HOMETOWN HEROES 2024
Firefighter of the Year-Dan Wochele
Chief Holtzman recently announced that the 2023 Firefighter of the Year is Dan Wochele. Respected member of the Fire Department for over 20 years, Firefighter Wochele has also spent countless hours of compiling Beachwood Firefighters' history and displaying it in the City's firehouses. According to Chief Holtzman, "Firefighter Wochele has always had a great demeanor and positive attitude. He is a great role model." Thank you to Dan for helping keep our residents and businesses safe.
Chief Holtzman recently announced that the 2023 Firefighter of the Year is Dan Wochele. Respected member of the Fire Department for over 20 years, Firefighter Wochele has also spent countless hours of compiling Beachwood Firefighters' history and displaying it in the City's firehouses. According to Chief Holtzman, "Firefighter Wochele has always had a great demeanor and positive attitude. He is a great role model." Thank you to Dan for helping keep our residents and businesses safe.
Robert Young-Veteran and Resident Hero
Bob served in the Army during the Korean War. He always believes it is important to support his fellow veterans. After the War, he volunteered at the USO and helped many families. In addition, he volunteered at the Cleveland VA Hospital in the spinal cord unit. Mr. Young has lived in the City for over 58 years. Upon retirement, he began volunteering at the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in Beachwood's business development as he brought many companies to locate and set up their businesses in Beachwood. He always loves and respects nature. He has spent many summers volunteering in the Metro Parks. He has worked for and lobbied for the Arctic Wildlife Refuge Act and the Clean Air Act which passed into law. Above all, he is a devoted and loving husband and father, and friend to many.
Daniel MacVeigh
Mr. MacVeigh demonstrates tremendous dedication to, and pride in, his work. He consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to better our entire school community. Mr. MacVeigh’s work touches the lives of so many staff and students on a regular basis. His incredible effort maintains the environment in which our students work, learn, and grow and often occurs behind the scenes, late at night, or behind a snowblower before dawn. Mr. MacVeigh not only ensures our safety but has a friendly “good morning” for every student, every day. He is an important adult in our students’ lives, spreading positivity, encouragement, and confidence. 
Chunny Hahn
Ms. Hahn’s dedication to, and compassion for, students is immeasurable. She cares so deeply for our students and truly takes the time to get to know them and their families. Ms. Hahn is one of the warmest staff members and she makes an effort to help each student shine in her art classes. Her teaching and assignments are designed to spotlight the amazing variety of cultures and identities that comprise our school district and community. Ms. Hahn takes the time to get to know every student in our school and goes above and beyond to attend our students’ activities around the community. She remembers all the students and they remember, and love, her. |
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Shannon Diamond-Program Manager-Community Services
Department
Shannon is celebrated as a hometown hero for her exceptional skill in orchestrating successful events and day camps, always placing the safety and satisfaction of participants at the forefront. Over her 23 years of dedicated service at Beachwood, she has become a trusted and dependable link between various departments, ensuring seamless coordination. Her genuine joy in engaging with residents and visitors shines through as she witnesses their smiles and interactions, crafting lasting memories for families and reigniting their connection to Beachwood. Shannon's commitment to this community has made her an indispensable asset and a true beacon of inspiration for all. Shannon's unwavering dedication and passion for her work have earned her the heartfelt gratitude and admiration of all who have had the privilege of
crossing paths with this remarkable hometown hero.
Department
Shannon is celebrated as a hometown hero for her exceptional skill in orchestrating successful events and day camps, always placing the safety and satisfaction of participants at the forefront. Over her 23 years of dedicated service at Beachwood, she has become a trusted and dependable link between various departments, ensuring seamless coordination. Her genuine joy in engaging with residents and visitors shines through as she witnesses their smiles and interactions, crafting lasting memories for families and reigniting their connection to Beachwood. Shannon's commitment to this community has made her an indispensable asset and a true beacon of inspiration for all. Shannon's unwavering dedication and passion for her work have earned her the heartfelt gratitude and admiration of all who have had the privilege of
crossing paths with this remarkable hometown hero.
Debby Zelman Rapoport-Resident Hero
Debra is the owner, editor, and publisher of Beachwood Buzz, a monthly magazine that focuses on all that is good in Beachwood. Created in 1996, Beachwood Buzz shines a spotlight on our city, schools, businesses, organizations, and individuals. It is sent to every Beachwood resident and business, every month.
When people pitch topics for articles, Debra is always receptive and inclusive. She represents our community's diversity, supports local nonprofit organizations, and features those who show courage and step outside of their comfort zone. Her editorial columns focus on health-and-wellness topics that provide fresh perspectives on well-being.
Debra has lived in Beachwood for 30 years. Her passions are painting, hiking, photography, and everything nature. She is a Beachwood Arts Council board member, strongly believes in lifelong learning, is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and often participates in painting workshops.
I am honored and humbled to be named a Beachwood Hometown Hero and I thank June Scharf for this nomination!
Debra is the owner, editor, and publisher of Beachwood Buzz, a monthly magazine that focuses on all that is good in Beachwood. Created in 1996, Beachwood Buzz shines a spotlight on our city, schools, businesses, organizations, and individuals. It is sent to every Beachwood resident and business, every month.
