The post RTA Updates — November 2025 first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

In Bedford (44146)

City of Bedford Parks & Recreation Department – Ellenwood Center
124 Ellenwood Ave., Bedford · 440-735-6570 · bedfordoh.gov/food-pantry-program
Typically the last Friday of each month (earlier in November and December before holidays).
Pre-registration required by the 15th of each month; application must include proof of residency and income.

CCPL – Bedford Branch (Kids Café)
70 Columbus Rd, Bedford · Mon–Fri, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. · Ages 18 & under can receive a free lunch provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Center Road Church of Christ Pantry
264 Center Rd, Bedford · 4th Sat, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 440-252-7090

Fellowship Church of God
24821 Columbus Rd, Bedford · 2nd & 4th Sat, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-773-4922

Hope United Methodist Church – Fr. Dan’s Pantry
79 Center Rd, Bedford · 1st Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (with brunch); 3rd Wed, 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. (with meal); 4th Fri, 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. (closed the Friday after Thanksgiving) · 440-679-0623

Light of Hearts Villa
283 Union St., Bedford · 440-232-1991 · lightofheartsvilla.org
Food Pantry Hours: Mon, Tue & Thu 9 a.m.–3 p.m. · For seniors ages 60+.

Bedford Heights / Highland Hills / Warrensville Heights / Oakwood Village

City of Bedford Heights – Pavilion
5615 Perkins Rd, Bedford Heights · 2nd & 4th Sat, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 440-786-3200 ext. 361

Mt. Zion Fellowship Church
4265 Northfield Rd, Highland Hills · 2nd & 4th Sat, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-292-3131

Mount Zion of Oakwood Village
One Mt. Zion Circle, Oakwood Village · 440-232-2645
Upcoming pantries: Nov 16 & Nov 23, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.

Word Church
18909 S Miles Rd, Warrensville Heights · 2nd & 4th Sat, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-332-9673

Manna Food From Heaven Ministries
18909 S Miles Rd, Cleveland (Warrensville Heights area) · 2nd & 4th Sat, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. · 216-509-7960

Lee Seville Miles Hunger Center
16718 Miles Ave, Cleveland · Tue & Thu, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-752-9384

Harvard Community Service Center
18240 Harvard Ave, Cleveland · Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. · 216-491-3318

Bridge of Hope Center
3949 Lee Rd, Cleveland · 2nd & 4th Sat, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-320-7172

South East Clergy Hunger Center – South Haven UCC
415 Northfield Rd., Bedford Heights · 440-232-5115 · southhavenucc.org/hungercenter
Serves residents of Bedford, Bedford Heights, Warrensville Heights, Oakwood, Solon, Garfield Heights, and Highland Heights.
Located in the church basement with separate entrance from the parking lot.
Proof of address, income, household members, and photo ID required.
Hours: Thu 9 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

South East Clergy Meals on Wheels – South Haven UCC
415 Northfield Rd., Bedford Heights · 440-439-0302 · seclergymealsonwheels.org
Hot meals delivered Mon–Fri with a bonus weekend meal. Volunteer routes begin at 11 a.m. and typically take about 1½ hours.

Maple Heights / Garfield Heights (5–10 minutes away)

Citadel of Faith Ministries
5250 Arch St, Maple Heights · 2nd & 4th Sat, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-702-3141

Maple Heights Pantry
17100 Broadway Ave, Maple Heights · Tue & Thu, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-365-2842

Maple Heights Senior Development, Inc.
16029 Maple Park Dr, Maple Heights · Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. · 216-587-9049

Rock Community Church
9403 Garfield Blvd, Garfield Heights · 2nd & 4th Sat, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-429-2636

CCPL – Garfield Heights Branch (Mobile Pantry)
5409 Turney Rd, Cleveland · 1st & 3rd Tue, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-475-8178

CCPL – Maple Heights Branch (Mobile Pantry)
5225 Library Ln, Maple Heights · 2nd & 4th Wed, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-475-5000

Nearby East Suburbs (within 15 minutes)

University United Methodist Church
3611 Lee Rd, Shaker Heights · 2nd & 4th Sat, 9 a.m.–11 a.m. · 216-921-5757

City of Solon Dept. of Senior Services
35000 Portz Pkwy, Solon · Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. · 440-349-6363

CCPL – Warrensville Heights Branch (Mobile Pantry)
4415 Northfield Rd, Cleveland · 2nd & 4th Tue, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 216-464-5280

A Bit Farther (Still a Short Drive)

Chagrin Falls Park Community Center
7060 Woodland Ave, Chagrin Falls · Thu, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · 440-247-6030

Note: Food assistance hours and eligibility requirements can vary, especially around holidays or due to changing community needs.

