Thank you to folks behind school event

BOUQUETS>> To all those who made the Back to School Bash in Lake County possible. Harvey High School in Painesville opened its doors for the Aug. 3 event.

Organized by Lake County Jobs and Family Services and Lake County Family and Children First Council with the Salvation Army, Back to School Bash aims to be a onestop shop for local families.

“We just wanted to see children get off to a good start to the school year,” said Suzanne Casar of the Lake County Family and Children First Council. “This is possible one hundred percent through donations only. We are so lucky to have the generosity of the community to make this possible.”

Among the services provided by the over 300 volunteers were haircuts, sports screening physicals from Lake Health, family photographs, and dental services through collaboration with Lakeland Community College and Northeast Ohio Dental Hygienist Association.

A new feature this year, immunizations provided by Signature Health were available for seventh- and 12th-graders. The Lake County General Health District was also on hand for those interested in scheduling future immunizations.

The community resource area featured about 30 regional vendors who provided information on their services and referrals for interested families. The gymnasium was overtaken by the sheer volume of donated clothing available for children and families and hundreds of backpacks were stuffed with school supplies to take home.

“This event would not be possible without our volunteers,” she added. “Not only do we depend on volunteers for the day of the Back to School Bash, but we also depend on volunteers to assist us beginning in May to sort clothes and gather school supplies. We couldn’t do it without them.”

We commend all those who worked so hard to make this event happen. The education of our children is so important

Among the services provided by the over 300 volunteers were haircuts, sports screening physicals, family photographs, and dental services.

to our future. It’s great to see the community coming together to help students get off on the right foot.

BOUQUETS>> To the organizers of The FEST, the faith-based music festival at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe Aug. 4.

This year marks the 19th year that the popular festival has occurred.

Event organizer Father Bob Stec said that “there’s something for everyone at The FEST,” adding, “there’s a special children’s area that has activities and crafts to help children celebrate and learn the values of faith and family.”

The event had a large-scale music festival atmosphere in both style and size. Many took in the acts while sitting on blankets spread across a grassy field and hillside.

Among the main acts that took the stage were Tenth Avenue North, Matt Maher, Jordan Feliz and headlining act Casting Crowns.

This year’s theme was “Generations of Faith and Family.” Stec said that “all the displays and activities will help us reflect on how we pass on what is best and most important to the next generation.” He added, “so many people tell us that The FEST is a mini-retreat day for their families. They come as a family, reflect on the blessings of God in their life and go home, inspired and renewed.”

This was further symbolized through the tree saplings that guests were invited to take home with them. The gift was a token of the budding new life event organizers hope to instill on a spiritual level.

“The whole day is about passing on,” Stec said.

Great job.

BRICKBATS>> To the newly hired corrections officer arrested while touring the jail on a warrant accusing her of smuggling drugs into a state prison in February.

Twenty-eight-year-old Angelique Lykes, of Warrensville Heights was arrested at the Cuyahoga County Corrections Center.

Lykes had been given a conditional offer by the county after being interviewed. The jail tour was part of the hiring process.

Richland County authorities issued an arrest warrant for Lykes earlier this month charging her with smuggling marijuana for an inmate at the Richland Correctional Institution in Mansfield.

When will people learn?