Cleveland Mayor: Frank Jackson, Council seat winner new Ward 8: Councilman Jeff Johnson, Council seat winner running unopposed in new Ward 8 (former Ward 11) Councilman Mike Polensek. Tax renewals for Cleveland Public library, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, and a tax increase for the Metroparks.
Yesterday morning I sent a letter to Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Toby Cosgrove requesting that he confirm rumors that jobs were being removed from the city of Cleveland for offices in the city of Beachwood. I had heard from individuals connected to the Clinic facility in the former Parker Hannifin Building (located at 17325 Euclid Avenue) that employees and equipment in the building were slowly being moved out to the suburbs.
After making calls to determine if the rumors were true, Councilman Mike Polensek and myself soon confirmed that they were. In fact, the leaders of Cleveland Clinic had been in private discussions for weeks with members of Mayor Frank Jackson’s Administration and Councilman Eugene Miller. Why was the decision by Cleveland Clinic kept from the public? Why was there a conspiracy of silence to keep this information from the residents of the Euclid Park neighborhood where the facility has been for many years?
Dr. Cosgrove owes the citizens of Cleveland an explanation of why he has made another decision to disinvest from a Cleveland northeast neighborhood. Having made the previous decision to close the Huron Road Hospital, and investing over a $100 million dollars into the expansion of its Hillcrest Hospital (also in the suburbs) Clinic leaders have again decided to remove itself from another northeast Cleveland community for a suburban site.
Canada's Polka King Walter Ostanek, the three-time Grammy winner, takes center stage at the 50th annual Thanksgiving Polka Party Weekend and Awards Show.
The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum presents the 50th annual Thanksgiving Polka Party Weekend at the Cleveland Marriott Hotel and the 25th Awards Show spectacular, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 28, 29 and 30, 2013.
Celebrate fifty years of polka fun at one of the country’s biggest polka festivals, a three-day polka marathon featuring the finest Cleveland-Style Polka and Slovenian performers from the U. S. and Canada. The Polka Hall of Fame Awards Show celebrates annual and lifetime achievers with a gala stage production at Euclid Auditorium on Saturday, November 30.
Sixteen dance bands are featured in the Marriott Grand Ballroom. This year’s featured performers include Canada’s Polka King Walter Ostanek, the Joey Tomsick Orchestra (2012 Band of the Year), the George Staiduhar Orchestra (2012 Album of the Year) and RFD-TV’s popular Squeezebox with Mollie B. Darling Mollie and the boys pack them in across the Polka Belt with their up-tempo takes on old-time polkas and waltzes.
The Marriott Grand Ballroom is the main music venue with non-stop entertainment from 3:00 p.m. to midnight, Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, the traditional Polka Mass begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by dancing until midnight. The hotel’s catering department prepares a menu of favorite nationality dishes for sale. You can order sausages made by Azman Quality Meats of Euclid, Ohio, the winner of the Slovenian Sausage Festival.
Wouldn’t a photo of your favorite musician or that concert you still remember fondly look great on your wall? Music photography gallery Space ROCK (15721 Waterloo Road) will offer you the chance to snag that photo while picking up some additional prints for holiday gift-giving.
The gallery will host two holiday photo sales in December, featuring work by some of the area’s top music photographers, including Joe Kleon, Janet Macoska, Karen Novak, Anastasia Pantsios, and George Shuba.
They’ll take place from 6-10 pm Friday December 6 during Walk All Over Waterloo, and noon-4:30 pm Saturday December 14, to coincide with the annual Beachland Ballroom Holiday Flea Market, giving music-lovers a reason to spend the afternoon on Waterloo.
Visitors will be able to buy prints directly from the photographer of both major superstar acts and popular local bands. They’ll include Shuba’s photos of ’60s acts like the Beatles, the Who, Sonny & Cher and the many hit artists who appeared on Cleveland’s nationally syndicated Upbeat Show for which Shuba was the house photographer. But they’ll also include the photos that Kleon has shot recently of artists like Taylor Swift, Alice Cooper, and Michael Stanley.
If you stop in to browse and chat with the photographers, you’ll also be able to see Space: ROCK’s current show, A Sound Baseline: Making Music Work, devoted to the behind-the-scenes that keep the area music scene humming. That show runs through the end of December.
For more information, visit us on Facebook or email spacerockgallery@gmail.com.
