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Collinwood High students recently rehearsed their original songs for the “Stop the Hate, Sing it Loud,” songwriting competition sponsored by the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage.
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Recent national headlines continue to spark protests across the country, including here in Cleveland, but CMSD students are using a different approach to send a message: music. 

Several District schools participated in “Stop the Hate, Sing it Loud,” a songwriting competition through the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. Teaching artists from the nonprofit organization Roots of American Music visited the schools to help students create an original song with an anti-discrimination or anti-bullying theme.

Afi-Odelia Scruggs worked with the Collinwood High School students and made sure they took the task seriously.

“I challenge the students to do what I call a ‘call to action,’ which is the song has to tell somebody what you can do to combat hate,” Scruggs said. “I really try to make the kids aware that the words they say to their peers can be hateful and they can be very damaging, and you really want to be aware of what you say,” Scruggs said.

The songwriting process includes a visit to Maltz for inspiration, collaborating on lyrics, creating a beat, and recording the song with the help of the teaching artist. Students performed their original songs in front of judges Wednesday at the Bohemian National Hall.

“I hope it inspires young people our age to make a difference,” Collinwood High School junior Dayuanna White said.

 The Collinwood Observer is a completely community-written paper. If you would like to contribute, go to www.collinwoodobserver.com, click on Member Center, sign in, and start writing. We are interested in your ideas, questions, issues, projects, dreams, etcetera.  Share them with your neighbors by become a writer (or photographer or illustrator) for the Collinwood Observer.

A Collinwood High School senior's play "From a Mess to a Message" will be presented at the school in January.

Drama Club advisor and teacher Coyan Smith said senior Johnathan Smith wrote the play and will co-direct both performances, 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2015 and 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2015.  

Admission to the play is free, but donations will be accepted at the door.

The cast includes high school students Kallynn Coleman, Deandre Watkins, Robert Moore, Timothy Griffin, Charlie Eppinger, Tahlia Eskridge, Talbert Williams, and Antonaie Taylor.

This play is about an African American family who deals with some of life's important issues, Coyan Smith said.

“Will this family survive when some of the family secrets are revealed, or will it fall apart?” she said in an email describing the play.

Collinwood High School is at 15210 Saint Clair Avenue, Cleveland.

Mark your calendar for Northeast Shores' Annual Membership meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Collinwood Rec. Center! Want to hear about all the great happenings of 2014? Or vote on who will help direct the organization's goals for 2015? Sign up for 2015 membership? Well then you better get to this meeting! We can't wait to share with you how Collinwood has improved over the last year! 

Hey you! yeah you! It's a new year and membership enrollment with Northeast Shores Development Corporation is upon us! For a small membership fee, not only will you receive information about the latest events happening in the neighborhood, but you will also receive specials from local merchants that are only available to members of Northeast Shores. But wait! There's more! 

Did you know Northeast Shores competes with over 30 community development corporations in Cleveland for funding. A strong Northeast Shores membership base shows a committed neighborhood to these funders, and lessens the burden of competing for the shrinking pool of public funds.

Not only does your membership help when it comes to funding. But your presence in our community contributes to the positive character and well-being of our neighborhood. If you are interested in participating in our efforts to make North Collinwood a better community, please complete the Membership Form and mail it to the Northeast Shores office along with your membership fee, which is a tax deductible donation.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, get ready to jump for joy! Northeast Shores is proud to announce that the LaSalle Theater has finally been awarded tax credits through the State of Ohio!

John Kuntz, from The Plain Dealer, writes: " In Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood, Northeast Shores Development Corp. finally won $250,000 from the state for an overhaul of the LaSalle Theatre on East 185th Street. It was the nonprofit neighborhood group's third attempt to secure credits for that project.

 'I've been pretty pregnant for over a year now,' Brian Friedman, the group's executive director, said of his repeat applications for an award. 'So now, I get to induce labor.'

The credits bring Northeast Shores close to a $3.2 million funding goal for the project, which will transform the vacant theater into a performance and productions event space with four storefronts on the street and five apartments upstairs. Construction could start next year, and the restored venue might open in early 2016."

The night's big winner!

On December 10, 2014 Northeast Shores hosted our second annual Ugly Sweater Party at The Standard. It was a blast! There were over 40 people who came out to enjoy great food, great drinks, and the company of great neighbors. There were ugly sweaters beyond where the eye could see. Northeast Shores gave away some amazing door prizes that include an old radio, an Aflac duck, and a paver from the Waterloo Street Scape.

The best think about this amazing group of neighbors is more than their desire to party, but their generosity. We collected 20 pounds of food to be donated to the Grovewood Salvation Army. A big thanks to everyone who donated food and came out to celebrate the season.

VASJ volunteers, NSDC staff, and Cleveland PD celebrate a successful event
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On December 13, 2014 Santa Claus joined over 200 Collinwood residents for breakfast at Villa Angela-St. Joseph in partnership with Northeast Shores. The VASJ cafeteria was packed with the largest turnout ever for this event. Over 75 families came out for an amazing breakfast donated by Gus’ Diner 185. The children enjoyed crafts, games, story time, and of course, pictures with Santa. If you thought the morning couldn’t get any better, the Cleveland Police Foundation and 5th District Police Officer’s came out to the event and brought coloring books, badges, and Mitchell’s Ice Cream. This holiday season, Northeast Shores is thankful for having so many partners dedicated to making these family events memorable.

Enjoying Collinwood flavor.
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Save the Date for this year’s Taste the Neighborhood, February 17, 2015 at the Lithuanian Hall. Join Northeast Shores to sample foods from our neighborhood’s many restaurants and eateries. From ribs and wings, to sausage to soup, there is something for everyone.

North Collinwood is a fantastic place to live because of the people. That is why every year we recognize the outstanding residents, neighborhood associations, businesses, and investments from the past year that have improved the quality of life for residents in North Collinwood. If you would like make a nomination for any of the above categories, please do so by January 24, 2014.

To purchase tickets, or for additional information, contact Julia DiBaggio at 216-481-7660 or jdibaggio@northeastshores.org

January Programs at the Collinwood Branch Library

Dream Big Like Me Contest Tuesday, January 20, 2015 3:30 p.m.

