About Town

The Brecksville-Broadview Heights Community Chorus has announced that Natalie Mallis will lead the chorus into its 2026-27 season as its new artistic director.

Mallis is an experienced choral conductor, educator and a committed advocate for the arts.

“I am delighted for the opportunity to guide the chorus into our next era as we continue to grow and present engaging concerts for our communities,” she said.

With more than 20 years of experience, Mallis has led undergraduate and graduate choral ensembles and music education programs at Reed College, Linfield University, Muskingum University, the University of South Florida, Bluffton University and Kent State University at Stark. She served as artistic director of the Bay Ocean Community Chorus, West Linn Community Chorus and the Singers’ Club of Cleveland.

Additionally, Mallis is the founder of muse-to-me LLC, an arts-consulting company. As a professional choral singer, Mallis has performed with the San Antonio Chamber Choir, the Cleveland Chamber Choir and Singers Companye. She also has appeared at the Boston Early Music Festival.

Mallis studied music education and choral conducting at Bowling Green State University, Kent State University and the University of North Texas. She holds an end-of-life doula certification, a master’s degree in gerontology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and is completing certification in intuitive arts.

“Natalie is an energetic and engaging director and we are excited to work with her as the chorus evolves,” said Nancy Stokes, executive director for the chorus. “We are looking forward to an inspiring season.”

Tickets are now on sale for the BBHCC’s annual fundraiser, “Keep Us Singing,” which takes place on Friday, Oct. 9, at Woodside Event Center. On Sunday, Dec. 6, the chorus will perform its annual holiday concert, “Holiday Harmonies,” at Brecksville-Broadview Heights Middle School.

Gardening help

For those of you who want to get a jump-start on next year’s garden, the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District is selling native plant kits and native seed packets, encouraging residents to take advantage of the fall planting season and emphasizing that autumn offers the most favorable conditions for establishing native plants.

Native plant species are uniquely adapted to local soils, weather patterns and ecological conditions. As a result, they establish more quickly, require significantly less water, fertilizer and pesticide and provide long-term cost savings compared to traditional turf grass. Their deep root systems also play a critical role in reducing erosion, improving stormwater management and supporting healthier soils. In addition, native plants create essential habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife that depend on them.

While spring planting remains popular, fall is widely recognized by conservation professionals as the best time to plant. Soil temperatures remain warm well into autumn, allowing roots to grow and strengthen even as air temperatures cool. This reduces stress on young plants and lowers watering demands. Fall planting gives native species months to establish robust root systems before winter dormancy, setting the stage for vigorous growth and improved resilience in spring.

“Fall planting gives native plants the head start they need,” said Amy Roskilly, CSWCD communications director. “It’s the most reliable season for long-term success, and we encourage residents to take advantage of these optimal conditions.”

More information is available at cuyahogaswcd.org/native-plant-sales.

Recent graduates

The following Brecksville students, followed by their majors, graduated from their respective colleges and universities this past spring: Baldwin Wallace University: Ian Anderson, sports management; James Boyle, accounting and finance; Rebecca Del Rio, nursing; Maggie Fairchild, biology; Samantha McGonegal, education – intervention specialist; and John Stefanik, Master of Business Administration in management.

Photo caption: Natalie Mallis