As we remember the destruction of Hurricane Sandy one year ago all of us can readily agree - we have been extremely lucky so far with our weather. We all know, though, that that is about to change. Please pay attention if you have a catch basin in front of your home especially regarding leaf build up. Also, if you have a fire hydrant in front of your home, try to keep it free of snow and ice so as to assist fire crews in being able to fight a fire should one occur on your street. Check your furnace and make sure everything is working properly for some weather forecasters are predicting a cold and snowy winter. As always, snow plowing and street related complaints can be turned in directly to (216) 664-2510.
My sincere appreciation and thanks to the FBI, US Attorney’s Office, Cleveland Police and the Northeast Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force for their due diligence in targeting and arresting thirty-two (32) known gang members operating out of the Collinwood and Glenville neighborhoods, the City of Euclid and other nearby suburbs. As I reported at neighborhood meetings, this initiative, which has been in the works for some time, is not over. Let the message be clear that our citizens, neighbors and law enforcement partners will not tolerate illegal activity in our community. If you want to be a “bad guy,” be prepared for the “misery index.”
The work on Lakeshore Boulevard should be completed, according to Public Works, in late November, weather permitting. Northeast Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) will be awarding the contract for the Lakeshore Boulevard Relief Sewer in January 2014 for work to begin shortly afterwards. Work on Waterloo Road is progressing. Needless to say this is a difficult project mainly due to all the underground utility connections and infrastructure issues. However, this project was long overdue and I am looking forward to seeing the fruits of our labors and how this project will positively impact the Arts and Entertainment District, which we have been investing in along Waterloo Road and the East 156 Street corridor.
Cleveland Job Corps student volunteers pause to smile for the camera on "Make a Difference Day."
On October 26, 2013 the Cleveland Job Corps Center participated in Make a Difference Day! This event was held at Burten Bell Carr Development Inc. The Executive Director, Tim Tramble, thanked the CJCC staff and student ambassadors for coming out on a very cold Saturday morning. Our students and thousands of participants nationwide from companies, non-profit organizations, government employees and many more worked to make a difference in their communities.
For the past twenty years, USA Weekend Magazine and the Point of Light have joined together to sponsor Make a Difference Day. This is the largest national day of community service. Make a Difference Day’s mission is to change the lives of others. USA Weekend focuses on social issues, entertainment, health, food, and travel. Our volunteers helped install trellises in the Four Corners Orchard. This is part of a redevelopment plan to have a fresh market place in the Central Kinsman Neighborhood. Volunteers raked and cleared the four gardens. Additionally, they learned about eating healthy. The guest speaker was Chef Pat LeGrand from The Food Network.
We are partners with AmeriCorps, the Cleveland Housing Network and the Bridgeport Mobile Market. Each student received copies of "Eating Healthy on a Budget" and "Three Simple Tips for to a Healthier You."
In addition, some Cleveland Job Corps Center volunteers were at Singleton Health Care Center. This is a nursing home. Singleton nursing center provides extended stay nursing care for seniors with various levels of disabilities. This is one of our favorite activities. Ms. Jewel Clark, Security, spearheaded the event. Our students played cards, read and assisted with lunch for the seniors. The CJCC is always well received by the seniors and our students enjoy making a difference in their lives.
Special thanks to Social Development, Ms. Contrell and Ms. Clark for making this a great event.
AT WATERLOO ARTS
The Music for Miles concerts take place on the second Sunday of the month at 4 pm. Admission is free and children are welcome -- the concerts are casual, informal, even chatty – and the effect of chamber music played in an actual chamber is impressive. Sunday’s program will run for something under two hours, including a brief intermission.
Waterloo Arts 15605 Waterloo Road, 216-692-9500, www.waterlooarts.org. The Waterloo Arts Gallery is open 4 -10pm,Tuesday thru Saturday and by private appointment by calling 216-692-9500. Please enter the gallery through the Callaloo Café.
Callaloo Café & Bar 15603 Waterloo Road: Every day but Monday: 4 – 11 pm.
AT THE BEACHLAND
Rare Visit by Dream Syndicate November 22
Accompanying Dream Syndicate on this gig, their first in CLE since ‘88 and one of only a four-show tour, is Split Squad. Who? Eddie Muñoz from the Plimsouls, Clem Burke from Blondie, Keith Streng from The Fleshtones, and some of the finest rock n’ roll sidemen you’ll find around. Future Rock N’ Roll Hall of Famers here, folks.
Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo, 216.383.1124, www.beachlandballroom.com
THE STREETSCAPE
The latest excitement is the discovery of an enormous electric cable buried down the middle of Waterloo – didn’t show up on any maps, came as a total surprise. I talked with the ODOT engineer contact for the streetscape -- discovery of the CPP cable means ODOT have to stop work while CPP deals with it, SO two-way traffic will not resume on November 15. Traffic will remain restricted to eastbound in the south lane until March 1, when -- still eastbound -- it will be moved to the north lane. The city has promised extra attention to clearing snow and ice; ODOT has shared some wisdom on that.
That's the bad news -- the good news is that they're aiming for full completion a bit sooner than originally planned (the engineer apologized for causing extra angst, they’re trying to lessen the pain as much as possible) -- their target is July 4, although end-July is more likely; the previous target was October. There will still be work on side streets and occasional temporary Waterloo closures. We’ll just have to keep repeating, “This is worth it. This is worth it.” And we’ll have lots of time to do that as we wait to get through the traffic. I think maybe I’ll start memorizing poetry instead – something imperial, with lots of rhythm.
On October 25, 2013, my class and I performed a play for Senator and Mrs.Voinovich at Oliver Hazard Perry Pre-K-8 Academy. The play was about two kids getting to their awards ceremony but who end up at the Motion Picture Academy Awards. The play tells how you can earn academic awards. The Major Work scholars from Mrs. Brunecz and Mrs. Senn’s class performed this play to celebrate the memory of Molly Voinovich, the daughter of Senator and Mrs.Voinovich.
Mrs. Brunecz receives the "playwright" award from students as Principal Sophia Piperis and Senator and Mrs. Voinovich look on.
My name is Mi’onia Watkins and I attend the Major Work program at Oliver Hazard Perry. On October 25, 2013 my classmates and I participated in a play for Molly Day. Molly was the daughter of George and Janet Voinovich. She was a 4th grader that attended Oliver Hazard Perry as a Major Work scholar, when one day she was killed in a tragic accident. Until this day she is still remembered and never will be forgotten.
For me, it is an awesome experience to perform for Senator and Mrs. Voinovich. I have been performing for the Voinovich family for four years and every year we put on different plays in honor of Molly Voinovich. My wonderful teacher, Susan Brunecz, writes magnificent plays every year. Sometimes it is difficult because we only get to practice the play for a short period of time because our class is always busy with our academics. Still we always pull it together and perform a wonderful play. I have to say I love putting on plays and even singing for the Voinovich family. I greatly appreciate the checks and the speeches Senator and Mrs. Voinovich give to us every year.
This year we had a special guest, William Clayton Jr. He talked about being in Major Work and attending John Hay High School. He will attend The Ohio State University in the fall of 2014.
Hollywood planners find out that in this award show, "academy" means K through 8 Major Work.
October 25, 2013 was Molly Day at O. H. Perry. Molly Day is a day where we remember Molly Voinovich, who was struck by a car on her way back to school and died. Molly Voinovich was a 9 yr. old Major work student at Oliver Hazard Perry who was a loving and caring person. Senator and Mrs. Voinovich were devastated by her death. Each year we put on a play dedicated to the memory of Molly.
The play we performed was about two students who found themselves in a mix-up. Instead of the students going to the O.H. Perry Academy Awards, they wound up at the 34th Annual Academy Awards for motion pictures. There were six main characters: a movie star, four students, and a director. In certain parts of the performance we sang "Walking on Sunshine," an OAA remix of "Dynamite," "Take a Bow" and "Lean on Me."
The movie star (which was me) acted as if she was better then everyone until she realized that she wasn’t receiving any awards. She sang the remix of "Take a Bow." She noticed that being rich and popular doesn’t always get you where you want to be in life.
As the movie star of the play, it was a fun experience to put on a show for Senator and Mrs. Voinovich, our CEO, teachers, principal, and others from the CMSD system. Senator and Mrs. Voinovich gave our school a check for the Major Work program. Their generous donation provides us with enrichment materials and experiences for the Major Work Scholars!!
On October 25, 2013 the Major Work students of O.H. Perry put on a play for Senator and Mrs. Voinovich.