Teens 13-19 years old create a 1 to 2 minute video to display how they will continue to Dr. King’s dream of equality for all. 4 Winners will be chosen to receive a Kindle Fire HD tablet and given an opportunity to perform.

 America Reads FREE After School Tutoring

Students in K-8 can get assistance with their homework.  College students from Cleveland State University assist with any subject and/or research project. Mondays-Thursdays from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Resumes January 5, 2015.

Kids Café Snack Program- Resumes January 5, 2015
The Cleveland Foodbank in collaboration with the Cleveland Public Library offers FREE after school meals for ages 18 and under. Monday-Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

FREE GED Classes – Resumes January 26, 2015

The GED class will have two sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact 216-371-7138 or visit www.tri-c.edu/ged for more information on registration and enrollment.

Thank you to a core group of fantastic Blast! volunteers who are already brainstorming ideas to make Saturday, August 1st, 2015 the best Blast yet!

It may only be January, but the Euclid Beach Blast is ready to kick off planning this year's event in full force!  Last month, volunteers from last year's Euclid Beach Blast had an awesome brainstorm meeting, providing plenty of feedback, criticism and ideas to help make this year's Blast North Collinwood's premiere event on the Lakefront.

So please be sure to mark your calendars and/or RSVP on facebook for Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Collinwood Rec Center  (16300 Lakeshore Blvd. Cleveland 44110) for the Euclid Beach Blast 2015 kickoff planning meeting. We'll even throw in some delicious pizza and pop just for showing up...can't beat that right?
Whether you came to the volunteer brainstorming meeting, volunteered at the Euclid Beach Blast, came to the event last summer or  just want to get involved in your community, we would love to have you join us!
 
Let's ring in the new year with a BLAST!

For more information, contact: Stephen Love, Euclid Beach Blast Coordinator at euclidbeachblast@gmail.com or 216-571-0685

Don't forget to mark your calendars for Saturday, August 1, 2015 for the 6th Annual Euclid Beach Blast!

Also, if you have any pictures or videos from Euclid Beach Blast 2014, please email us or post them directly to facebook.

Marshmallow Snow: Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 3:30 p.m.

Just for kids.  If you want to have a great time, and make a winter wonderland, with snowmen, then come to the library and have lots of fun by using marshmallows and pretzel sticks to build a snowy sculpture.

Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services (NEON) invites you to utilize the services of the Collinwood Health located at 15322 St. Clair Avenue. We offer a dedicated team of caring professionals and a wide array of health care services to meet the needs of you and your family. Our hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, Monday through Friday with night and weekend hours offered at the Hough Health Center.  Please call us at 216-851-1500 to make an appointment.

Established in 1967, NEON is one of the oldest and largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in the country with seven locations, a dental van and multiple outreach sites including nursing homes and schools. Prevention and early detection are the cornerstones of NEON’s service delivery model.

NEON provides affordable, high-quality primary care services to the uninsured as well as to individuals and families with insurance coverage.  “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of Northeast Ohio residents by providing comprehensive and excellent health care in a culturally sensitive and caring environment,” stated Mr. Willie F. Austin, NEON’s President and CEO.

NEON accepts a number of payment arrangements for services including Medicare and Medicaid. Managed Care Plans include CareSource, Buckeye Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, Molina Healthcare, and Paramount. NEON also accepts Medical Mutual of Ohio, Anthem BC/BS, CIGNA and other commercial insurance plans. Services are also available on a sliding fee scale, based on income and family size.

We have all heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Here in Cleveland the young professionals have taken this mantra to heart. Therefore, demonstrating this by creating programs that relevantly impact our city’s youth. The contribution of the current professionals into the future generations is revamping the village that is raising our children and deserves acknowledgement.

The Cleveland Public Library recently hosted an event called Man Up, Cleveland to equip and empower young men to become our future leaders. Attendees were from schools all over the city including Shaw High School, Ginn Academy, Martin Luther King, Mary M Bethune, Franklin D Roosevelt Academy and Paul Revere, thanks to Mr. Banks of the Reading RAMM organization. These young men were able to learn financial responsibility; how to plan for goals; the importance of positively communicating; how to deal with stress and the importance of making good choices.

Continued...

Imagine living close to a trail system that connects neighborhoods throughout the eastern portion of Cuyahoga County with employment centers, transit, services, parks and green spaces. Imagine walking or biking to school, work, the store, or a park. Imagine being able to bike from the Euclid Creek Reservation to the Shaker Median Trail, or from Rockefeller Park to the North Chagrin Reservation. Imagine the Eastside Greenway.

The Eastside Greenway  will increase pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in and between the eastern portion of Cleveland and 18 suburbs: East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, University Heights, Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Richmond Heights, Highland Heights, Highland Hills, North Randall, Mayfield Heights, Mayfield Village, Euclid, South Euclid, Lyndhurst, Bratenahl, Orange Village and Warrensville Heights. Leaders from these cities are working alongside planners and other regional organizations, like the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, LAND studio, the Cleveland Metroparks, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and Bike Cleveland, to develop a plan for the greenway that can be used to guide the way to implementation.

With planning currently underway, the project team will be hosting a second round of public meetings to share project updates and solicit feedback from the community in early 2015 and you are invited. The same content will be presented at each meeting, so choose the date and location that works best for your schedule. The meeting dates are as follows:

January 28, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m: Happy Dog at Euclid Tavern, 11625 Euclid Ave, Cleveland

January 29, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m: Beachwood Public Library, 25501 Shaker Blvd, Beachwood

February 2, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m: Waterloo Brew, 15335 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland

February 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m: University Heights Public Library, 13866 Cedar Rd, University Heights

At the meetings, a brief overview of the project will be provided as well as the results of the completed inventory and analysis. Alternative routes for the greenway network will be presented and the project team will solicit feedback on route alignments as well as route priorities from community members. This feedback will be taken into account as the plan is finalized in the first half of 2015. A third round of public meetings, in which the final greenway plan will be presented to the public, will take place in May 2015. More information on the Eastside Greenway can be found on the project’s website at www.eastsidegreenway.weebly.c

Joey Miskulin of Riders in the Sky, singer Cecilia Dolgan, and Canada's Polka King Walter Ostanek appear in Polka!
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Polka! The Movie, the documentary about Cleveland’s century-old love affair with Slovenian music and sausages, returns for a special screening at the Cleveland Cinematheque, Sunday, February 8, 2015, at 4:00 p.m.  Enjoy an accordion jam session at 3:30 p.m. hosted by the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum.  Joe Valencic, writer and narrator of the film, will share behind-the-scene stories. Key scenes were shot in Euclid's Polka Hall of Fame and the Collinwood and St. Clair-Superior neighborhoods.

