Special Events
Celebrating Community, Creating Memories
🎉 Experience the Joy and Excitement of Our Special Events! 🎉
At the Westlake Recreation Department, we believe in the power of community gatherings to create lasting memories and strengthen our bonds. That's why we are thrilled to offer a variety of special events throughout the year, each crafted to bring joy, entertainment, and a sense of community to all who attend.
Our Special Events Feature:
- Seasonal Celebrations: From holiday festivities to seasonal fairs, our events are designed to celebrate the spirit of each season with fun and flair.
- Cultural Events: Experience diverse cultures through our events that feature music, dance, food, and art from different communities.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy events that are perfect for the whole family, with activities that cater to all ages.
- Community Competitions: Participate in friendly contests and competitions that add an element of excitement and challenge.
- Educational Workshops: Engage in special events that also serve as learning experiences, from environmental awareness to health and wellness workshops.
Why Attend Our Special Events?
- Community Building: Our events are a great way to connect with neighbors and make new friends, fostering a strong and supportive community.
- Diverse Offerings: We ensure a wide range of events to cater to the varied interests of our community members.
- Fun and Relaxation: Each event is an opportunity to take a break from the routine, unwind, and have some fun.
- Quality Entertainment: We strive to provide high-quality entertainment and activities to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.U
Upcoming Special Events
ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE
Our Chefs are preparing cookies (Chocolate Chip, Butterscotch Chip, Oatmeal Cranberry), Muffins, Banana and Zucchini Bread, as well as Cinnamon Rolls. All items are between $2 and $5.
Tuesday, November 7, 9:00am until gone!
VETERANS DAY
11:00. Pinning Ceremony: Hospice of the Western Reserve will honor all those who courageously served our country by way of a “pinning ceremony,” recognizing each veteran in attendance.
12:00. Brunch: Breakfast Egg Casserole, Fruit, Fresh Baked Muffins, Dessert, Coffee/Tea. (Sponsors: Dessert sponsored by Rocky River Village, Favors by WellSpring)
Friday, November 10, 11:00am. Cost: FREE for Veterans and $6.00 for non-veterans; payable by 11/3.
CARDIO DRUMMING EVENT
CHIXS WITH STIXS AND CHICK-FIL-A
Drum roll please….Join us for a fun morning of cardio drumming with the “Chix” aka: Cindi, Jennifer and Jodi, as we drum through the decades in this cardio drumming event.
New to Cardio Drumming or an experienced drummer? - all are welcome to come and exercise along with us to some favorite tunes.
Chick-Fil-A—Westlake is our generous breakfast sponsor for this event. A breakfast sandwich will be provided along with coffee, hot tea and water at approximately 10:15am.
Don’t wait and reserve your spot today for this FUN-draiser supporting the purchase of more equipment for this popular program.
Friday, November 17, 9:30am—11:30am.
Cost: $10; payable by 11/9.
November
THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON—Hayden Grove
11:00 Program: This contemporary crooner has a classic sound and puts his own talented spin on the great standards. Born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, to a father who loved classical music and opera and a mother who loved the rugged style of Bruce Springsteen, Hayden Grove was always surrounded by music. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in journalism, Hayden made Cleveland his home and often performs around the Cleveland area, with great local musicians including a few big bands. If you appreciate Frank Sinatra or Michael Bublé, you’re going to be enchanted by Hayden’s classic style and energetic renditions of the standards. (Sponsors: Favors by Always Best Care Grafton, Dessert by Rose Senior Living & Villas, Door Prizes provided by Infinite Helping Hands, Hanson Services, O’Neill Healthcare, Rent A Daughter)
12:00noon Lunch: House Roasted Turkey, Herb Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy, Roll/Butter, Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream, Coffee/Tea.
Wednesday, November 15, 11:00am. Cost: $22; payable by 11/8.
ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE
Our Chefs are preparing cookies (Chocolate Chip, Butterscotch Chip, Oatmeal Cranberry), Muffins, Banana and Zucchini Bread, as well as Cinnamon Rolls. All items are between $2 and $5.
Tuesday, November 7, 9:00am until gone!
HOLIDAY PIE FUNDRAISER
Assistant Chef Abby LOVES to bake and if you purchased a pie last year you are well aware if you did not—well, you should have! Let Abby take care of your holiday baking by ordering a pie from our kitchen. PUMPKIN PIE will be available for Thanksgiving and FRENCH SILK will be offered for the Christmas season. Pick up an order form at the front desk—complete and return with payment.
Order dates:
Thanksgiving (Pumpkin) Cost: $10/pie—ORDER BY: Nov. 14. PICK-UP: Nov. 21, 10am-12pm. NO ADJUSTMENTS CAN BE MADE.
Christmas (French Silk) Cost: $15/pie —ORDER BY: Dec. 13.
PICK-UP: Dec. 21, 10am-12pm. NO ADJUSTMENTS CAN BE MADE.
Pies not picked up will be donated to our food pantry clients as we are unable to store pies.
HONORING VETERANS MUSICAL PROGRAM
1:00. Program: Join us in celebration of Veteran’s Day with musical duo Sunday in the Park. Christopher and Karen Ellicott will share the music and stories behind some of our beloved patriotic songs and honor our Veterans through military anthems and more. (Sponsored by Huntington Woods)
Cost: FREE for Veterans, $2 for all others; payable by 11/6.
