Who doesn't need to be reminded that however dark life may be, that however cold and lifeless the winter has been, we have the promise of spring and the possibility of rebirth and renewal?Join an interfaith Seder meal for people of different faith traditions on Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m. Rabbi Enid Lader of Beth Israel -- The West Temple will lead us as we ritually recall the journey from slavery to liberation in the book of Exodus. The Seder is part of the Jewish festival of Passover, yet invites people of all faiths to grow in mutual respect and understanding of our spiritual experiences, both shared and diverse. Sponsored by the West Park Interfaith Council, it will be held at Beth Israel -- The West Temple, 14308 Triskett Road. All are welcome to this 90-minute event. An optional discussion with Rabbi Lader and interfaith clergy is included. A free will offering will be taken to cover meal costs, with remaining funds going to The Bread Basket, a local food pantry. While there is no admission fee, you must RSVP to reserve your table setting. To RSVP, call 216-941-8882.

Calling All Neighbors! Volunteer Opportunity

Please help us put our best foot forward for The Hooley™! On Saturday, May 3, at 10 a.m., volunteers will gather in front of West Park Station to clean out, mulch, and plant annuals in the planters on Lorain Avenue. We need your help! Bring your work gloves, small digging tool or shovel, and join us! KCDC provides all the materials -- and light refreshments when the work is done. Last year, more than 20 volunteers spent about 4 hours on the project. We'll be happy to see you for any amount of time you can volunteer. Bring your neighbors, church group, co-workers, and friends! Registration is not required, but appreciated, to [email protected]. 

Join the 2nd Annual Run Puritas 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk on May 3

Our friends at Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation (BPDC) invite runners, children, parents with kids in strollers, and folks with leashed pets to join the 2nd Annual Run Puritas 5K race and 1 mile fun run/walk. All proceeds help BPDC's community programs. Pre-registration is $20 by Wednesday, April 30. Race day registration is $25. T-shirts are guaranteed for the first 200 registered walkers and runners. Here's the registration form. Additional race details are on Facebook. 

We're looking for college age and responsible high school students to work on a yard crew shared by Wards 16 and 17. The job entails daily grass cutting, string trimming, and hedge pruning for seniors and disabled residents. A valid driver's license and good driving record with insurance is a plus. To apply, call Judy Schafrick, Resident Services Coordinator at Bellaire Puritas Development Corporation, 216-671-2710 or email [email protected]. 

Annual Golf Outing to Benefit Our Y

The West Park Family Branch of the YMCA has served the West Park community since the branch was built in 1957. Since then, the Y has taught generations of families the important lifelong skills of water safety, physical education, and character development. The Y continues to serve the community with over 2,700 members.

With help from events like the annual golf outing, and support from their many generous staff, members, and community partners, the West Park branch hopes to raise $75,000 in 2014. The money will be used to support a scholarship program to ensure that nobody is turned away for lack of funds. Join the cause and have fun, too, at the Hickory Nut Golf Course in Columbia Station on Friday, June 27. The registration form has all the details. Click here. 

In Other News...

Attention massage therapists and acupuncturists: River's Edge currently has space available for your business at its facility. If you are interested in locating your practice at River's Edge, please call Maureen Powers at 216-688-1111, ext. 318. River's Edge is at 3430 Rocky River Drive. 

Free Dinner-n-Discussion takes place on Wednesday, April 23, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at HCR ManorCare, 4102 Rocky River Drive. Please RSVP today by calling 216-251-3300. Heather from Crossroads Hospice will be speaking on caregiver burnout.

Do you normally vote by mail? The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections no longer automatically sends out applications. If you want to vote by mail you must complete an application and send it in. Click here for vote by mail information.

Make your mark! You can leave a legacy on the streets of Northeast Ohio. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District manages thousands of sewer manholes in our region and plans to add a few more. Enter their Manhole Cover Design Contest, and your creativity could be part of our streets for years to come. Click here for the challenge, prize, and deadline. 

First time homebuyers! Please join First Federal Lakewood for an informative seminar to get answers to your home buying questions, presented in a simple, easy-to-understand format. Read details including the date and location here.