The reason we have Molly Day is to remember the life of Molly Voinovich, the daughter of Senator and Mrs. Voinovich, who was struck by a van and killed. Molly was a fourth grade Major Work student at O.H.Perry and her favorite color was lavender.
When the program started Kenneth Clement performed a Major Work rap. After Kenneth Clement preformed, the Major Work students of O.H.Perry performed a play called “The Academy Awards.” It was about how school awards are just as important, or even more important, than the Academy Awards for motion pictures. Afterwards three students, Ciera Allen, Paige Harden, and myself did a skit about the five points we need on the OAA to increase our scores from last year and at the same time introduced Mr. Eric Gordon, the CMSD CEO. Mi’onia Watkins and Cameron Moore did a skit to introduce Senator and Mrs. Voinovich.
The principal of O.H. Perry, Mrs. Sofia Piperis accepted the check Senator Voinovich gave to help fund the Major Work program. Mrs. Piperis thanked Mrs. Brunecz for directing the play and thanked the Major Work students for being in it.
I’m sure that everyone loved the program. It seems like every year the play gets better. I loved being in the play and I’m sure that next year will be better than ever. Molly’s memory lives on in us all.
As we all know Collinwood is known as one of the CMSD's investment schools. I always felt that our academics wouldn't improve solely on replacing the majority of the teachers. For me nothing at Collinwood really changed. Although, I do think that my teachers are certified to teach I feel that we don't do as much classwork compared to my previous years.
I'm not saying that things have gotten worse, I'm saying that not much has improved from what I've seen. The best thing about going to Collinwood is that there are shorter class periods and they aren't as strict on dress code. Now when you first enter class you have to complete "Do Now" activities and before you leave you have to complete "Exit Ticket" activities.
One of the things that they did actually improve was some of the class sizes. Some don't have as many students which makes it easier for the teacher to assist students. For the most part, all of my teachers have an objective they want to achieve for that day. They have all of their material together and it seems like they are very prepared for class. My teachers discipline their students well, they know their material and always move the class forward with their learning.
I feel that most of the teachers that I have had in the past were on track just as well, if not better than my current teachers. My overall opinion of Collinwood's transformation is that it isn't as bad as i thought it would be but the whole change was unnecessary. The only major change was that Investment School Plan hired and fired a bunch of staff members; the students' learning process didn't really get affected in my point of view.
I asked Bryanna Houston, a junior at Collinwood High School, a few things about her year so far at Collinwood and this is what was said:Me: "Is this your first year at Collinwood?"
Bryanna: "This is my third year at Collinwood."
Me: "How has this year been different than your previous years at Collinwood?"
Bryanna: "Less drama! Less drama this year. Uhhh, I'm in a higher grade and this has been more fun than last year."
Me: "What are some things that changed that you're happy about?"
Bryanna: "Umm, I got better grades this year. I'm almost finished with high school, turn up! Turn up!"
Me: "Did you go to any other schools besides Collinwood?"
Bryanna : "No."
As the Seasons pass, the old signs get fainter and fainter. What was once new and representative of new growth and a new beginning of hope for old, tired, perhaps then dirt roads, now signals in another quest for renewal. The old signs did their duty well in their day. Now they certainly go unnoticed by the newer generations of people who traverse these streets, block by block.
Alas, but I remember days long ago, as a child being pushed on mild sunny days by my mother in an old "Taylor-Tot" stroller past these giant, colorful gestures of paint and imagination. Even back then, they were already caught in the grip of old age. And that was almost sixty years ago now. Yet still, somehow, a few still remain.
I'm talking about the giant, old, hand-painted, signs on the sides of brick buildings that were so popular with mom-and-pop proprietors of earlier times. It questions my mind, how did they survive? Perhaps my earliest thoughts about time were invoked by futile efforts to understand what was happening to something so great. But I was old enough to know that days passed one by one and that somehow that was connected to the peeling art I always looking up at during those mild sunny days with mom.
And I certainly "knew" what art was. My home was filled with colorful designs and pictures, and I was always encouraged to "make" something cheerful of my own. You see, my mother and father, and brothers and sisters were all good artists.
But only on those outings with my mom could I see art as colossal as those signs! If I had a magic crayon, or colored pencil, or watercolor paint set, I'd bring them back to life.