Polka! The Movie traces how Cleveland-style polka music became a national sensation and is still enjoyed today across the country.  Joe, president of the Polka Hall of Fame, takes you through the Slovenian neighborhoods where the Cleveland-style sound was born a century ago.  The music got America dancing after World War II when Polka King Frank Yankovic (a long-time Euclid resident) scored million-selling hits. Vintage film clips and photos bring the polka past to life.

Polka! The Movie features performances and interviews ranging from legends like Joey Miskulin (Riders in the Sky), Walter Ostanek (Canada's Polka King), Euclid resident Richie Vadnal and Cecilia Dolgan, to younger musicians such as Kim Skovenski and Joey Tomsick. Cleveland personalities include Jan Jones, Tony Petkovsek, Bob Kravos, Bob Dolgan and the late Frank Yankovic Jr.  The camera captures scenes at the Polka Hall of Fame Awards Show; the Slovenian Sausage Festival; the Thanksgiving Polka Party Weekend at the Cleveland Downtown Marriott; Father Frank Perkovich’s Polka Mass at SNPJ Farm in Kirtland; Colinwood's Slovenian Workmen's Home; and Mitzi Jerman's hundred-year-old tavern on St. Clair Avenue.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer calls Polka! The Movie, “a film that will have you craving smoked sausage and stomping in the aisles.”  The Cleveland International Film Festival describes it as "a valentine to polka. Don't miss a beat; Polka! The Movie's a treat."  

The 3:30 p.m. accordion jam session will be led by Patty Candela and Joe Strukel. The 90-minute documentary is presented in Slovenian and English with subtitles in both languages. The film was directed by Dušan Moravec for Slovenian television.

The film screens in the Aitken Theater at the Cleveland Institute of Art, 11141 East Boulevard in University Circle. Admission $10; Cinematheque members and those age 25 & under $8; free adjacent parking. For more information call the Cleveland Cinematheque at (216) 421-7450 or visit www.cia.edu/cinematheque/, or contact the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum, 605 East 222nd Street in Euclid, (216) 261-FAME, www.PolkaFame.com.

Hope this finds you all well, after all the hustle & bustle of this past holiday season!

Churches all over this Collinwood neighborhood of ours, celebrated Christmas in so many unique ways. Hopefully, we met you somewhere. (Trees, lights, angels - and kids; how could we not enjoy? How did you set up for Santa, if you were lucky enough to have kids available to show you how?)

If you're in search of a congregation, you're invited, in this 2015, to visit and explore all our many faiths here in the community. Looking for a new path for yourself, or thinking about coming back to an old faith, somewhere in the neighborhood may well be a congregation that fits. (If you look back at our list of congregations last issue, you may have been surprised at just how varied we are.) Try something, and see where it leads you - you may be surprised! If you're looking for a church, do visit our neighborhood churches, watch here for news of what everyone's doing, and be part of "Faith in Collinwood".

Continued...

Trena Richardson Antoinette Robinson meet at the CNCM House to knit lap robes for the elderly

Every Friday afternoon, under the instruction of Kim Reynolds and Antoinette Robinson, several ladies meet at the Collinwood Neighborhood Catholic Ministries (CNCM) House (corner of Royal and St. Clair) to knit and crochet lap robes for residents of area retirement homes.  According to Sr. Felicia Petruziello, CSJ, “This program not only provides anopportunity to build community among the ladies but also gives them a chance to be of service to the elderly in our community”.  

Collinwood residents meet on Saturday morning every other week for seven sessions in two cycles at the CNCM House. Under the guidance of Mr. William Denihan and Mr. Douglas Rothschild, they learn to express themselves in creative ways through painting.  Both men do this because they love to paint and want to share their joy. At the close of class Sr. Joan Gallagher, CSA hears “the sounds of joy as the finished paintings are displayed.

An expungement clinic is offered at the CNCM House in the spring and in the fall.  Persons who may have up to two misdemeanors or one minor felony can get these crimes erased or expunged from his or her criminal record. Sr. Margaret Hartman, SND and has arranged for lawyers from the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office to conduct the clinics.  Sr. Mary Ellen Brinovec, OSU, executive director, states that “there have been over 200 calls inquiring about the fall expungement clinic. Clearly there is a need for this service.”

Continued...

It goes without saying that the Holiday Season is upon us and I wish to thank all of the organizations, individuals, and businesses who have been working to make our community a better place. My sincere thanks to the East 140th, East 156th and East 185th Street Neighborhood Associations for their continued involvement in Ward 8. To our local development corporations, Northeast Shores, Collinwood Nottingham and St Clair-Superior, thank you for your participation and vision. To our neighborhood churches and other groups for their outreach – not only to their congregation but to those in need in the Greater Collinwood and Glenville communities. Even though we as a community continue to deal with challenges and issues I am thankful that I live in this great ethnically, racially and spiritually diverse community that is truly cosmopolitan. 

We have many things to be thankful for this past year including improvements in our three lakefront MetroParks; with much more coming in the next two years. The Euclid Creek Tunnel project is in the homestretch with completion planned for 2015. The installation of new storm sewers to address the ongoing problems with basement flooding will also improve water quality along our entire lakefront. The acquisition and renovation of abandoned and vacant homes has been ongoing through our development corporations and will expand next year. The near completion of the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District along Waterloo Road and East 156 Street is redefining our neighborhood as the east side arts district. The recent reorganization of the Collinwood Nottingham Villages Development Corporation will refocus their mission to include prioritizing the St Clair and East 152 Street corridors. Then there is the growing partnership between our community and the City of Euclid for targeting redevelopment of the East 185th Street and East 200th Street corridors.

