There's still time to catch this amazing display. There's even a Facebook page, Fairview Holiday Lights.

Congratulations to the McVicker family for creating and continuing this holiday tradition.

An end and a beginning: As 2018 draws to a close, Curt Brosky is ending his 23-year tenure as president and CEO of LSC Service Corp., a firm that manages senior living facilities. Properties the firm oversees are the Westerly Apartments and Fedor Manor in Lakewood; Knickerbocker in Bay Village; Franciscan Village in Cleveland's West Park; Willowood Manor in Fairview Park; and Rotary Commons in Bellevue, Ohio, as well as Barton Senior Center in Lakewood..

The board of directors of the Westerly and Barton Center announced that Donnald Heckelmoser Jr. is replacing Brosky, who announced his retirement last June.

Among Brosky's achievements was directing the $40 million renovation of the 455 Westerly Apartments. He has been active in the community serving with the Lakewood Hospital Foundation, LakewoodAlive, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club and Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp.

Heckelmoser spent the past three years as executive director of the Western Reserve Community Development Corp. Before that, he worked in various program management roles with the city of Cleveland, Department of Community Development and the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corp.

A Lakewood resident, Heckelmoser earned a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Cleveland State University.

Best wishes to Brosky in his retirement and welcome to Heckelmoser.

Holiday fun: The Fairview Park Women's Club had its annual Lunch with Santa on Dec 1. Santa, Mrs. Claus and a friendly elf welcomed the children. Girl Scout Troop 70347 assisted with several crafts, Chuck Collings provided balloon creations and pizza and desserts were served.

Thanks to Carol McAlonis, club historian, for sharing the information and photos.

District meeting: The First District Cleveland Police Community Relations Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 3 in the cafeteria at St. Ignatius of Antioch School, 10205 LoraIn Ave., Cleveland. Attendees are asked to bring canned goods or household products like toilet paper and peroxide to donate to St. Ignatius Parish.

The First District covers all of Cleveland's West Park neighborhood and other areas of the West Side.

At the library: Remember the Kid's Cafe will be open 3:30-4 p.m. Dec. 27, 28 and Jan. 2 at the North Olmsted Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, 27403 Lorain Road, North Olmsted. Children younger than 18 can receive a nutritious meal from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank while supplies last.

Also, the library will host a blood drive 10:30 am. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 2. For more information or to make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

The library will offer two drop-in storytimes on Jan. 2. No registration is required. Baby & Me Storytime for children birth to 18 months and their caregivers will be 10-10:30 a.m., and Family Storytime for all ages, featuring stories, songs and fingerplays, will take place 7-7:30 p.m.

Visit cuyahogalibrary.org and click on the North Olmsted Branch for more information on these and other programs.

Dems to gather: Fairview Park Democratic Club will have two guest speakers at its 7 p.m. Jan. 3 meeting in the Dunson Room at Fairview Park City Hall, 20777 Lorain Road.

Steve Holecko, political director for the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus, will discuss the 2018 midterm election results, local elections and the caucus' agenda.

The second speaker will be a representative from the Lead Safe Cleveland Initiative who will explain more about lead in Cleveland water, how the water supply can be protected and how to take action to check the water for lead safety.

For more information, including how to join the club, visit fairviewparkdems.org or visit the club's Facebook page.

Lakewood Uncorked: Lakewood Chamber of Commerce will have a wine dinner and fundraiser 6-9 p.m. Feb. 5 at Pier W, 12700 Lake Ave. (in the Winton Place), Lakewood Early bird tickets are on sale for $100 until Jan. 1 and seating is limited to 50 guests. Proceeds will benefit the chamber and its scholarship program.

The event will include a four-course meal and exploring the wines of Italy. Each wine was selected by Kliment Stevoff, Pier W's sommelier, and will pair with Chef Regan Reik's cuisine. Representatives of the wineries will be on hand to discuss each wine as it is served.

Visit lakewoodchamberoh.chambermaster.com/events for more information or reservations.

Open invitation: The Rev. Jason Thompson, Senior Pastor, and the congregation of West Park United Church, 3909 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland invite the community to join them at their 10 a.m. Dec. 30 worship as they prepare to ring in the new year. All are invited to stay and enjoy lunch at the monthly free community meal at 11:30 am., after the service.

For more information, call the church at 216-671-7228, email westparkuccoffice@gmail.com or visit the website, WestParkUCC.org.

Find your roots: Members of Cuyahoga West Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will offer free family history research assistance to the public 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 2 in the computer room at Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road.

Those who have data recorded to pedigree and/or family group sheets are asked to bring those forms.

For additional information, email cuyahogawest@gmail.com.

Nominations sought: The Fairview Park City Schools Alumni Hall of Fame is accepting recommendations for induction to its Alumni, Athletic and Staff Halls of Fame until March 1.

Nominations must be submitted on an official nomination form. There is no limit on the number of candidates a person can nominate, but each nomination must be on a separate, official nomination form in order to be considered. Nominations received after the March 1 deadline will not be reviewed for 2020 Induction.

Applications can be printed from the Hall of Fame website, fairviewparkschoolshalloffame.com.

Information, please: Readers are invited to share information about themselves, their families and friends, organizations, church events, etc. in Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted and West Park for the A Place in the Sun column, which I write on a freelance basis. Awards, honors, milestone birthdays or anniversaries and other items are welcome. Submit information at least 10 days before the requested publication date to carolkovach@hotmail.com.