William J. Sanek is a sixty-year-resident of North Collinwood.
Memorial Spiritual Christian Church (MSCC) celebrated the Halloween season with a Ghosts and Angels Festival, which is fast becoming a favorite yearly event in the area. Visitors had a chance to shop among the vendors, eat well, and experience the phenomenon that MSCC is famous for; the spirits of the dearly departed who visit the church on a regular basis.
There were mediums from the Cleveland and NYC areas to offer a glimpse of the afterlife by communicating with spirit through personal readings for the guests. After all, it is the job of God’s workers to convince unbelievers of the “everlasting life” in heaven beyond our normal earthly plane. This is accomplished through spiritual gifts as described in the Bible. Many happy faces departed as they visited the church and many stayed afterwards for the paranormal investigation that proceeded following the festival.
The investigations are different every time and there was something for everyone to enjoy as the technological instruments detected the energies and yes, even the voices of the departed.
On Tuesday, October 15, 2013, the Ginn Academy Science Club visited three separate urban farms in Cleveland: Stanard Farm in Hough, Ohio City Farm on the Near West Side, and Kinsman Farm in the Kinsman neighborhood. The trip was coordinated by Jacqueline Kowalski, Ohio State University Agricultural Extension Educator, who has been working with Ginn Academy over the past year, teaching students about native plants and crops. The purpose of the trip was to allow students to prepare themselves to design the Ginn Academy Community Garden, a service-learning project they will implement in the upcoming year through the generous funding provided by the State Farm Youth Advisory Board.
At Stanard Farm in Hough, students had the opportunity to tour the farm and ask questions of the site coordinator. Students were impressed with the organization of the farm and the use of raised beds for growing crops. They asked about crop types and if crops could be grown throughout the winter since the coordinator told them the farm employed people year round through the use of hoop gardening. Ryan Williams, ninth grader, was impressed by the fact “that the little flower houses hold in heat.” Another student remarked that he learned “that you have to cover lettuce and other vegetables in the winter.” The students had an opportunity to sample some fresh produce—mustard greens, kale, edible flowers, and Jalapeno peppers, if they were brave enough. They were able to cool their mouths with fresh apples afterward. Darren Gregory, a sophomore, remarked, “One thing I learned is there is a lot of fruits and veggies, and not to eat a Mexican pepper!”
As a Christmas gift to the Collinwood neighborhood, the Sisters and lay collaborators of the Collinwood Neighborhood Catholic Ministries (CNCM) are holding a Christmas Open House and party on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1-3 at the home at 15706 St. Clair.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, there will be light refreshments as well as door prizes for children from infants to age 16 and their parents and other adults. The party also celebrates the first anniversary of CNCM in their home which offers a variety of programs and services to people in the neighborhood throughout the year.
Fall programs include blood pressure taken every Tuesday from 10-11 am; creative painting classes also continue in Nov and Dec; Cooking with Kids, on Nov. 16 and Dec. 10 from 10-1 pm. Coming soon will be a Cancer Survivors Support group and a Grief Support group as well as a repeat of the popular ”You and Your relationship with God” given by Sr. Maureen McCarthy, OSU.
Year-round, Sr. Mary Ellen Brinovec offers the Doula program for pregnancy, which is a program for pregnant teens and provides support for doctor visits, labor and delivery. During the year, a program on expungement of criminal records and tutoring for the OGT(Ohio Graduation Tests) were offered as well as a girls’ teen group in addition to the other programs and services.
When my neighbor first told me about the little barber shop down the road that was going to close, I decided to check it out. I had been on E 185th street for about 10 years at that point. I still loved my little place, but just needed a change.
What was formerly Bert's Barber shop, then Redd's Barber shop, quickly became Beachland Hair Design. Inspired by the close proximity of the beach, and a picture that was found by my sister Alicia and myself of a man fishing by the river, the beach, fishing and water became the theme of our shop.
And, I guess, living within a mile from home on Lakeshore Blvd, still near shopping, schools, having a beautiful parking lot, and a landlord living on the premises, made the move all the better.
With two stylist (we are currently seeking another to fill out the demands of the shop) on board, we can accommodate a healthy array of clients.
Our number one Barber is Joe Zadell, he has been with the shop for over 30 years, and was also on E.185th for 30 years!! With over 60 years of expertly crafted skills, the man is a dynamo, and he plays a mean harmonica!!
