Recipes adapted from materials preserved in the Bedford Garden Club archives.

Classic Herb Bread (Makes 1 Loaf)

This softly spiced loaf is subtly sweet with a savory herbal finish, making it ideal for slicing and serving with butter.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons soft shortening
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 cups sifted flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon basil or sage
• 2 teaspoons caraway seed
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pan.
2. Mix sugar, shortening, and egg thoroughly. Stir in milk.
3. Sift flour, then sift again with baking powder, salt, herbs, caraway seed, and nutmeg.
4. Stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan.
6. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before slicing with a thin, sharp knife.

Little Rosemary Loaves

These small loaves are lightly sweet and delicately scented with rosemary—perfect for gifting or serving with tea.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon rosemary
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 cups flour

Instructions:

1. Combine water, raisins, baking powder, and rosemary in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
2. Allow mixture to cool.
3. Cream butter with sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
4. Stir in raisin mixture alternately with flour until well mixed.
5. Fill well-greased small cans or mini loaf pans about 2/3 full.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour. Adjust time if using larger containers.
7. Cool in the pan before removing.

Rosemary substitutions: basil, parsley, celery leaves, marjoram, or lovage.

The post Baking with Herbs: Two Timeless Recipes to Try at Home first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Born in Cleveland, Anklam moved to Bedford at the age of five and spent his formative years in the community. After graduating from Bedford High School, he went on to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy at age 18.

To mark the occasion, Anklam’s family wanted to share this celebration with the Bedford community that played such an important role in his life. The family expressed appreciation for the years he spent growing up in Bedford and the lasting connection he continues to have with the city.

A photo from the birthday celebration is included to commemorate this special occasion.

The post Bedford Native Celebrates 90th Birthday first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The show’s greatest strength lies in its writing. Mike White crafts characters who are deeply flawed, often unlikable, yet endlessly fascinating. The dialogue is biting and observant, exposing entitlement, insecurity, and moral blindness in ways that feel uncomfortably real. Rather than relying on constant plot twists, The White Lotus builds tension slowly, allowing awkward moments and quiet resentments to simmer.

The ensemble casts across seasons are uniformly excellent, with performances that balance dark humor and emotional complexity. Characters are rarely purely good or bad, which makes their interactions unpredictable and engaging. The series also excels at highlighting class divides, particularly between guests and employees, without resorting to simple moral conclusions.

Visually, the show is beautiful, with lush settings that contrast sharply with the emotional rot underneath the surface. The haunting score adds to the sense of unease, signaling that something is always just slightly off.

While some viewers may find the pacing slow or the characters difficult to root for, that discomfort is part of the point. The White Lotus isn’t about escapism—it’s about observation. It’s a smart, darkly funny series that rewards patience and leaves viewers reflecting long after each season ends.

The post The White Lotus: Satire, Secrets, and the Dark Side of Privilege first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Supplies:

• Wrapping paper scraps
• Cardstock or paper plates
• Scissors
• Glue stick or tape
• String, yarn, or ribbon
• Hole punch (optional)
• Markers, stickers, or glitter (optional)

Instructions (Ages 6–9):
Cut wrapping paper into shapes like circles, stars, or trees. Glue the paper onto cardstock to make it sturdier. Decorate with markers or stickers, punch a hole at the top, and tie on string to hang. These ornaments can go right back on the tree or be used as gift tags.

Adjustments for Younger Kids (Ages 3–5):
Pre-cut simple shapes and let little ones glue paper scraps freely onto them collage-style. Skip the hole punch and use tape to attach yarn. Focus on color and fun—no perfection needed!

Adjustments for Older Kids (Ages 10–12):
Encourage layered designs or folded paper techniques, like accordion-folded trees or 3D stars. Older kids can trace patterns, add handwritten messages, or even make a themed ornament set for grandparents.

This craft is joyful, low-pressure, and perfect for using what you already have on hand. Best of all, it gives children something meaningful to create while the grown folks sip coffee and enjoy the day. A little paper, a little imagination, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer—that’s what it’s all about.