Disclaimer: Information in this list is provided as a community resource and may change without notice. Hours, addresses, and availability may not be accurate at all times. Please contact each food pantry or organization directly to confirm details before visiting.

Updated on 11/8/2025 for Hope United Methodist Church – Fr. Dan’s Pantry.

Updated on 11/10/2025 to remove Bedford Library Mobile Pantry, ended in September. Kids Cafe information added. Light of Hearts Villa information added. Center Road Church of Christ Pantry information updated. City of Bedford Parks & Recreation Department – Ellenwood Center information added. Mount Zion of Oakwood Village information added. South East Clergy Hunger Center – South Haven UCC information added. South East Clergy Meals on Wheels – South Haven UCC information added.

The post Food Assistance Options in the Bedford Area first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Mayoral Results

Stan Koci

City Council, Ward 1 Results

Sandy Spinks

City Council, Ward 3 Results

Frank J. Spiker

City Council, Ward 5 Results

Cory Berry

Bedford City School District Board of Education Results

Anthony A. Akins Sr.

Chris Callender

Montez Morton Sr.

These results are unofficial and subject to change as the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections continues to verify and certify vote totals. Final certified results will be posted once they are available.

The post Election 2025: Results So Far first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Check voter ID information (bring the right ID)
Voters in Ohio need to bring an accepted form of identification when they go to vote. That usually includes a driver’s license, state ID, or certain government-issued documents. Before Election Day, make sure your ID is current and that your name and address are correct. Having your ID ready when you arrive keeps lines moving and helps make the process faster for everyone.

Vote-by-Mail reminder (important deadlines)
Today, November 3, 2025, is the final day for absentee or Vote-by-Mail ballots mailed within the United States to be postmarked in order to count. Ballots must arrive at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections no later than Saturday, November 8, 2025. Those returning their ballot in person must do so by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, for it to be counted. Double-check your envelope for the required signature and postage before mailing or dropping it off to make sure your vote is included.

Helpful county hub
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is your go-to source for official voting information. Their office provides updates about polling hours, locations, and voter services throughout the election season. If you have any questions about registration, accessibility, or procedures at your polling place, they’re ready to help by phone or in person. Bedford residents can count on the county’s resources for the most accurate and up-to-date details this Election Day.

Stay tuned for results
The Bedford Tribune will share local election results as they become available. Be sure to check our website for updates once the polls close and counts begin.

The post Election Day in Bedford: What You Need to Know (Tuesday, November 4, 2025) first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

How to use it

• Open the Events tab (or jump straight to the November month view using the link in this article).
• Use Month view to see everything at a glance, or switch to List view for a day-by-day lineup.
• Filter by category (Arts & Culture, Kids & Family, Free, Outdoors, Bedford Library, Parks & Recreation & more) or search by keyword.
• Click any event for details: time, location, description, and contact information.

Hosting something in November? Use the Submit Your Story form so we can include it.

New items are added throughout the week, and details may change—so check back often. Use the link below to go directly to the November 2025 calendar view.

The post Next Month in Bedford — November 2025 first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Background and Experience

Chris Callender is an educator with extensive experience in teaching, administration, and community programming. Through his work in education and leadership roles, he has seen how access to quality instruction, dedicated educators, and strong support systems can transform students’ lives. He hopes to bring that experience and perspective to the Bedford City School District Board of Education.

Why He’s Running

Callender says he is running because he believes in the power of public education to strengthen both individuals and communities. His goal is to help ensure that every child in Bedford receives the best possible educational experience. He is motivated by a commitment to students and families and wants to foster an environment where teachers feel supported, students feel valued, and schools are places where excellence and equity thrive.

He also aims to strengthen partnerships among schools, families, and community organizations to better address academic growth, social-emotional health, and career readiness.

Key Challenges and Priorities

Callender identifies several major challenges facing the district:

• Academic Achievement: Raising performance across all grade levels by ensuring every student has access to high-quality instruction, early interventions, and strong college and career preparation.
• Staffing and Support: Recruiting and retaining excellent educators by providing professional development, instructional resources, and collaborative planning time.
• Student Safety and Well-being: Expanding mental health resources, effective discipline policies, and support systems to ensure every student feels secure and valued.
• Funding and Resource Allocation: Maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency to ensure resources directly support classrooms and technology needs.