In 2014, we saw a more aggressive approach to public safety issue by our neighborhood groups and concerned residents. We all know that the biggest deterrent to criminal activity is an engaged citizenry. Our ward has always distinguished itself by being proactive and working with the 5th District Police Commander and his officers. I look forward to that continued partnership as we go into the new year with all of its challenges. We all know though that challenges present opportunities as well. Therefore, I am calling upon everyone who lives, works and plays in Ward 8 to become more engaged than ever before. This includes that fact that we must press the Jackson Administration and the City’s Department of Building & Housing to do a better job on enforcing the city’s basic building code specifically with regard to absentee landlords with abandoned, foreclosed and vacant properties. This is the number one complaint I hear at neighborhood meetings and there is a direct tie to criminal activity with many of these properties. Good landlords maintain their properties and tend not to rent to bad families. Be observant on your street call the Police or the B&H hotline or the animal warden etc. when there is an issue!  I like nosey neighbors who care enough to take action regarding their street and show up at the neighborhood meetings.

Bad weather is coming – make sure you and your home is ready.  Call in any street lights out, abandoned cars on the street, water leaks, etc to my office or the appropriate City departments.  I may always be reached at my office at (216) 664-4236 or my email at mpolensek@clevelandcitycouncil.org.

On that note I look forward to seeing all of you in the New Year; God willing. I wish you and your families a HAPPY, JOYOUS and SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!  GOD BLESS YOU and the WARD 8 COMMUNITY!

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The Video Game and Record Exchange store has been located for the past 15 years in the Martin's Mens Wear retail block. They have recently moved south and reopened in the remodeled former Shore Carpet building. Co-owners Adam Harvey and Rob Winner worked very hard to redecorate the space into a pleasant shopping area.

In the new spacious showcases there are thousands of CDs, and all used CDs are now half price. Looking for an old movie? There are hundreds of DVDs on display, and all five dollar DVDs are now on sale for two dollars. But where the store truly shines is in the amazing selection of  used video games available. There are games for every gaming system, there is an wide selection, and the prices are reasonable. Also available are controllers, power supplies, and all gaming systems.

If you are looking for that perfect Christmas gift be sure to stop in at the new Video Game and Record Exchange at 854 E. 185 Street, open Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 6 PM.

North Collinwood is the home of many incredible people. That’s why each year we like to show how much we appreciate everything ordinary people do to make Collinwood great, by recognizing a few individuals and businesses each year at our annual Taste the Neighborhood and Awards Ceremony. Share your nomination to honor residents, block watches and businesses for their accomplishments that make this a better community to live. Deadline: December 30, 2014

Awards Categories:

Outstanding resident: Regular folks who go that extra mile.

Amazing Block Watches: Neighborhood groups that have made great achievements throughout the year.

Best Business: Celebrate the achievements of your favorite local business and their owner.

Investment of the Year: What change this year helped make Collinwood such a great place.

Collinwood Hall of Fame: Recognition of one person’s dedication and devotion to the betterment of the neighborhood.

Contact Julia DiBaggio with your nomination and their contribution at 216-481-7660 or jdibaggio@northeastshores.org

Auditions for UpStage Players' performance of Once on This Island will be January 3 and 4, 2015.

WHO: Children ages 7-15 can audition for the production.

WHEN: January 3 and 4, 2015 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: 17109 Lakeshore Blvd., Collinwood/Cleveland 

This is the Cleveland Public Library Nottingham-Memorial Branch (which is the former Villa Angela High School). Pull around to the left side of the building towards the back. Plenty of free parking.

WHAT TO BRING: Water bottle and a great attitude!

HOW TO PREPARE: 

   * Choose a song from a Broadway musical. 

   * Practice singing every day.

   * Make eye contact when singing.

   * Remember to use facial expressions!

   * Everyone wants you to do your best, so relax...

   * Take a deep breath and SING YOUR BEST!

Welcome the winter with the exciting programs at the Collinwood Branch Library!   

Programs for Youth

Kwanzaa Celebration
Join us for our Kwanzaa Celebration where we will learn the 7 principles of Kwanzaa and do an African themed craft activity. This is for children of all ages. 
Friday, December 12th from 3:00-4:00 p.m.  

Winter Wonderland and Christmas Karaoke 
Christmas Carols, Crafts and Cookies! Let’s celebrate the joys of this season together at the library. Children of All ages are welcome to participate.
Tuesday, December 16th from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

America Reads FREE After School Tutoring
Students in K-8 can get assistance with their homework.  College students from Cleveland State University assist with any subject and/or reseach project.  
Monday-Thursday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Tutoring ends Thursday December 11 and will resume in January.

Kids Café Snack Program
The Cleveland Foodbank in collaboration with the Cleveland Public Library offers FREE after school meals for ages 18 and under.  
Monday-Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Programs for Adults

FREE GED Classes
The GED class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact 216-371-7138 or visit www.tri-c.edu/ged for more information on registration and enrollment. Winter Break Starts on December 15. Mon. & Wed. from 12:30-2:30 p.m. 

Residents review plans to build a new Euclid Beach pier at the last Metroparks Community meeting in March 2014.

It has been 18 months since Cleveland Metroparks assumed management of Cleveland’s lakefront parks including Euclid Beach/Villa Angela and Wildwood.  Cleveland Metroparks is marking the occasion with a public meeting on Thursday December 4th at the Collinwood Rec Center designed to share information about scheduled improvements and upcoming master plans, and solicit your feedback and suggestions! Thursday December 4th, at the Collinwood Rec Center (16300 Lakeshore Blvd.) There will also be two presentations - one at 5:15 and another at 6:00 p.m.  Tell a friend or two or three!

A number of 8th Grade students have come forward to explore history and work on behalf of the Memorial Garden.  They call themselves the “Garden Angels” which unknowing to them is only too appropriate if for nothing else than the fact the garden honors children who were killed in a tragic fire in the community.

The 8th Grade students were given a lesson a few months ago on the Collinwood School Fire which gave rise to the Memorial Garden which sits outside their door and the naming of now a second school on that site to honor the events that took place on this site on 4 March 1908. From this lesson which even included a fire drill, the students were asked to write a reaction to a written report on the Collinwood School Fire.  These papers were then displayed at Memorial School’s Fall Festival in October. These papers are in the possession of the Collinwood Nottingham Historical Society and can be seen on their website.