HOLIDAY RAFFLE
The Westlake Community Services Advisory Council has several beautiful baskets to raffle off once again this holiday season. The items in each basket have been generously donated by community businesses, groups and private individuals.
Additionally this year, the Happy Quilters have donated exceptionally beautiful hand-made quilts for us to raffle off which are displayed along side of the raffle baskets.
You may purchase tickets for one—or both of these raffles; and remember, all proceeds from the sale of tickets go towards supporting activity programs.
Raffle tickets may be purchased at the front desk from October 23—December 12. Cost: $5.00 each or five for $20. Drawing will take place on December 13.You need not be present to win–all winners will be notified by phone.
December
COOKIES + COCOA
Dover Intermediate 5th and 6th graders will be visiting us to share some holiday traditions, a fun holiday game and cookies + cocoa. Join in as we begin the season in the best way possible - “through children's eyes.”
Tuesday, December 5,
3:00-4:00pm. Cost $2; limited seating; payable by 11/30.
ENCORE LEARNING CLASS- Song Lyrics and Their Impact
Ever been deeply moved by a song? When lyrics and music combine to tell a story, a memorable song is born. Explore a broad variety of musical examples ranging from early European songs to spirituals, folk songs, children’s songs and popular songs of our youth. Led by Barbara Perkins- Encore instructor for 12 years.
Westlake Community Services and Cuyahoga Community College are teaming up to bring the Encore 55+ Learning program to our Center. We will be holding a class beginning in January but wanted to give you a taste of what the courses entail. Please consider joining us for this fun and informative class.
Friday, December 1, 1:00pm. FREE. Call to reserve or use MyActive Center by 11/24.
HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY
One of our favorite songstresses, Debbie Darling, will be performing with her repertoire of seasonal music classics. In her usual style, Debbie will intersperse interesting anecdotes about some of our favorite holiday songs. This program will invite the spirit of the season into your life!
Brunch: Praline French Toast Casserole, Bacon, Fruit, and a Hot Chocolate Bar with “mix-in’s”.
(Sponsors: Brunch sponsored by First Light Home Care, Hot Chocolate bar provided by O’Neill Healthcare)
Friday, December 8, 10:00am. Cost: $5; payable by 12/21 and a donation of a full-size bath soap which you will bring with you on the day of event .
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON—AMETHYST STRING TRIO
Whether on stage at Severance Hall with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra or in the orchestra pit for touring Broadway shows at Playhouse Square, the musicians of the Amethyst String Trio (2 violins and cello) bring their passion for music to these and many other venues in the Greater Cleveland area. They are among Cleveland's most active and versatile musicians and educators. They are equally at ease playing Classical repertoire, Gershwin, Sinatra, Coldplay, and the Beatles! The trio has provided back-up music for a wide variety of performers such as Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Barry Manilow, Smokey Robinson and Mannheim Steam-roller. Their concerts take the audience on a musical journey from the Classics to music from Downton Abbey, Simon and Garfunkel and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra!
A great believer in the power of music to heal and inspire, the Amethyst String Trio is dedicated to the mission of bringing live music up close and personal to those who might not otherwise experience it. Several trio members are thrilled to be part of MetroHealth's Arts in Medicine Department where they enhance patient experience with all genres of music. Several are devoted teachers, believing that music is an integral part of the learning spectrum as it promotes discipline, teamwork and creativity.
Founder of the Amethyst String Trio, violinist Mary Beth Ions passionately believes live music goes to places in the heart that words cannot. In a world where we often search for meaning and clarity, music transcends the confusion and helps us find solace and wisdom.
Lunch: Stuffed Apple Walnut Pork Loin, Roasted Vegetables, Rosemary and Sage Dressing, Salad, Roll/ Butter, Cheesecake, Coffee/Tea.
(Sponsors: Entertainment provided by Rent a Daughter, Dessert provided by Always Best Care, Favors provided by Parkside Villa, Door prizes by O’Neill Healthcare, Northridge Health Center, The Center for Health Affairs & Champs, Spy Senior, Westlake Assisted Living, Embassy of Rockport)
Wednesday, December 13, 11:00am—entertainment, 12:00pm—lunch. Cost: $23; payable by 12/6.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
A New Year’s Eve extravaganza has been planned with party hats and lots of fun!
10:00 Brunch: Breakfast Enchiladas with fresh homemade salsa with sour cream, fruit and a festive dessert. We will have sparkling grape juice as well to toast the New Year!
11:00 Entertainment: The Blue Lunch-This 8-piece jump and swing band will wow you with their eclectic mix of blues, soul, rhythm and blues songs that lean heavily instrumental, and they will entertain you for a full 75 minutes. Get ready to celebrate the New Year in a foot stomping, hand clapping way. A few seconds before the hand strikes 12:00 noon the band will play a ceremonial count down for New Year’s Eve! (Sponsors: Favors provided by Rocky River Village, Dessert by Brookdale Westlake Village, Sparkling Grape Juice provided by St. Mary of the Woods, Door Prizes by O’Neill Healthcare and Rent a Daughter)
Friday, December 29, 10:00am. Cost: $18; payable by 12/22.
Join the Fun!
Mark your calendars and be a part of the excitement! Whether you're looking to celebrate, learn, or just have a good time, our special events have something for everyone. Stay updated on upcoming events and details by visiting our Special Events page.