Beachland Hair Design offers many services, including haircuts, hot lather shaves, hair coloring, artistic extensions, hair products by Paul Mitchell, smoothing treatments, facial and body waxing, and a small array of locally handmade goods.
Beachland Hair Design is located at 18324 Lakeshore Blvd. Hours of operation are Monday thru Saturday, 8 am til 6 pm. We work on appointments, but walk-ins are always welcomed. We will try very hard to meet your demands and needs. Call today for an appointment at 216.246.9027.
If you're lucky enough to be at Beachland Hair Design, then you're lucky enough!
The Learning Center and Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland was the recent destination of a group of Collinwood High School students and their teachers, in celebration of this year’s Financial Education Day. Members of the Career Tech Financial Literacy Class and the Collinwood Archival and Oral History research team, along with teachers, Teddy Mwonyoni and Gail Greenberg had the opportunity to explore the history of money and its role in our everyday lives.
From a tour of the facility and its interactive exhibits and displays to conversations and lunch with museum educators and staff members, students enjoyed a first-hand look at how our economy works. Among the visit’s highlights was the current featured exhibit, “Propaganda and Patriotism: The Art of Financing America’s Wars.” This collection of War Bond posters explores the Federal Reserve’s historic origin as the fiscal agent of the U.S. Treasury and illuminates them as an art form.
Join Euclid Beach Adopt-a-Beach(TM) Team volunteers on Saturday November 9th from 10am-12pm for our first ever street cleanup! Why a street cleanup and not a beach cleanup you ask? Unfortunately, street litter accounts for the primary source of the trash that we collect after it has washed up on our beaches. Everytime it rains, litter from our streets makes it way into our storm sewers and our storm sewers outflow either directly into Lake Erie or into creeks and tributaries. If it is on the ground chances are it will make it into our water! Check out some great resources about understanding stormwater and watersheds and how you can make a difference at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District' Stormwater education page: http://www.neorsd.org/stormwater-watersheds.php.
Neighborhood beach cleanup details:
Volunteers will meet outside the Collinwood Recreation Center at 10am for registration. Cleanup teams will pick up litter along Lakeshore Boulevard between the Collinwood Recreation Center and East 156th Street. Gloves, bags, rakes and trash pickers and refreshments will be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own! Children under 10 are required to be accompanied by an adult. All participating volunteers will receive a coupon to Chili Peppers Restaurant, good for 1/2 off your purchase of a meal and a drink!
Questions about participating in the cleanup?:
Email adopt.euclidbeach@gmail.com or call Stephen Love at 216-571-0685.facebook.com/adopteuclidbeach
Hope to see you out on the street on Saturday!
Stop in for a visit and check out what’s happening for all ages at Collinwood!
PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH
America Reads FREE After School Tutoring
Students in K-12 can get assistance with their homework. College students from Cleveland State University can assist with any subject and/or reseach project. Mondays-Thursdays from 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Kids Café Snack Program
The Cleveland Foodbank in collaboration with the Cleveland Public Library offers FREE after school snacks for ages 18 and under. Mondays-Fridays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Fall Storytime (Sept 24-Nov 14)
Wee Read and Play
Continue to develop your toddler’s language and social skills! Toddlers from 18 months to 3 years and their favorite adult are invited for stories, active songs and rhymes and time for play. Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Growing Readers
Help grow your child’s early reading skills! Children ages 3 – 5 are invited for stories, songs and rhymes that will help them become better readers later in life. Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Teen Book Club
Join us for a discussion of a current teen fiction novel. Light refreshments served. Nov 4 & Dec 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Work Your Brain
We’re challenging your brains! Join us for brain teasers, games, and exercises. Thur, Nov 19 at 3:30 p.m
Living on Lake Erie is awesome. And I have proof to back that up.
When I’m not working, crafting, or writing love letters to my new neighborhood I can be found studying up for the ultimate rite of passage in architecture: Licensing Exams.
A series of seven exams, each focuses on a specific topic ranging from the perils of mid-century modern urban planning to classification of soil plasticity, grain size, compaction strength, and so on. Once the exam is completed, an ordinary, folded piece of paper comes through the mail announcing your status as a capital ‘A’ Architect… so long as you keep up with continuing education credits, professional fees, and fulfill other elusive requirements shrouded in secrecy. But I digress.