I do have to say that all those papers written were done so voluntarily; thank you Ladies for your observations and reactions to what you read.  As a result of finishing this first written assignment and coming to the Fall Festival of Literacy at the school they were allowed to come on a field trip Downtown.

Coming Downtown for these young ladies I believe was exciting and they didn’t know where to look first.  After coming downtown on a bus from the neighborhood we greeted them at City Hall where they learned about Cleveland history, about City Hall and their Cleveland City Council. Then we walked to the Oliver Hazard Perry statue at West 3rd and Lakeside Avenue and then to the Soldiers & Sailors Monument at Public Square to hear about War of 1812 and Civil War history as it relates to Collinwood. Then it was lunch at Tower City.  I was exhausted by the end of the day but I hope that these ladies had a great time downtown.

Next up is another classroom lesson on a subject of their choosing and then planning for the Spring at the Garden.  The 4th of March will bring these students outside for a Memorial at the garden.

We look forward to continuing to work with these and other students as well as the teachers and staff of Memorial.  Thank you for some extracurricular learning in your busy schedules.

Teaching history of the Collinwood community and the City of Cleveland is a part of the mission of the Collinwood Nottingham Historical Society.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS!!!!

Monkey was just one of some 20+ casualties resulting from the dog attacks. WACP is hoping to get enough financial support to build a secure enclosure for homeless/ community cats.

During the month of October, over 17 cats were killed and 2 seriously maimed by a pack of roaming dogs in the North Collinwood/Euclid Beach neighborhood. More cats are missing and presumed dead.
 
Animal Control trapped 2 roaming dogs within the target area and found the owner who had a total of 5 adult dogs and 9 puppies. The owner relinquished ownership of the dogs to Animal Control and now faces any legal charges that can be laid against him.
 
On Friday, December 5, 2014, coinciding with the monthly Walk On Waterloo, a vigil of remembrance for the deceased cats and the ill-fated dogs, will be held at Blue Arrow Records & Boutique 16001 Waterloo Road, Cleveland OH 44110 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
 
Tax deductible donations toward building a secure enclosure and safe winter shelters for a colony of community cats cared for by the Waterloo Alley Cat Project will most gratefully be accepted either at the vigil or by mail to PO Box 19246 Cleveland OH 44119. For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Waterloo-Alley-Cat-Project/104107389662808

Dig out that ugly sweater grandma got you, or use that creativity to make your own, but make sure you don’t miss Northeast Shore’s second annual Ugly Sweater Party! Join the staff at The Standard on December 10 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. For only $10 and a can of food; you get two drink tickets and light appetizers. Tickets are available on the day of the event at the door only. What better way to kick off the holiday season than by hanging out with your friends and neighbors at the best party of the season.  For more information please call Northeast Shores at 216-481-7660. Happy Holidays!

Santa is coming to North Collinwood for a special breakfast with the kids.  What would Christmas be like without photos with the jolly guy in red, a chance for kids to tell him their number one wish and presents they are hoping for?  Come join us for breakfast with Santa on December 13, 2014 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School.   Photo ops and fun activities are included with a $5 dollar ticket purchase. To purchase tickets in advance, call Julia DiBaggio at 216-481-7660.

Date: December 13, 2014

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: Villa Angela-St. Joseph, 18497 Lake Shore Blvd.

Cost: $5.00 per person

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Northeast Shores Development Corporation is the non-profit community development corporation for the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood. Our mission is to create a better place for everyone to live, work and visit - increasing home-ownership and helping entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to market. Over the last decade, our activities have resulted in over $48 million in neighborhood investment.

We currently implement programs and activities in business recruitment and development, housing rehabilitation, and neighborhood marketing. Northeast Shores is working toward finding ways to combat building deterioration and vacancies in our retail districts as well as securing additional safety measures against crime. Also, countless residents participate in programs that improve their homes.

We compete with over 20 community development corporations in Cleveland for funding. To these funding agencies, a strong Northeast Shores Membership base demonstrates a committed community and improves our ability to compete for funds.

Northeast Shores' Members and Board include residents from all segments of the neighborhood, commercial property owners and merchants from Waterloo Road, Lakeshore Boulevard, and East 185th Street, as well as the area institutions and schools.

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“I come to you with empty hands, I have not weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, or right or wrong, then here are my weapons, karate, my empty hands.

These words appear on one of the many Hall of Fame plaques earned by Grandmaster Joel Dvorin, owner of Unified Martial Arts Academy located at 686 East 185th St, Cleveland, OH 44119

Under the direction of Grandmaster Joel Dvorin, Master Harvey Fierman and Master Sean Southwick, Unified Martial Arts teaches a combination of Tae Kwon Do, Kempo and Judo, with students ranging in age from 5 to 50, Grandmaster Dvorin has black belts in Tae Kown Do and Kempo, and is the North American President of the Unified Martial Arts Federation and the Founder of TJBMA and has 60 years in the martial arts. Master Harvey Fierman has over 40 years of training and teaching in art of Judo. Master Sean Southwick has over 20 years of Tae Kwon Do Training and Teaching and after living in Israel has been trained in Krav Magra.

The academy teaches different styles each concentrating on a specific discipline, Tae Kwon Do is made up with 60-70% of leg and foot techniques, Kempo is over 60% hand and arm techniques and Judo consists of throws, takedowns, chocks, locks along with learning how to fall and roll properly. These forms complement one another, Unified Martial Arts can teach self-defense within a short period of time, even though it takes years to become a black belt.

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Microsoft Office Graphics:  Thursday, 12/4/2014 at 3:15 p.m.  This class will teach you how to use Microsoft Word “to insert and edit pictures,” using ClipArt, and how to change the style of text using Smart Art, and Word Art.

PowerPoint I: Thursday, 12/11/2014 at 3:15 p.m. This class will teach you how to “create a computer-based slide presentation.”