Supporting Teachers, Staff, and Students

Callender believes the board can strengthen morale by fostering a culture of respect, trust, and recognition. He supports ensuring that teachers and staff have a voice in decision-making, access to professional development, and opportunities for collaboration. He emphasizes that a positive school culture starts with leadership that values and empowers its people.

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency

For Callender, transparency begins with communication. He supports regular public financial updates and encourages community feedback to build confidence in how taxpayer funds are used. He also advocates for long-term financial planning to address facility maintenance, technology investments, and enrollment shifts—ensuring the district remains proactive rather than reactive.

Collaboration Across Communities

Callender envisions strengthening relationships among Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood Village, and Walton Hills through partnerships and shared initiatives with local governments, businesses, faith-based groups, and civic organizations. He supports mentorship programs, job-shadowing experiences, and service-learning projects that bring students and residents together.

He also wants to celebrate district pride by hosting events, student showcases, and recognition programs that highlight community and academic achievements.

Engaging Parents and Guardians

Callender emphasizes that parents and guardians should play an active, inclusive role in decision-making. He supports outreach that reflects the district’s diversity, ensures families feel informed and welcome, and promotes collaboration between home and school. He views family engagement as a shared responsibility for student success.

Defining Student Success

Callender defines success as the development of well-rounded, capable, and compassionate graduates. He believes student success extends beyond academics to include critical thinking, communication, character, and civic responsibility. For him, the goal is for every Bedford graduate to be confident, capable, and prepared for life after school.

Closing Message

Callender says he is committed to maintaining high academic standards while fostering safe, inclusive, and engaging schools where every child can thrive. He brings a balanced approach rooted in leadership, collaboration, and practical problem-solving—focused on creating a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Contact: callenderforbedfordschools@gmail.com

The post Election 2025: Chris Callender Announces Candidacy for Bedford City School District Board of Education first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The meeting came just days after a student walkout that saw more than 150 Bedford High School students protesting what they viewed as a lack of communication from the district. Parents voiced concerns during public comment, urging school officials to explain the circumstances surrounding the allegations of “serious misconduct” that led to the administrative leaves.

Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Jackson told attendees she was unable to discuss the matter publicly on the advice of legal counsel, citing the ongoing investigation. Her comments acknowledged the frustration and speculation that have spread throughout the community in the absence of details.

Some board members expressed disappointment that they had not been notified about the staff leaves before learning of them through social media. The district has since confirmed that an independent investigation is underway, though no timeline for its completion has been announced.

Toward the end of the meeting, Board Member Danielle Turner Birch introduced a motion to place Jackson on leave or request her resignation, but the motion did not advance due to the lack of a second.

The next Bedford City School District board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 6, when community members are expected to continue pressing for updates.

The post Parents Seek Answers at Bedford School Board Meeting Amid Ongoing Investigation As Reported by WKYC Studios first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

BEDFORD, OH — Three candidates with deep community ties and decades of public service are running as a slate for the Bedford City Schools Board of Education. Anthony Akins, Sr., Chris Callender, and Montez Morton, Sr. bring a shared commitment to transparency, equity, and student-first leadership—anchored by their campaign tagline: “Vote for leadership that listens, supports, and leads with integrity.”

Anthony Akins, Sr., a proud graduate of the Bedford City School District and longtime Oakwood Village resident, is seeking his second term on the board. Akins is a former Oakwood Village councilperson and the parent of five children—three Bedford graduates and two currently enrolled in the district. His leadership is grounded in lived experience, public service, and a deep belief in equitable, student-centered decision-making.

Chris Callender is a seasoned K–12 school administrator and a longtime Oakwood Village resident. Callender also served as a Oakwood Village councilperson and has spent over 25 years coaching and mentoring youth through sports. He currently serves as an adjunct professor, preparing future educators with the same values he brings to this campaign: integrity, accountability, and care.

Montez Morton, Sr., is a lifelong Bedford resident, a longtime union member, and the parent of Bedford graduates. Morton’s leadership is rooted in advocacy, labor equity, and community empowerment. His decades of union involvement reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency, and standing up for working families—values he brings to the school board race with clarity and conviction.

Together, Akins, Callender, and Morton offer a balanced and experienced team ready to serve with integrity. Their platform centers on responsible governance, transparent communication, and a shared belief that students must always come first—and accountability must always follow.

