BEREA, Ohio — After a national search, Baldwin Wallace University has appointed Jennifer Hemphill as the new professor and director of its acclaimed Music Theatre program
Hemphill is currently the dean of the Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College, and brings Broadway and International performance experience and academic leadership credentials.
She will replace Victoria Bussert, the program’s current director.
Hemphill has expressed enthusiasm for joining a prestigious program and aims to continue evolving it to meet modern industry standards.
She joins a BW program that has appeared on a raft of “best” lists, including most recently The Hollywood Reporter’s “25 Best Drama Schools in the World and,” and Backstage Magazine’s list of “The top college musical theater programs in the U.S.
The program offers extensive performance opportunities through professional partnerships with organizations like Great Lakes Theater, Playhouse Square, and The Cleveland Orchestra. Its annual senior showcase in New York City draws around 200 industry professionals, often leading to student representation.
Upcoming productions include the regional premiere of Waitress: The Musical in February 2025 and [title of show] in April at Playhouse Square.
Award Nominations: The Berea Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its annual Grindstone Award to an outstanding citizen and its Courtesy and Future Leader Awards.
The deadline for submitting nominations is July 1. The Grindstone Award Banquet will be Sept. 10 at the Aviator Event Center, 20920 Brookpark Road.
Nominations for the 57th annual Grindstone Award should include the following criteria:
Nominees should be cited for activities outside of their employment. The award will recognize accomplishments or overall community service.
The award will be determined primarily on services and benefits rendered to other people or for other objectives over and beyond excellence in a profession, business, or enterprise, and will be extended over a period of two or more years.
The candidate must actively participate in several community-oriented projects that benefit the community as a whole. Emphasis will be placed on accomplishments within the past few years.
We will consider what the individual has done to improve our community. Residency in Berea is not necessary, but should be given serious consideration.
The award is not bestowed posthumously, and the recipient must not have received the award previously.
For a complete list of criteria and previous winners, go to www.bereachamber.com.
The Courtesy Award: recognizes those who work in the City of Berea and go above and beyond to serve customers or the public.
Employees can work for local businesses, organizations, non-profits, governments, or schools.
The Future Leader Award: is presented to high school or college students who excel in academics and community service. Students must attend a school within the Berea City School District or Baldwin Wallace University, or be residents of Berea who attend a school outside the city.
Anyone positively impacted by the nominee, including employers, supervisors, co-workers, customers, students, or the general public, may submit a nomination.
Nomination forms can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website – www.bereachamber.org, or by contacting the Chamber’s Executive Director, Megan Baechle, at 440-243-8415.
Please email or mail nominations to the Berea Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Megan Baechle, executive director, P.O. Box 774, Berea, OH 44017.
Kelber named: Ryan Kelber has been named as the new athletic director for the Berea City School District.
He previously served as athletic director at Brooklyn High School and the Cuyahoga Heights Schools.
Kelber is a member of the Northeast District Athletic Board and a past president and executive director of the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League.
He was named OIAAA Athletic Director of the Year in 2022.
Browns project: When word went out earlier this week regarding a “groundbreaking,” signaling the start of a long-awaited, $200-million Cleveland Browns District 46 development on Berea’s North End, I was disappointed to find that, according to Bill Kern of DiGeronimo Construction, “That’s just symbolic. You won’t see shovels in the ground until next year.”
Berea residents, including many in nearby communities, have waited over two years for the $200-million project to begin.
Celebrating 250: In honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, the Cleveland Recruiting Battalion will conduct a “Future Soldier March Through History,” beginning at 9 a.m. June 13th at the Cleveland Metroparks Bonnie Park Picnic Area.
The presentation will include a Military History Presentation by a Company Commander and, at 10 a.m., a 4-mile foot march through the park (March Through History) featuring future soldiers who will soon be shipping off to basic training to serve in the army with currently serving soldiers and leadership.
Rummage sale: A three-day rummage sale to benefit St. Adalbert Catholic Church will be June 26-28 at the Keller Center, 66 Adelbert St. in Berea.
A Preview sale will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on June 26th. Admission is $5. Hours are 3 to 6 p.m. on June 26 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 27-28. Admission is free.
SCAN Hunger Center Pantry: 398 W. Bagley Road, Williamsport Plaza, (440) 260-7226. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Friday of the month and 4-7 p.m. on the fourth Friday.
People’s Community Church Pantry: 628 Wesley Drive, 440) 234-0609. It is open from 10 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of the month. The next pantry is on June 15th.
Second Mile Outreach Pantry: 1480 Bagley Road, (440) 239-0549. It is open from noon to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Food Pantry: 8888 Prospect Road. It is open from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month and provides fresh food, staples, and toiletries. The next pantry is on June 14th.
Bread Ministry: Berea United Methodist Church, 170 Seminary St., (440) 234-3525. Bread and pastries only. Noon – 2 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Go to the church addition on the north side of the church off Seminary. The pantry is through double brown doors.
Free Community Meal: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 276 E. Bagley Road, serves this meal twice a month, 5-5:30 p.m., on the second and last Wednesday of the month. It is drive-up only.
Pet Food Pantry: Animal Rescue Friends, 10015 E. River Road, Columbia Station, 10 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Sundays of every month. Visit www.bereaanimalrescue.com or call (440) 234-2034 for more information or to donate.
Free Community Meals at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 276 East Bagley Road, served twice a month, from 5-5:30 p.m. on thesewcond Wednesday and last Wednesday of the month.
Drive-up only. Next meals are June on 11th and June 25th.
Little Free Pantries Are near the Berea Branch Library and People’s Community Church. The Prospect Pantry is at the corner of Prospect Street and Jacqueline Drive. St. Paul Lutheran Church has a food donation box near the side door. Please bring non-perishable items only.
In honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, the Cleveland Recruiting Battalion will conduct a “Future Soldier March Through History,” beginning at 9 a.m. June 13th at the Cleveland Metroparks Bonnie Park Picnic Area.
The presentation will include a Military History Presentation by a Company Commander and, at 10 a.m., a 4-mile foot march through the park (March Through History) featuring future soldiers who will soon be shipping off to basic training to serve in the army with currently serving soldiers and leadership.