Westlake in Bloom Celebrates Summer’s Beauty

Westlake in Bloom 2018 was hosted in fine style at LaCentre Aug. 8 as the annual civic celebration of community gardens took place.

Awards were bestowed to gardeners in a variety of residential and commercial categories – all recognizing the pride these Westlakers take in their community.

A special award this year was presented posthumously to Bonnie Heim. Bonnie was recognized with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. A long-time Westlake service department employee, Bonnie passed away this summer after a brief illness. She was highly-respected and loved for her years of caring for City Hall gardens as well as volunteering as a Westlake in Bloom steering committee member and judge.

Another first-ever honor went to George and Diane Woyansky for their long-running streak of award winning gardens. They received the inaugural Westlake in Bloom Legacy Award. Over the past 10 years, the couple has taken first six times in Residential Landscaping categories, including a Lu Walter “Best in Bloom” award as a top overall winner.

This year’s “Best in Bloom” award this year went to Sandy Strodtbeck for her entry in the Residential Landscaping. The top honor was designated for her rear yard attraction including a pond, but the Strodtbeck Horseshoe Drive property is well-known for its comprehensive display of landscaped beds and features.

It was also a big night the Rae-Ann family of senior care facilities. Rae-Ann swept all three awards in the Nursing Home/Assisted/Independent Living Facility category. First Place went to Rae-Ann Suburban Nursing and Rehabilitation, Second Place to The Belvedere of Westlake and Third Place to Rae-Ann Westlake Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, all on Detroit Road.