“We’re here to listen. We’re here to lead. And we’re here to ensure that students remain at the center of every decision,” the slate shared in a joint statement.

The election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, with early voting underway.  If you want to see change, Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood Village, and Walton Hills voters have the opportunity to choose leadership that reflects the values of the district—and the voices of the families it serves. Vote November 4^th.

Anthony Akins, Sr.
email:  akins4bedfordschools@gmail.com

Chris Callender
email:  callenderforbedfordschools@gmail.com

Montez Morton, Sr. 
email: montezmortonsr4bedfordschool@gmail.com

The post Akins, Callender, and Morton Unite for Bedford City Schools Board: A Slate Focused on Integrity, Accountability, and Student-Centered Leadership first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Background and Experience

Anthony A. Akins, Sr. is a Virtual Producer at Deloitte, where he manages online meetings and presentations for company partners and executives. A U.S. Navy veteran, he credits his service with developing precision, discipline, and problem-solving skills. Akins holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and brings extensive project-management experience to his role as a current school board member.

He is a 1996 graduate of Bedford High School, a parent of five children—three recent Bedford High School graduates and two current students—and a former Oakwood Village councilperson who served for 10 years advocating for residents and community well-being.

Why He’s Running

Akins says his commitment to Bedford schools stems from being both an alumnus and an active parent. His goal is to continue improving the district’s performance and community trust. His vision includes:

• Enhancing educational excellence by maintaining rigorous, future-focused curriculum standards.
• Promoting equity and inclusion so every student feels valued and supported.
• Strengthening community engagement through partnerships among parents, educators, and local leaders.
• Innovating for the future by incorporating new technologies and teaching methods.

Key Challenges and Priorities

Akins identifies financial stability as the district’s most pressing challenge, emphasizing the need to manage reduced state funding responsibly. He also highlights staff morale, noting the importance of ensuring employees feel valued and equipped to succeed.

To support teachers and staff, he advocates for stronger communication with the teachers’ union, regular professional development, and prioritizing mental health and wellness for all members of the school community.

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency

Akins supports continued collaboration with the treasurer’s department to maintain clear and accessible financial reports. He favors monthly updates, long-term forecasts, and open board meetings that invite resident participation. His team proposes hosting quarterly town halls and community surveys to strengthen two-way communication and accountability.

Collaboration Across Communities

To unite Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood Village, and Walton Hills, Akins supports hosting joint community events, family nights, and service projects that build shared pride and engagement. He also envisions mentoring and tutoring programs offered in partnership with local recreation centers to connect students with support networks and role models.

Engaging Parents and Guardians

Akins views parents and guardians as vital partners in district decision-making. He encourages families to participate in open board meetings, surveys, and advisory committees to ensure district policies reflect community priorities.

Defining Student Success

He defines success as a balance of academic achievement, personal growth, and readiness for future opportunities—measured through academics, attendance, engagement, and emotional well-being. He supports regularly reviewing district metrics to reflect students’ evolving needs.

Closing Message

Akins emphasizes accountability, transparency, and collaboration as the foundation of his leadership. Alongside fellow candidates Montez Morton, Sr. and Chris Callender, he seeks to “Lead with Integrity,” be a “Voice for the Voiceless,” and “Strengthen School/Home Connections” through open dialogue and community trust.

Contact: akins4bedfordschools@gmail.com

The post Election 2025: Anthony A. Akins, Sr. Announces Candidacy for Bedford City School District Board of Education first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

When It Begins

Bedford’s leaf collection program typically begins around the third week of October and continues until all leaves are collected. The city performs this service only in the fall—there is no spring leaf pickup.

Residents do not need to call to schedule pickup. Crews make continuous rounds through each of the city’s four sections until the job is complete.

How to Prepare Your Leaves

• Rake leaves to the tree lawn, not into the street. Leaves in the street can clog storm drains and create flooding.
• Do not mix sticks, branches, or other yard waste with your leaf piles. These items damage city equipment and delay collection.
• Avoid parking over leaf piles. If a vehicle is blocking access, crews may have to skip the area.

What About Branches?

The city’s final brush and branch collection of the season is typically scheduled for the first week of October. Residents must call the Service Department at 440-735-6583 in advance to be added to the list.

Branches should be placed on the tree lawn, with the cut ends facing the street, and must be under 10 inches in diameter.

For more details and updated schedules, visit the city’s official website: www.bedfordoh.gov

The post Bedford’s Fall Leaf Collection: What You Need to Know first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.