When people pitch topics for articles, Debra is always receptive and inclusive. She represents our community's diversity, supports local nonprofit organizations, and features those who show courage and step outside of their comfort zone. Her editorial columns focus on health-and-wellness topics that provide fresh perspectives on well-being.
Debra has lived in Beachwood for 30 years. Her passions are painting, hiking, photography, and everything nature. She is a Beachwood Arts Council board member, strongly believes in lifelong learning, is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and often participates in painting workshops.
I am honored and humbled to be named a Beachwood Hometown Hero and I thank June Scharf for this nomination!
Alan Berger-Resident Hero
Alan Berger, long time resident, has been involved in the Beachwood 100 since his Dad set this up. He still serves as the treasurer, but his involvement goes beyond handling just finances. He is instrumental in distributing scholarships and gifting to the first responders of Beachwood.
He has also served as treasurer for many organizations in Beachwood, including the Beachwood Alumni Association, Beachwood Boosters and Beachwood PTA.
Mr. Berger is known for his dedication to serving our community. He is such a wonderful volunteer. Our community is proud and thankful for Alan Berger!
Alan Berger, long time resident, has been involved in the Beachwood 100 since his Dad set this up. He still serves as the treasurer, but his involvement goes beyond handling just finances. He is instrumental in distributing scholarships and gifting to the first responders of Beachwood.
He has also served as treasurer for many organizations in Beachwood, including the Beachwood Alumni Association, Beachwood Boosters and Beachwood PTA.
Mr. Berger is known for his dedication to serving our community. He is such a wonderful volunteer. Our community is proud and thankful for Alan Berger!
Dr. Michael and Dr. Gretta Jacobs-Doctors and Resident Heroes
Gretta and Michael immigrated in 1979 to Cleveland several years after their medical school graduation in South Africa, and continued their careers in medicine here at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University. They both specialized in pathology, with Gretta working in surgical pathology and Michael in clinical microbiology. Gretta became the Head of Renal, Liver and Transplant Pathology and an associate professor at the same university and hospital system, retiring after 34 years of practice in 2013. Michael became the Medical Director of Clinical Microbiology and was a professor of pathology, with a career lasting 40 years, retiring in 2019.
After raising their family Gretta and Michael moved to their “retirement” home in Beachwood in 2016, and they now have all three of their sons and their families living in Beachwood. While landscaping the garden at their new home they developed a passion for gardening, specializing in conifers and Japanese maples. They have graciously made their garden available for city garden tours on several occasions. Gretta keeps her grandchildren well-supplied with hand-made toys and everyone supplied with crocheted blankets and other items.
Gretta and Michael are very active in the Beachwood community as well as helping their families and neighbors whenever needed. They appreciate the great community spirit they found in Beachwood as well as the outstanding services provided by the city.
Gretta and Michael immigrated in 1979 to Cleveland several years after their medical school graduation in South Africa, and continued their careers in medicine here at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University. They both specialized in pathology, with Gretta working in surgical pathology and Michael in clinical microbiology. Gretta became the Head of Renal, Liver and Transplant Pathology and an associate professor at the same university and hospital system, retiring after 34 years of practice in 2013. Michael became the Medical Director of Clinical Microbiology and was a professor of pathology, with a career lasting 40 years, retiring in 2019.
After raising their family Gretta and Michael moved to their “retirement” home in Beachwood in 2016, and they now have all three of their sons and their families living in Beachwood. While landscaping the garden at their new home they developed a passion for gardening, specializing in conifers and Japanese maples. They have graciously made their garden available for city garden tours on several occasions. Gretta keeps her grandchildren well-supplied with hand-made toys and everyone supplied with crocheted blankets and other items.
Gretta and Michael are very active in the Beachwood community as well as helping their families and neighbors whenever needed. They appreciate the great community spirit they found in Beachwood as well as the outstanding services provided by the city.
Chaya Dalya Berezovsky-Student and Resident
Chaya Dalya is a hero. Born with cancer, she is an 18 year old miracle. She has an amazing, positive and happy attitude.
As President of a nonprofit organization called Sweet Dreams for Kids, Chaya Dalya gives smiles, support and pajamas as she visits children in the hospital. So far her organization has donated over 35,000 new pajamas.
Just recently, Chaya Dalya took the hero definition to another level when she saved her own mother's life.
Giving, caring and making everyone around her happy is what Chaya Dalya is all about. Her joy touches the lives of so many. Brave and loving define this true Beachwood Hero!
Chaya Dalya is a hero. Born with cancer, she is an 18 year old miracle. She has an amazing, positive and happy attitude.
As President of a nonprofit organization called Sweet Dreams for Kids, Chaya Dalya gives smiles, support and pajamas as she visits children in the hospital. So far her organization has donated over 35,000 new pajamas.
Just recently, Chaya Dalya took the hero definition to another level when she saved her own mother's life.
Giving, caring and making everyone around her happy is what Chaya Dalya is all about. Her joy touches the lives of so many. Brave and loving define this true Beachwood Hero!