Bedford Historical Society

Archives: Museum Personnel

  • Jeanne Sapir

    Jeanne Sapir

     Jeanne came to Northeast Ohio to attend Western Reserve University (Case Western Reserve University by the time she graduated in 1969).  Becoming a librarian was a midlife career change. receiving her Master of Library Science degree from Kent State University.  Librarianship brought her to Bedford, and her life has never been the same. Her house (built in 1854) is surrounded by the Bedford Reservation which she enjoys exploring as well as being an active leader in the Bedford Garden Club.

    “When I came to Bedford, I found a vibrant town, with lots of history and I soon became involved in much that was happening! I bought a century home here and I love my house, the neighborhood, the opportunity to engage in my love of gardening and knowing that Bedford is my home.” 

  • Christine Pocek

    Christine Pocek

    Christine left behind the warmth of Hawaii to follow her husband, Dan, to Bedford.  But what she found was a great warmth in the people of Bedford.  Support and help from neighbors quickly became family.  Often working behind the scenes as Bedford’s first lady, Christine can be found selling popcorn and raffle tickets at the Party in the Park while at the same time, working her magic at drawing in new volunteers for the Bedford Historical Society.  In her spare time, Christine is an award-winning quilter with her work and the artifacts of her world travels, adorning her home that she shares with her husband and feisty pup, Baker. 

    “Bedford has something for everyone, a robust recreation department for the youth through the senior population. The Memorial Day parade honoring veterans to the July 4th parade celebrating our independence with four neighboring communities is a Bedford tradition.   The iconic town square lit up for Christmas and the Great Falls in the Beford reservation are Bedford’s jewels” 

  • Victor Fluharty

     Vic has lived in Bedford for over 60 years. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1973 as an all-conference baseball and basketball player which earned him a scholarship to Cuyahoga Community College. He worked for the Miller brewery for 20 years. Upon retirement, he ran for city council where he served for eight years, four of which were as Vice-Mayor.  In 2023, Vic was proud to be inducted into the Cleveland Softball Hall of Fame and his newest honor is his upcoming induction into the Bedford High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

    “Bedford and baseball are synonymous.  Famed player Elmer Flick was the oldest living inductee in Hall of Fame in 1963.  After retiring from baseball, he returned to his hometown and was known to referee local children’s baseball games.” 

  • Tim Taylor

    Tim Taylor

    Only 4 years after graduating from Bedford High School, Tim began a 40-year long career as a Cleveland Radio and television news anchor, serving as the primary news anchor at FOX8 News for 30 years. His work has been honored with inductions into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Press Club Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the National Association of Television Artists Silver Circle Award, along with numerous television Emmy Awards. But his particular pride is in being a charter member of Bedford High School’s Distinguished Alumni, a nod to the hometown that shaped his life. A lifelong advocate for his historic hometown, he promoted Bedford throughout his broadcasting years and continues that commitment today as a dedicated board member of the Bedford Historical Society.

    “I wasn’t just raised in Bedford, my life was shaped by my beloved hometown where integrity, hard work, and lifelong friendships were valued above all else. My reverence for community, heritage and storytelling remain as strong as ever. I and my wife, Cathy, now embrace the joys of family life sharing our days with our children and grandchildren, surrounded by family, community and the history I love. For me, Bedford is the legacy that continues to echo warmly through its people and this beautiful area.”

  • Sandy Spinks

    Sandy Spinks

    Sandy fell in love with Bedford when she moved here in 2007 and immediately got involved volunteering with several community organizations, the Bedford Historical Society Strawberry Festival being one of her favorites. In 2014 she was elected to Bedford City Council (Ward 1) and was then appointed by council to be liaison for the Historical Society Board later serving as Vice President and now President.

    “I love the beautiful history of our amazing little city, have built a lifetime of  friendships and can’t wait to see what our dreams will produce. My motto is teamwork makes dreams come to life. “