Heights Observer

WJCU staff, students and supporters with representatives of the International Student Broadcasting Championship and University Heights Mayor Michele Weiss (second from right). For the second year in a row, John Carroll University’s radio station, WJCU, has won an international award. After being namedStation of the Yearin 2024 by the International Student Broadcasting Championship (ISBC), the organization named WJCU the People’s ChoiceStationfor2025.

Mac’s Backs-Books on Coventry will be moving across the street—a move that owner Suzanne DeGaetano said is driven by a need for accessibility and the appeal of a new landlord. Coventry Village’s independent bookstore will relocate from its longtime home at 1820 Coventry Road to the city-owned space at 1807 Coventry Road.

Cleveland Heights Mayor Jim Petras. Cleveland Heights residents are invited to join Mayor Jim Petras for his first State of the City address on Thursday, April 30, 6–8 p.m., at the CH Community Center,1 Monticello Blvd. The mayor’s address will be followed by a reception featuring refreshments from local restaurants. Community resources and information will also be available to attendees of the event, as will the opportunity for residents to share their vision for the future of Cleveland Heights.

The city of Cleveland Heights recently launched a citywide contest inviting residents to capture photos of the city in the spring. The winning photograph will be used for the cover of the upcoming spring issue of FOCUS magazine. FOCUS, once a combined publication of city news and recreation, will continue to provide news, updates and information starting with the spring 2026 issue. (Therecreation guide has been spun off as a separate publication.

FutureHeights invites Heights residents and visitors from Greater Cleveland and beyond to experience the rhythm and heart of Cleveland Heights at its annual Heights Music Hop, a three-day celebration of live music, local businesses, and community connection, scheduled to take place Aug. 28–30. Launched in 2013 and now celebrating its 13th year, the festival has evolved into a premier celebration of the community’s diversity and authenticity.

TheCoventry Village Special Improvement Districtannounces SPARK Some-Thing, planned for Friday, April 24andSaturday, April 25. The two-day event will bring together live music, poetry, public art, and hands-on neighborhood improvement projects across Coventry Village, with programming hosted at venues that include Heights Theater, Grog Shop, and Mac’s Backs.

Firefighters observe fire behavior to prepare for fast-moving ones and avoid dangerous flashovers. “Light it up,” commands the Ohio Fire Academy instructor. With that, another instructor in full gear ignites one of two bales of straw inside a burn trailer. Also inside, 12 more firefighters sit on either side of the trailer watching and learning about fire behavior, so they are better prepared when doing their jobs.

In 2013, when Midori Marsh was a senior at Heights High, she played Christine in the school’s production of “Phantom of the Opera.” Now a professional opera singer, Marsh is currently performing in the North American Broadway National Production ofthe musical. She plays the role of Carlotta, the temperamental prima donna of the opera house.

The University Heights Symphonic Band. The University Heights Symphonic Band (UHSB) will perform its annual spring concert on Sunday, April 19, 3:30 p.m., at John Carroll University’s Dolan Science Center. Music Director Devlin Pope will lead the band in “Tales of Power and Legacy,” exploring the music of rulers and revolutionaries, triumph and tragedy, heritage and honor.

“Sanctuary City” by Martyna Majok explores the experience of two young immigrants in the early 2000s, coming-of-age amongst growing xenophobic tensions within the United States. The two provide safety and companionship for one another but, as the years go on, their relationship is challenged by physical distance and broken promises. Dobama’s production runs Thursdays through Sundays, April 23 to May 17.