The post Christmas Wrapping Paper Ornaments: A Fun Craft for Kids of All Ages first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Recycling & Refuse Collection Guidelines:

• Recycling: Items such as aluminum and steel cans, glass jars and bottles, plastics #1-#7, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and printer/copier paper can be placed in the recycling tote. Contaminated containers, window glass, mirrors, and ceramics are not accepted.
• Bulk Trash & Special Items: Appliances, furniture, and lumber (cut to 4-foot lengths) can be placed with regular refuse. Carpeting should be cut and bundled. Automotive batteries, fuel tanks, propane tanks, and metal drums are not accepted.

Residents should place all trash and recycling containers at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Trash and recyclables are collected separately, so be sure to set out both bins properly.

For more details, view the Recycling and Refuse Collection Routes or visit the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District’s website for recycling information.

The post REMINDER — No Refuse Collection Tomorrow Due to Christmas Day first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

New Schools on the Horizon for 2027

Representatives from the school administration and the GPD Group presented a detailed timeline for the district’s ambitious facilities master plan. Construction is moving swiftly, with the new K-2 elementary building already 35% complete. Both the elementary school and the new middle school on Northfield Road are slated to welcome students in August 2027.

The high school campus is also preparing for a massive transformation. Starting in February 2026, the “North House” and the current Board of Education building will be demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art, 175,000-square-foot facility. This new building is designed to centralize grades 9–12 and reintegrate Career Tech programs back onto the main campus.

Fiscal Realities: The Decision on the Pool

A point of discussion during the update was the exclusion of a new swimming pool from the high school plans. Officials clarified that the cost of a new natatorium—exceeding $10 million—was “prohibitive” in the face of inflation and declining student interest in competitive swimming. To ensure students still have access to aquatic programs, the district will maintain its long-standing partnership with the city of Bedford Heights.

Councilman Fluharty’s Final Bow

The meeting took an emotional turn as the Council celebrated the eight-year tenure of Councilman Vic Fluharty. Colleagues praised Fluharty for his unwavering commitment to Ward 4, his passion for the local Historical Society, and his tireless support of youth sports.

Known for his quick wit, Fluharty used his final report to thank his constituents and colleagues, jokingly noting that while he is retiring from Council, he isn’t disappearing—just spending more time on the golf course.

Year-End City Business and Safety Upgrades

Before adjourning, the Council passed several key pieces of legislation:

• Safety First: New security measures were authorized for the Ellenwood Community Center, including remote-controlled doors and intercom systems to better protect children during summer camps.
• Infrastructure: Emergency sewer lining repairs were approved for Center Road and McKinley Street to address aging infrastructure.
• Cybersecurity: The city adopted a new cybersecurity program to align with updated state mandates and protect municipal data.

Looking to 2026

The Council will reconvene for its 2026 Organizational Meeting on January 2 at 7:00 PM to swear in newly elected officials and set the agenda for the coming year.

Video Source: Bedford City Council Meeting – December 15, 2025

The post Bedford City Council Moves Forward with School Construction Plans; Bids Farewell to Councilman Fluharty first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The UAC brings together six school districts that share a deep commitment to athletic excellence, student development, and community pride:

• Bedford City Schools
• Warrensville Heights City Schools
• Garfield Heights City Schools
• Maple Heights City Schools
• Brush (South Euclid–Lyndhurst Schools)
• Youngstown City Schools

The formation of the UAC represents a significant step forward for high school athletics in Northeast Ohio. The conference was built on a shared vision to promote competitive balance, reduce excessive travel, increase visibility for student-athletes, and create meaningful and lasting rivalries across the region.

A New Era for Bearcat Athletics

Membership in the UAC will provide Bedford athletes with expanded opportunities across all sports, consistent scheduling, and enhanced competitive alignment with districts of similar size and athletic profile.

“This new league marks an exciting chapter for Bearcat Athletics,” said Joseph Commander, Athletic Director of Bedford City Schools. “The UAC positions our student-athletes for success by providing strong competition, increased exposure, and a supportive network of partner schools committed to excellence.”

Collaboration, Alignment, and Student-Centered Purpose

The United Athletic Conference was shaped through months of collaboration between athletic directors and district leaders. Its structure prioritizes:

• Competitive equity across all sports
• Regional alignment, reducing travel time for athletes and families
• High-quality athletic experiences for students
• Community-building rivalries and shared student engagement
• Unified operational standards and governance

“Joining the UAC reflects our commitment to creating the best possible environment for our student-athletes,” said Dr. Cassandra Johnson, Superintendent of Bedford City School District. “This partnership strengthens our athletic programming and reinforces our belief in opportunity and community pride.”

