March community events

Benefit supports arts in CH-UH schools

“C’est la vie” is the theme of this year’s benefit and auction to support RoxArts, a nonprofit that brings enhanced arts education to students at Roxboro Elementary and Middle schools. The annual fundraiser will be March 5, at 7 p.m. at the Heights Rockefeller Building. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door. To make reservations, call Susan Ford at 216-932-2223. For general questions or to donate items, call Chesca Hadden at 216-932-7169.

Jazz event benefits Heights schools

Hot Jazz on a Cold Night: Reaching Heights Night at Clyde’s, is a March 8 event to benefit Reaching Heights, a nonprofit that works to promote excellent public education in the Heights. A jazz ensemble of current Heights High students will accompany a full meal from Clyde’s. Tickets are $50, or two for $90. Purchase of a ticket includes appetizers, wine, nonalcoholic beverages, choice of four entrees, two side dishes, dessert, gratuity and valet parking. Drinks and appetizers will be served starting at 5:30 p.m., and dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited.  For reservations or more information, contact Patrick Mullen at patrick@reachingheights.org or 216-932-5110.

Kindergarten Information Night March 11

Parents can meet teachers and have questions answered about the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District kindergarten program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on March 11, at Boulevard Elementary School, 1749 Lee Road. Topics to be discussed include kindergarten readiness, kindergarten curriculum and related services. Parents will learn more about the before- and after-school programs, student services, food service, transportation and more. For more information, contact the Early Childhood Center at 216-371-7356. 

Fairmount Church Cooperative Nursery School’s Second Annual Winter Carnival

Escape the winter doldrums by spending the evening of March 13 at Fairmount Church Cooperative Nursery School’s Second Annual Winter Carnival. Come enjoy a fun-filled night of food, raffles and carnival games with prizes. The festival runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and is the main fundraiser for the parent-run cooperative preschool. Dinner tickets are $8 for ages 6 and up, $5 for ages 3-5 and free for ages 2 and under. For more information, contact the school at (216) 321-5800.

Apollo’s Fire at Severance Hall

Apollo’s Fire performs “A Mozart Celebration” at Severance Hall at 8 p.m. on March 13, with acclaimed pianist and Cleveland Institute of Music faculty member, Sergei Babayan, as the piano soloist. The program includes the “Haffner” symphony, as well as the rarely performed ballet music from Mozart’s opera "Idomene." Preconcert lecture one hour before the Cleveland performance. Tickets are $25–$85; discounts for seniors and under-30s.Visit www.apollosfire.org or call 216-320-0012.

Safe bike riding class offered

Experienced cyclist John Ludway is offering a new course at the Cleveland Heights Recreation Center: Bike Riding (Made Simple and Safe). Ludway is a 35-year veteran of bicycle touring and commuting. This course will teach riders how to ride safer, saner and with a greater sense of accomplishment.  It is scheduled for Tuesdays at 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The course will run from March 16 to May 4, and there is a charge to participate. For more information, call 216-691-7373.

Tetelestai returns to the Heights

Tetelestai—a contemporary musical portrayal of the trial, execution and Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah—is returning to the Heights area after a 15-year absence. Gesu Parish will host Tetelestai on March 19 at 8 p.m., March 20 at 8 p.m., and March 21 at 3 p.m. in Gesu Church, 2470 Miramar Blvd. A volunteer cast and crew gives 27 “prayerformances” throughout the Lenten season. Admission is free, and seating is open. Donations are welcome. To volunteer to help with publicity, hospitality, or greeting, contact Carole Kealy at 216-838-7290 or John Power 216-291-5116. For more information, visit www.tetelestai-cpam.org.

Open house celebrates HRRC rehab

The Home Repair Resource Center’s Home in the Heights subsidiary is about to complete the renovation and reclamation of another previously vacant and foreclosed property in Cleveland Heights. The public is invited to the open house at 3519 Edison Road on March 20 between 1 and 3 p.m. Come and celebrate one more house adding value to Cleveland Heights.

Big band dance at The Alcazar, March 21

Enjoy music of the 1930s and 1940s with the 17-piece Prime Time Big Band in The Alcazar’s grand ballroom. The event begins with dance instruction at 1 p.m. and concludes at 5 p.m. with dancing and tours of The Alcazar. Tickets are $15 each, or $25 for two. Guests 80 years old and better will be admitted free with advance reservations. Call 216-321-5400.

Other upcoming events 

Nature Center's Pestival is April 16

Enjoy cuisine from more than seven prominent chefs at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes April 16. Pestival is a cocktail-style reception from 6  to 8 p.m., featuring delectable foods made with garlic mustard. This edible, invasive plant species is pulled straight from the Nature Center’s grounds each year. Tickets are $40 for Nature Center members and $50 for nonmembers. Make your reservations before April 12 by calling 216-321-5935.

Discover Cedar Fairmount Festival set for Aug. 8

The Ninth Annual Discover Cedar Fairmount Festival will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8. The event is free and will feature entertainment for the entire family. The Festival will have the Euclid Beach Rocket Car, a pet fantasy land, pony rides, arts and crafts, children's games and more. Nonprofit organizations and arts and crafts vendors who would like to participate in the fair should call the Cedar Fairmount Special Improvement District office at 216-791-3172 or visit www.cedarfairmount.org.

HCC announces 2010 home tour

Heights Community Congress has scheduled its Heights Heritage Tour for Sept. 25 and 26. The preview party is Saturday night, Sept. 25.  The tour of homes and gardens will be held Sunday afternoon, Sept. 26, rain or shine. The tour will feature several Cleveland Heights homes and gardens, showcasing a diverse array of architectural styles. For more information call 216-321-6775.

Read the full stories online and see more community events listings at www.heightsobserver.org.