Finders Keepers Corner in Berea showcases local artisans, while upcoming events engage students and honor community volunteers.
In Berea, Ohio, Amany Makari oversees a vibrant resale and consignment shop, Finders Keepers Corner, located at 398 West Bagley Road. The shop showcases a diverse assortment of items ranging from decorative seasonal goods to artisan products. Currently, the store is featuring a St. Patrick’s Day display, highlighting its seasonal themes. Makari has transformed the space that once housed the Berea License Bureau into a hub for local artisans and vintage goods.
Finders Keepers Corner offers a selection that includes “Shabby Chic” farmhouse decor, vintage clothing, and unique collectibles from various eras. Makari emphasizes local contributions, stating, “I have vendors who make honey and honey products, as well as jams, syrups, and spreads.” The store also showcases a collection of hand-knit items and artisanal teas from suppliers like ‘Bella’s Enchanting Teas.’
Among the appealing items are vintage collectibles, including Mickey Mouse merchandise, globes, and a variety of old books. The shop features live succulents, clean-burning candles, and innovative 3-D printed models, including designs of downtown Cleveland skyscrapers. The store operates from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and can be reached at 440-973-4973 for inquiries.
In another development, the Berea Kiwanis Club made headlines by inducting a record 15 new members during a meeting held on February 18. This achievement brought the total number of new members inducted since October 1, 2024, to 19, with one additional member pending induction. Club spokeswoman Karen Petrus remarked that this total may be one of the highest in Ohio in a single meeting. The event featured presentations from former Ohio Kiwanis Governor Tim Cornelius and Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem. Cornelius highlighted the significance of the club’s growth, calling it “one of the highest new member inductees in the State of Ohio at one meeting.” Each inductee received a Kiwanis pin, hat, and membership certificate during the ceremony.
On March 13, Middleburg Heights will host a 9th Grade Advantage event aimed at freshmen considering enrollment at Polaris Career Center. Scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 7285 Old Oak Blvd., this event invites students and parents to explore state-of-the-art facilities, engage in program demonstrations, and take a career assessment. Polaris serves students from Berea-Midpark, Brooklyn, Fairview, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and Strongsville high schools. Attendees will receive light refreshments and a gift for participating. Details can be obtained by calling 440-891-7732 or emailing ccrisler@polaris.edu. More information is also available at www.polaris.edu/9thgradeadvantage.
Additionally, the 2025 Community Awards recognized the efforts of eight volunteers and organizations for their contributions to the Berea community during the Volunteer Recognition Banquet that took place in January at St. Mary’s Garrity Center. The recipients included local entities like Renew Communities and individuals such as Angela Brooks and Richard Koharik. Mayor Cyril Kleem initiated the Spirit of Community Award in January 2008 as a means to honor those who selflessly volunteer for the community. During the ceremony, Kleem pointed out that the recognition event had not been held since 2020, due to the pandemic.
On February 27, Linda Hupert will conduct a demonstration on the art of Pysanky egg decoration at the Little Red Schoolhouse, 323 East Bagley Road, as part of the Art Exploration Programs. This initiative is in collaboration with the Berea Fine Arts Club.
Changes are also underway for the Berea Community Outreach Pantry, which has relocated to St. Paul’s Church at 276 East Bagley Road, now serving residents exclusively through a drive-up service on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Several other food pantries, including SCAN Hunger Center, People’s Community Church Pantry, and the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Food Pantry, continue to provide essential services in the community with varying schedules.
Those interested in further community initiatives can explore various local food drives, including the Free Community Meal at St. Paul Lutheran Church and pet food assistance from Animal Rescue Friends. Little Free Pantries also exist throughout the area, encouraging contributions and access to non-perishable food items for residents in need.
Source: Noah Wire Services