Next Steps for Families & Athletes

The UAC will begin conference play in the upcoming athletic year. Schedules, branding elements, and league-event details will be shared as they are finalized.

Bedford City Schools looks forward to entering this new era of athletic competition with determination, unity, and Bearcat pride.

This information was provided by the Bedford City School District.

The post Bedford City School District Announces Membership in the Newly Formed United Athletic Conference first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Leadership Under Fire

The meeting’s most charged moments centered on Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Johnson’s administration. During the public comment portion, community members sought clarity on a reported “vote of no confidence” from the teachers’ union. Dr. Johnson maintained that while she had met with union representatives, no formal written resolutions had been provided to her. She reaffirmed her commitment to the district’s “North Star” goals and data-driven progress.

The tension peaked during the farewell remarks of outgoing board member Mrs. Turner Burch. In a blunt address, Burch called for the Superintendent to be placed on administrative leave, citing a lack of continuity and stability within the district. She specifically highlighted the three-month absence of high school administrators during an ongoing investigation as a point of major concern for the community.

Crisis at Heskett Middle School

Parents and staff brought urgent facility concerns to the board’s attention, painting a grim picture of the environment at Heskett Middle School. Reports included recurring rodent issues, persistent plumbing leaks, and a lack of privacy in student restrooms due to missing stall doors.

Dr. Schneider, Executive Director of Operations, assured the public that the district is taking action. He noted that extermination services have been intensified and that the winter break would be utilized to complete necessary restroom repairs and door installations.

A New Era for Athletics

In a move to revitalize student-athlete engagement, the Board officially approved joining the United Athletic Conference. The new league, which includes neighboring districts such as Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, and Warrensville Heights, aims to foster local rivalries while providing a platform for academic recognition and shared professional development among coaches.

Fiscal Savings and Program Shifts

Treasurer updates highlighted the success of the Excel Academy at Mount Zion in keeping students within the district. While staff raised concerns about the “cramped” and shared nature of the church facility, the Treasurer noted that these in-house programs save the district roughly $720,000 annually by reducing out-of-district placement costs.

Additionally, the district is on an “aggressive” timeline to move the Auto Tech program into a newly repurposed maintenance garage, with a target opening date of February 1, 2026.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the board prepares for a new year, it welcomed incoming members Montes Morton and Chris Calander. The 2026 organizational meeting is scheduled for January 8 at 6:00 PM at Heskett Middle School, where the community expects continued dialogue on the district’s leadership direction and facility improvements.

Video Source: Board of Education Regular Meeting December 18, 2025

The post Bedford Board of Education Faces Tensions Over Leadership and Facility Conditions first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

City Manager Michael Mallis confirmed Pocek’s passing, noting his long-standing dedication to public service and the lasting impact of his leadership on the community. During his time in office, Pocek played an important role in shaping the city and was known for his commitment to Bedford and its residents.

Although Pocek moved away from Bedford many years ago, his years of service and contributions to the city continue to be remembered by colleagues, community leaders, and residents.

The Bedford Tribune extends its condolences to Pocek’s family, friends, and loved ones during this time.

At this time, additional details regarding the cause of death, funeral arrangements, or memorial services have not been released.

The post Former Bedford Mayor Dan Pocek Passes Away As Reported By Fox 8 News first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

One important self-care tip is managing expectations. Holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Letting go of unrealistic standards—whether around hosting, gift-giving, or family dynamics—can ease stress and reduce emotional strain. Giving yourself permission to simplify traditions or create new ones that better suit your needs can be empowering.

Another helpful practice is protecting your emotional energy. This might mean setting boundaries around conversations, limiting time at gatherings, or taking breaks when things feel overwhelming. Stepping outside for fresh air, finding a quiet room, or simply pausing to breathe can help you reset during busy moments.

It’s also important to schedule moments of rest amid the hustle. Whether it’s journaling, listening to calming music, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea, small rituals can provide grounding and comfort. These pauses allow you to reconnect with yourself and process emotions as they arise.

Finally, remember that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. By tending to your emotional well-being during the holidays, you give yourself the space to be more present, resilient, and compassionate, both toward yourself and others.

The post Making Space for Yourself: Self-Care Tips for the Holiday Season first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.