Aww Snap Circuits: Making Electronic Circuits MakerLab:  Thursday, 12/11/2014 at 4:00 p.m. This class will help you  "discover the basics of electronics, integrated circuits, and more. Try your hand at creating circuit board projects with TechCentral's Snap Circuit Kits."

PowerPoint II: Thursday, 12/18/2014 at 3:15 p.m.  This class will teach you more about “how to add graphics, transitions, and animations" to your presentation.

Registration for December classes begins on Monday, November 24. Call 216-623-2980 or visit your nearest library branch to register.

Acalay is a term used inside of the St. Jerome Preschool. The preschool,which is part of St. Jerome School

15100 Lakeshore Boulevard Cleveland, consists of boys and girls ages 4 and 5. Acaplay is a term which says it all! Academic plus exploritory play. This term has been previously coined by other educators. Themed units are instructed with a creative flair based on educational Common Core Standards.  Students have produced wearable firefighter hats. Student created stick puppets are utilized with supplemental follow up instruction.

Special snacks to enhance the units have consisted of etable ladybug cookies and marshmallows with apples representing teeth inside of a mouth. The daily schedule includes large group and small group activities strictly based upon prepatory skills need for success in future years as a student. Time permits for singing as we play triangles, bells and rhythm sticks. We also count numbers utilizing these musical instruments. Students transition smoothly into Kindergarten with a background of basic skills that are taught here. These basic skills include identifying alphabet letters and the corresponding sounds which these letters create. Identification of numers and a sense of number quantities. Social skills are often overlooked when instructing younger students. St. Jerome School's philosophy of educating students in a setting of faith-based principles asssists with students gaining these social skills

Hospice nurse Amber VArner gives a hug to World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient Frank Banach.

Hospice of the Western Reserve helps veterans find peace at life’s end. Collinwood residents will join Americans across the country to observe Veterans Day on November 11t, a special day to salute the men and women who have bravely served our country. These fellow Americans have made sacrifices in defense of freedom. Honoring our local veterans includes supporting them throughout their entire lives.

For some veterans, however, nearing the end of life can bring anguish over past war experiences. Did you know that Hospice of the Western Reserve, our community-based hospice headquartered right here in Collinwood, is one the nation’s largest nonprofit legacy providers of care? Or that the organization has made a special commitment to those who have served in the Armed Forces?   

Over the past two years, the agency has provided care to more than 3,200 veterans throughout Northeast Ohio, including many of our friends and neighbors in the community. Its Peaceful & Proud program provides training for clinical care teams, so they can address complex issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse. Each Veterans Day, a special ceremony, complete with military Color Guard, music, refreshments and the individual "pinning" and recognition of each veteran who resides at David Simpson Hospice House and who wish to be honored, takes place.

The hospice also conducts many more such recognition ceremonies across Northeast Ohio each year, ranging from intimate gatherings involving a single hospice patient and family to large public events where a hundred or more veterans are honored. This year, more than 2,000 veterans will be honored and personally thanked in public recognition ceremonies by Hospice of the Western Reserve. Many more will be recognized privately, by the bedside.

“Northeast Ohio is home to a very large veteran population, and many vets are nearing the end of life. Some of the most important work we do is helping them find peace,” explained Bill Finn, chief executive officer. Finn said to help address these needs, volunteers who have served in the military are paired with veteran patients, providing the camaraderie of shared experiences. Counseling, storytelling, art and music therapy, and legacy work are just a few of the ways the community-based hospice helps veterans achieve the peace they seek at the end of life.

Hospice of the Western Reserve is also actively involved with We Honor Veterans, an innovative program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization offered in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The hospice is among an elite group that has achieved a “partner level four” designation from the national program, given only to hospices demonstrating the highest level of commitment to veterans.

If you or a veteran you love would like more information about the services provided by Hospice of the Western Reserve, visit hospicewr.org, or call 800.707.8922.  And remember, this Veterans Day or any day at all... It's never too late to thank a veteran!

Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15

Slovenian workman's home

15335 Waterloo Rd. 216-481-5378

entry fee $60 per team includes a sandwich and a soft drink on Saturday

teams may consist of four men, four women, or mixed teams

cash bar will be open both days

prize money for winners of each division

games will start Friday at 7 PM and Saturday at 9 AM

15335 Waterloo Rd. 216-481-5378

3 PM until 7 PM

$12 per person includes a sandwich and a soft drink

no charge for coffee

bar available

November 2 Al Battistelli

November 9 Bob Kravos

November 16 Wayne Tomsic

November 23 Don Wojtila

What a great Fall, so far. With that has come the opening of the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District.  My sincere thanks and appreciation for all the patience you have shown during these past two years of great inconvenience. However, we can all see the fruits of our labors.  With the new Waterloo Brew opening up in the historic Waterloo Slovenian Home along with other venues within the district. This has been a long time dream of mine to work with Northeast Shores Development Corporation and other stakeholders to create an eastside arts and entertainment district.  We are on our way!

Work continues on the Lakeshore Boulevard Relief Sewer.  Northeast Regional Sewer District is working hard with their contractors to finish what work they can before the weather turns bad. This is a massive project as we all can see, but one that definitely needed to be done. Stay tuned for future updates.

You have all heard the old saying that – if you don’t use it you lose it.  Please support our neighborhood businesses and venues in the neighborhood. As we reinvent our greater neighborhood, we who live here must set the tone. If you look city-wide at the neighborhoods which are coming back and repositioning themselves, it is because of believers.  I have never stopped believing in our community and our ward as a whole. Many neighborhoods in Cleveland have ceased to exist as they were because people and businesses lost hope.  Please join with me in becoming a cheerleader and a champion for the expanded new Ward 8 community. We can and will make a difference. We have proven that.

On that specific point, the number one complaint I receive into my office daily is about Building & Housing as well Health issues related to private homes and properties. In 2014, I am extremely troubled by what I see as a lack of passion and commitment coming out of the City of Cleveland’s Administration related to Building & Housing Code enforcement. There are numerous inspector positions unfulfilled and the City’s follow-up and prosecution is dismal at best.  Why.  We still cannot figure this one out.