Just over the half-way hump, my most recent exam preparation rendered fact my belief that living along the sandy shores of Lake Erie is as close to perfection as it gets in Northeast Ohio. You see, in the Greater Cleveland area we are governed by our macroclimate, which is largely a result of altitude, or the sun’s low angle to the earth. From East to South to West we experience the four seasons, similar spikes in humidity, and snow, snow, snow.
However, for those of you who have battled a few Old Man Winters from the shoreline, you know as well as I do that the dreaded “Lake Effect Snow” isn’t as troublesome as our neighbors in the Heights perceive it to be.
Why? Because living in proximity to water tempers our environment, allowing for a moderate microclimate. While the actual beach may be frigid and plagued with damp air, and unprotected higher elevations to the south receive the brunt of the precipitation load, our neighborhood’s position mid-way up the hill is ideal. The water retains heat and this added warmth in the winter pushes the cooler temps and snow beyond our tiny enclave, precluding us smarties living in North Collinwood from shoveling intense snowfalls. Rain? Yes. Wind? Oh, yes, but I’ll gladly strap on a pair of wellies and leave the snow angels to the folks out East, West, and South of us.
I am pleased to wish the Observer happy fifth birthday by writing my first article. I am the new Community Organizer at Northeast Shores Development Corporation and am very excited to serve the community where I have lived for over twenty years. I have been on the job for the past month and have had the opportunity to meet many new people. I look forward to the coming months and getting to know many more of my Collinwood neighbors.
By the time this article goes to press we will have already celebrated Halloween on East 185th street with lots of candy, costumes, games, food and fun. Thanks to Chili Peppers, Helping Hands Day Care, Gus’s Diner, A Natural Way Fitness Studio, A Charmed Boutique and A Fragrance For You, for donating candy, and the students from VASJ for all of their help.
Our next event will be a School Fair on Saturday November 9th at the Salvation Army 17625 Grovewood Ave. from 10:00am-12:00pm. Come and learn about the Pre-K through High School options that are available in our neighborhood. Representatives from area Day Care centers and schools will be available to answer any questions that you may have. Refreshments and children’s activities will be provided.
Adult GED Classes Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 AM
FREE GED classes will be offered in partnership with Tri-C. To register for classes please call the library at: 216-623-7039
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Chinese for Kids Saturdays at 11:00 AM
These classes will teach “the essential Chinese Pinyin pronunciation system, simple dialogues and some basic Chinese characters. This will be a fun learning opportunity for children in grades 1 through 6 with little or no knowledge of the Chinese language.”
If children attend all 8 weeks classes, they will receive a certificate of completion. Classes are free, but space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information, please email OPS@cpl.org or call 216-623-2835.
Hello! My name is Hammy and I would like to tell you my incredible story.
I was a stray cat minding my own business when one day OUCH! --I was hit by a car!! I survived the hit, but I was in pain; I couldn't use my back right leg at all. Luckily, a very friendly lady took me care of me while she called her friends at the Waterloo Alley Cat Project (WACP). Because I was so affectionate I happily went with the ladies from WACP (somehow I knew they were going to help me).
I went to see the doctors at Rainbow Veterinary Clinic (they are really nice to animals and are always willing to help out us WACP kitties). They took an x-ray of my leg and found out it was a clean break- in 2 places; no wonder I was limping around! As they were wrapping my leg in a temporary cast my FIV/Leukemia test came back...I tested positive for FIV.
Most people don't know that an FIV positive result doesn't mean I can't be a loving and wonderful companion. All the people who were trying to help me started to cry. I think they were worried that no one would be interested in adopting a kitty with a hurt leg and FIV. I can't spread the disease to people or other animals; I just need to be with another FIV positive kitty-friend or live in a house with a loving person who can take me to the veterinarian 2 times a year.
My human helpers started to talk about putting me to sleep...but I wasn't even tired! I am only a year old, I have a beautiful clean coat, a perfect weight and very clean teeth. The ladies from the Waterloo Alley Cat Project were making phone calls and sending lots of text messages. One of the ladies kept saying “we can't let him go, he is going to get a home, I can just feel it.” But the clock was ticking and the doctor had a big needle ready for me. SUDDENLY- a text message came in asking “Is it too late?”
