Role: Member

Richard Spitalsky comes from a long line of Bedford residents.  He was born in Bedford Hospital and grew up exploring the Bedford Reservation, where his love for nature first took root. He is a passionate photographer, historian and creative writer who finds endless inspiration in the landscapes and stories of his hometown. He is also an active member of a local band, performing throughout Cleveland and with his wife, Ashley. 

“My grandfather’s stories of coming to Bedford to ride horses in the late 1930’s and dancing with my grandmother at the Glens in the 40’s give me a very personal feel for the history of Bedford.”

Kelly grew up in Bedford and did all things Bedford; learned to swim at the Bedford Pool, lifeguarded several summers there, took dance at Lauray’s Studio of Dance, graduated from Lumen Cordium High School, bought her first car on The Bedford Auto mile and worshipped at St Mary’s parish (still do!).

“To me, Bedford is and will always be home.  It’s childhood and memories; it’s my parents and my lifelong friends.  It’s comfort and solidity.  No matter where I go, Bedford is Central (like my grade school!)”

Patrick Barham moved to Ohio in 2017 and has called Bedford home since 2020. Originally from Missouri, Patrick works as a consultant. He and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of Gabby, Jayden, and their baby daughter, Jasmine. They derive great pleasure from residing adjacent to Taft Park and exploring the historic charm of downtown Bedford.

Brian is a third generation “Bedford-ite”, born in Bedford Hospital in 1963. After growing up in Maple Heights and graduating from Maple Heights High School, he started his own business in 1985 which is still going strong. An avid local history researcher, with a shameful collection of antique postcards, maps, and local literature, Brian resides in a cozy wooded lot in Bedford overlooking Hemlock Creek with his wife Sharon. Hobbies include fishing, hiking, and foraging wild mushrooms in the woodlands of Bedford. 

 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 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 4^th 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”