Xander takes the helm at Polaris Career Center: Around The Town

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio — Diane Xander, a former high school principal in Lorain, has succeeded Polaris Career Center Superintendent Robert Timmons, who retired Jan. 1.

Beginning her journey in the Lorain City School District as a special education teacher, Xander transitioned to the role of principal at Lorain Admiral King and Lorain High schools, where she managed the consolidation of both schools and directed career-technical programs.

Xander has been Polaris’ executive director of innovation and career development since 2022.

She brings a solid academic foundation, with a bachelor of education in early childhood and elementary education and a master of special education from the University of Toledo.

She also holds educational administration and supervision licensure from Bowling Green State University and an Ohio School Superintendent License from Cleveland State University.

Since joining Polaris in 2014, Xander has served as director of pupil personnel and principal of satellite programs.

She ultimately advanced to her current role, overseeing all workforce development initiatives, career development and enrollment services.

Xander praises Polaris as “an exceptional institution” with dedicated students, faculty and staff focused on student achievement.

“I am honored to be the new superintendent of Polaris Career Center,” she said.

Polaris Board President Michelle Bissell expressed her confidence that “Diane is the visionary leader necessary to advance Polaris.”

“She brings a passion for education that is both palpable and contagious, along with a wealth of experience that makes her uniquely qualified for this role,” Bissell said.

MLK week programs: Baldwin Wallace University will host the 35th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration with the Berea community and the Campus/Community MLK Week Committee 2025.

A prayer breakfast featuring music, readings and keynote speaker Minister Tonnette Williams will be at 9 a.m. Jan. 20 at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 200 Mount Zion Way.

A Refresh Ecumenical Service & Candlelight Vigil featuring the Berea-Midpark High School choir will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 23 at Baldwin Wallace University’s Lindsay-Crossman Chapel, 56 Seminary St. All are welcome to attend.

A keynote and discussion with Dr. Michael A. Baston, president of Cuyahoga Community College and in-demand speaker on the role of higher education in moving the needle on equity and justice in America, will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at the BW Center for Innovation & Growth, 340 Front St.

Summer music camps: The Baldwin Wallace University Community Arts School will offer a series of summer music, dance and theater camps for students ages 10-18.

These immersive experiences enable students to grow as artists and performers and make new friends.

Also offered are day camps, classes and ensembles in music and dance for infants through adults.

Registration opens in late January. For more information, visit bw.edu/cas.

It’s about asteroids: Kai Getrost of the Cleveland Astronomical Society and the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association will present “Chasing Asteroid Occultations Around The World” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 on the Mainstage Theatre of the Kleist Center for Art & Drama, 95 E. Bagley Road.

A complimentary ticket is required. Link for tickets: https://www.bw.edu/events/.

White Album: The BW Beatles, featuring the “White Album (abridged),” will perform at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Jan. 25 at Baldwin Wallace University’s Gamble Auditorium in the Kulas Musical Arts Building, 96 Front St.

Senior exhibition: “Flourish, a Visual Communication Design Senior Exhibition,” featuring professional print and digital portfolios by visual communication design seniors, will be on display from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 27 through Feb. 14 at Baldwin Wallace University’s Fawick Art Gallery, Kleist Center for Art & Drama, 95 E. Bagley Road.

The closing reception for this exhibition will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 14.

Berea Community Outreach Pantry: The Pantry has a new home and now serves from St. Paul’s Church at 276 East Bagley Road. (It is located in the very eastern corner of the building.)

Call (440) 826-4891 for more information, or email: [email protected]. Drive-up service only. Open 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays. FOR BEREA RESIDENTS ONLY.

SCAN Hunger Center Pantry: 398 W. Bagley Road, Williamsport Plaza, (440) 260-7226. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Friday of the month and 4-7 p.m. on the fourth Friday.

People’s Community Church Pantry: 628 Wesley Drive, 440) 234-0609. It is open from 10 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of the month. The next pantry is on Jan. 18.

Second Mile Outreach Pantry: 1480 Bagley Road, (440) 239-0549. It is open from noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Food Pantry: 8888 Prospect Road. It is open from 9:30-11 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month. F: freshod, staples, and toiletries. The next pantry is on Jan. 11.

Bread Ministry: Berea United Methodist Church, 170 Seminary St., (440) 234-3525. Bread and pastries only. Noon – 2 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Go to the church addition on the north side of the church off Seminary. The pantry is through double brown doors.

Rise in Love: A free hot meal on the third Sunday of the month, 2-4 p.m., Keller Center, St. Adalbert Catholic Church, 66 Adalbert St., Eat-in or Carry-Out. The next meal is Jan. 19.

Free Community Meal: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 276 E. Bagley Road, serves this meal twice a month, 5-5:30 p.m., on the second and last Wednesday of the month. It is drive-up only.

Pet Food Pantry: Animal Rescue Friends, 10015 E. River Road, Columbia Station, 10 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Sundays of every month. Visit www.bereaanimalrescue.com or call (440) 234-2034 for more information or to donate.

Little Free Pantries Are near the Berea Branch Library and People’s Community Church. The Prospect Pantry is at the corner of Prospect Street and Jacqueline Drive. St. Paul Lutheran Church has a food donation box near the side door. Please bring non-perishable items only.

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