We cannot talk about rebuilding and re-growing Cleveland from the Downtown outward. The trickle-down theory doesn’t work. It must be a true partnership and balancing act.  Neighborhoods, especially the outlying neighborhoods and wards, need special attention to combat the speculators, as well as slum and absentee landlords who have descended upon us as a result of the foreclosure crisis and subsequent unloading of bank-owned properties. I am calling upon all of our neighborhood associations and institutions to take a more proactive approach on code enforcement in their respective areas or on your block.

All housing complaints can be called into (216) 664-2007 and Health related complaints may be called into (216) 664-2300. Any group wishing to write the Mayor regarding any substandard property may do so.  Please contact my office for the proper outline and forms. Become a stakeholder.

So far, we have been lucky with the weather. However, we all know that’s going to change, real soon. Once again, continue to turn in any and all chuckholes into the Mayor’s Action Center at (216) 664-2900.  Please make sure that all streetlights are working.  Report Street lights out to (216) 621-5483. As always, you may also reach me at my office at (216) 664-4236 or via email at mpolensek@clevelandcitycouncil.org.

Wishing you all a great THANKSGIVING. We have a lot to be thankful for.

potters on their wheels
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On Thursday, December 11, 2014, Ginn Academy will hold its 2nd annual Empty Bowls fundraiser in the library media center to directly support The Cleveland Food Bank.  For a $10 donation, you can select a handmade bowl created in our art studio by a member of the Ginn Academy ceramics program—both teachers and students participate.  Your bowl will then be filled with homemade soup—this year’s offerings are broccoli & cheese, steak & potato, vegetarian minestrone, chicken tortilla, and matzo ball—you can also choose turkey chili.  Included will also be a spoon wrapped in linen, along with a slice of freshly baked bread—rustic Italian, multi-grain, or homemade cornbread.

Please come to the Ginn Academy from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to support this important event for those in need in Northeast Ohio throughout the winter months.  Last year well over $1,000 was raised from this event for The Cleveland Food Bank.  We hope to make this year’s event an even greater success.

An additional table of beautiful, handmade ceramic pieces will be hosted by Mrs. Rickel.  Anyone interested in making an additional donation to The Cleveland Food Bank can choose from a range of art pieces from $5 and up.

Helping to Feed People in Need

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and was created by The Imagine Render Group. The basic premise is simple: Potters and other craftspeople, educators and others work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. Guests are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The money raised is donated to an organization working to end hunger and food insecurity. http://www.emptybowls.net/

This fundraiser has been organized by Judy Rickel, ceramics teacher at the Ginn Academy.

Photos courtesy of Claire Lucas

We each have our own memories of THANKSGIVING DAY.  They weren’t all “over the hills and through the woods to Grandmother’s House” but I am sure they were special times with family, friends, and good food. Hopefully the traditions continue. However, do we remember to be thankful and even prayerful this day as well?

The FIRST THANKSGIVINGS were truly days of prayer and thanksgiving held by those who came to the shores of America at St Augustine (1565), Jamestown (1610), Berkley Plantation (1619) and the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1620. They were held in gratefulness for deliverance, freedoms, prosperity and bounty. The Pilgrims feasted in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest which meant their survival.

Our Thanksgiving Days in our lifetimes have come to mean food, parades, shopping and football.  We need to remember what “THANKSGIVING” really means and show our gratefulness for the blessings we enjoy as a family and as a nation. In all the day’s preparations and activities - let’s not forget to be thankful for our bounty.

On October 3, 1789 President George Washington declared a special day of public Thanksgiving and prayer for the 26th Day of November 1789 as requested by both Houses of Congress. The Proclamation reads in part that the day shall be “…observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”  It also reads that the People of these United States should devote themselves to being thankful, “in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.” Finally, the Proclamation states that we should then “unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; … and, in general to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.”

On October 3, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln, after some of the worst battles of the Civil War then raging for over 2 years and a month or so before delivering his now famous Gettysburg Address and at the urging of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving to be held in perpetuity on the same day in all of the United States.  Thus the last Thursday of November was set aside as a “Day of Thanksgiving and Praise.” The Proclamation states all the good things we had been blessed with despite being at war for which to be thankful for.  President Lincoln, therefore, made further Proclamation that, “… I recommend to them [the people] that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverance and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, command to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.”

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Hello Collinwood Neighbors! I am Danielle Dronet, a therapist in private practice. My office is located in the Collinwood Neighborhood Catholic Ministries Center, located on St. Claire, across the street from Dollar General. I accept several insurances, Medicare, and provide a sliding fee scale. My practice is available to couples, individuals, families, children, and teens. Phone calls are welcome to talk about available therapy appointments and discuss if engaging in therapy can help improve a situation. 

NSDC staff with Santa

Santa is coming to North Collinwood for a special breakfast with the kids. What would Christmas be like without photos with the jolly guy in red, a chance for kids to tell him their number one wish and presents they are hoping for? Come join us for breakfast with Santa on December 13, 2014 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. Photo ops and fun activities are included with a $5 dollar ticket purchase.

Construction at Brick

New windows, roof, and siding OH MY! Things are jamming over at Brick Ceramic & Design Studio and Bright Coffee Bar! Exterior work is estimated to be completed before we ring in the new year and Brick should be open for business in early 2015! Yahoo!! 

Northeast Shores wants to know what you think. What are your impressions of Collinwood? What have been our big successes, and what do we still need to address? Stop by the Northeast Shores office (317 East 156th Street) or visit our Facebook page to share your thoughts and your vision using our online survey. It won't take you long, and the feedback you provide will be a huge help to us in prioritizing our revitalization strategy! Complete the survey and you may win a $25 gift certificate! Questions? Call 216-481-7660.

Costume contest winner, ages 0-5
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The sky was gray and the wind was blowing, but that didn’t stop the families of Collinwood from dressing up in costumes and coming out for Halloween on WaterBOO! Originally the activities were going to be held outside, but the old bank building proved to be a great location for the event headquarters.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Waterloo if there weren’t a whole lot of arts and crafts. Down the street, artists of all ages participated in pumpkin painting and decorating with beach trash. Yes, beach trash! There were large pumpkins and small pumpkins. The small pumpkins were entered into a contest; the winners are now on display in the Phone Gallery located on Waterloo Road. The children did potato printing on their trick-or-treat bags, and then strolled down Waterloo to the many businesses that were passing out candy. There were also a variety of games, including double dutch, bean bag toss, and a scavenger hunt.

Special thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and resources to make this event a hit!

Pat McDonald, Director of the Board of Elections

It is now easier than ever to return your Vote by Mail ballot for the November 4th General Election if you prefer to drop it off at the Board of Elections.  There is a new drive through ballot drop box.  The drop box makes voting more accessible and convenient when returning voted ballots.  It eliminates the need to find a place to park and walk to the building in inclement weather.

“The secure drive through ballot drop box allows voters to deposit ballots at their convenience, any time, day or night.  The ballot drop box was designed specifically for ballots and is monitored 24/7 by video surveillance, as well as checked and cleared out several times a day,” said McDonald.

The box is located in the Board of Elections rear parking lot and is available to accept ballots, ballot applications, and voter registration cards. 

The Board of Elections is located at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

Vintage Thanksgiving Autumn styling Photo by Joseph Miheli Styling Susan M. Brandt
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Beachland Hair Design will be hosting their annual Holiday Open House on November 29, 2014 from 10 am till 5pm. Please feel free to stop in for snacks and refreshments. 

Beachland Hair Design has been having the annual open house for 5 years. Every year we host a food drive benefiting The Cleveland Food Bank, along with monetary donations as well. This year, as well as past years , Beachland Hair Designs Open House coincides with the Shop Small Shop Local, which we have had much success with.

Besides supporting a local business, you can win a chance at a free haircut for a year, a vinatge photo session complete with hair, makeup and styling(see pics). numerous gift baskets, and many more surprises during the day!

Save the date November 29, 2014 10:0 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Beachland Hair Design open house benifiting The Cleveland Food Bank

18324 Lakeshore Blvd. 

Cleveland Ohio 44119

We wish all our friends and neighbors the best for a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

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The First grade students at St. Jerome School got to learn first-hand the life cycle of a Monarch Butterfly. The children, being as inquisitive as they are found the caterpillars while playing outside at recess. The students were so excited about their discovery we decided to make our classroom their home. The first graders put the caterpillars in a butterfly net along with some milkweed, and over the course of a two week span watched the caterpillars form into the chrysalis stage. At the chrysalis stage the caterpillar spins a silk pad onto a horizontal substrate. It will then hang from that pad by the last pair of prolegs upside down. The caterpillar will shed its skin and begin to undergo a beautiful transformation called metamorphosis. The students were able to witness this stage along with witnessing the butterfly emerge after about a two week span. Also during this period, the children documented their observations until it was time to release the butterflies into their natural habitat. The students truly had a hands on experience seeing first-hand the life cycle of a monarch butterfly.

Aspinwall Church of God

Pastor Jon Walden - 14627 Aspinwall

Beachland Presbyterian Church

Pastor David Starke - 18100 Canterbury

Beulah Baptist Church

Pastor Dr A. E. Williams - 14918 Cardinal

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Everyone needs faith in someone or something. Finding faith again in something after my husband’s sudden death, took great courage, but once I did I have been able to accomplish things I never thought possible before and have met some quite interesting people along the way.

If you are a faith-based organization in Collinwood then meet the Collinwood Area Pastoral Association. This is a new co-operation of Collinwood neighborhood religious groups, who are coming together to work for (and with) our Collinwood community, brought together by Councilman Polensek, who saw not just a need, but another way to work for the good of Collinwood.

Many of them you will know - and many you may not be so familiar with - but we are uniting to work together, for the betterment of our Collinwood neighborhood. All faiths are welcome to be part of this group; we very much want to not only welcome everyone, but we want to reflect the diversity of our religious beliefs, that so very much reflect Collinwood's cultural diversity and history.

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Join Euclid Beach Adopt-a-Beach(TM) Team volunteers on Saturday, November 15th 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for our second annual street cleanup. Why a street cleanup and not a beach cleanup? Unfortunately, street litter accounts for the primary source of the trash that we collect after it has washed up on our beaches. Every time 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 storm water and watersheds and how you can make a difference at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Storm water education page: http://www.neorsd.org/stormwater-watersheds.php. 

Volunteers will meet outside the Collinwood Recreation Center (16300 Lakeshore Blvd.) in the parking lot at 10:00 a.m. for registration. Cleanup teams will pick up litter along Lakeshore Boulevard between Wildwood Park 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.  Following the cleanup, we will have pizza inside the rec center.

Questions about participating in the cleanup, contact Stephen Love at 216-571-0685, adopt.euclidbeach@gmail.com or on facebook.com/adopteuclidbeach

Hope to see you out on the street!

Did you know that grass and leaves can harm our creeks and streams? Few, if any, property owners think it’s acceptable to dump tires, machine parts, plastics and other unnatural trash into our waterways. But many still believe it is okay to deposit organic material like leaves and grass onto a stream bank, in a storm drain, or into the stream itself.

Well, when it comes to stream dumping, even organic doesn’t “cut it.”

Many leaves will naturally fall into the water, but as homeowners, we should be mindful not to upset nature’s balance. Leaves, grass clippings and pet waste should never be dumped in or even next to a creek, ditch or pond.

Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, pet droppings, etc.) is the 2nd largest category of all discarded trash. When these materials are put into the stream, they begin to decompose and use up the critical, life-giving oxygen in the water. As a result these streams can become unsightly and release a foul odor. Yard waste can also ‘super-fertilize’ streams and lakes and can lead to algae blooms and fish kills. Furthermore, this excess debris can obstruct flow and clog downstream culverts, leading to localized flooding and erosion problems. 

Yard waste should be composted, or set out with the trash according to your community’s yard waste pick-up guidelines. Pet waste should always be bagged and placed in the trash. You can further protect our local waterways by leaving an unmowed buffer strip next to any creek on your property and by planting trees and shrubs on and next to stream banks. This streamside setback helps to filter pollutants from runoff and to protect the streambank from erosion.  

You can learn more by calling Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District (216-524-6580) and requesting a free copy of Life at the Water’s Edge: Living in Harmony with Your Backyard Stream.

Remember – clean water starts with you!