Campus District Observer

David Jolley: Memories of Cedar-Central

Nick Downer — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

David Jolley, Cedar-Central resident. Photo by Nick Downer.

Sparrows were building their nests in the eaves, their chirping filling the air, as David Jolley and I settled into our folding metal chairs in an upper room of the Central Rec Center on a sunny Tuesday morning.

Jolley, a composed, friendly man in his seventies, wearing a striped shirt and Indians ball cap, began to talk about his life and Central as he remembered it. Born in Georgia, Jolley moved with his parents to Cleveland in 1944, where they initially lived close to 75th and Kinsman before moving to East 19th street off of Woodland.

Although “Everybody went to East Tech,” Jolley attended Thomas Edison on 71st and Hough, and later Central High School. Jolley has fond memories of how the western part of the Central neighborhood used to be before redevelopment, remembering the residential streets and neighborhood attractions, some of them now vanished - like the East Side Market. Located where the Indians stadium is now, “you could buy just about anything you wanted” in the area. The neighborhood also boasted an open-air market between East 19th and 20th on Woodland Avenue, where Jolley worked Friday and Saturday nights from “5 o’clock in the morning to 10 or 12 at night.”

Letter from the Executive Director

Bobbi Reichtell — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:01:52 EDT

Dear Friends of the Campus District,

It’s an exciting time for the Campus District, Inc. (CDI) organization. The Board of Directors of CDI is embarking on an update to its strategic plan starting this month and going through September. We’ll be identifying our top priorities for advancing the District and leveraging its many assets.

The Board and I are committed to learning from other organizations in Cleveland and other nearby cities about how to build on the strength of our “eds and meds” anchor institutions to revitalize the entire district. Our first learning experience was in Detroit where we met with staff and leaders of Midtown Detroit, Inc. We saw their impressive work of the past 25 years in real estate development, marketing and events, beautification, business support and attraction and safety.

We learned about their new employment and “live local” initiatives in collaboration with the anchor institutions of Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit Medical Center and the College for Creative Studies. In Cleveland we look forward to learning from University Circle, Inc. and the Greater University Circle Initiative. We’ll share this information with you and keep you updated on our strategic planning work.

The Campus International School: Building an Educational Institution from the Ground Up

Kristina Biro — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Campus District Intern Kristina Biro intevriews CIS Principal Julie Beers. Photo by Nick Downer.

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To say that the Campus International School (CIS) is a unique schooling environment would truly be an understatement. Upon entering the school, I could tell there was something special about it. The building was filled with music and artwork; the atmosphere was lively and welcoming.

Julie Beers, principal of the CIS, was formerly the principal of Nobel Elementary in Cleveland Heights. When she was approached with the opportunity to work in conjunction with CSU and share her vision for the school, she could not turn the position down. What Beers enjoys most about her position is observing the academic and emotional growth of CIS students and watching them become leaders.

Langston Apartment Project set for Completion in August

Donna Dieball — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Langston tenant Gabe Stokes with Senior Property Manager Adam Martin. Photo by Donna Dieball.

Located at the corner of East 23rd Street and Chester Avenue on the CSU campus, The Langston brings new energy and vitality to the Campus District. Many see the new apartment complex as a catalyst for further investment in the neighborhood’s vibrancy and redevelopment.

The first phase of the development, which included 100 apartment units, was completed this past fall. All 318 residential apartments and amenities – including a fitness center, tanning salon, media room and cyber café – will be finished and open at the Langston by August 1.

Langston officials are excited for the completion of their project and for tenants to enjoy the high-quality amenities that are offered. Units are equipped with hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and a washer and dryer set.

2013 National Senior Games Coming to the Campus District this July

Jayme Miller — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Looking for something exciting to do this summer in Cleveland? Don’t miss out on the excitement of the 2013 National Senior Games, the single largest visitor event in Cleveland in decades.

The 2013 National Senior Games will welcome 10,000 athletes ages 50 and over from across the United States to participate in 19 medal-contending sports. Competitions are slated for July 19 through August 1 and will take place in various venues across Northeast Ohio, including the brand new Cleveland Convention Center, Cleveland Public Hall and Cleveland State University.

All 2013 National Senior Games events and competitions are free and open to the public. Join athletes and the Cleveland community on July 19 at the Opening Festival on Mall ‘B’ downtown for an evening of games, food trucks, a beer garden, live music, fireworks and more. The Flame Arrival Ceremony sponsored by AstraZeneca will begin at 8 p.m. that evening and feature the lighting of the National Senior Games Cauldron.

Lakefront Parks Survey: Take a moment to share your thoughts.

Campus District Staff — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:51 EDT

Officials from the Cleveland Metroparks are seeking your input on how to make the Lakefront Parks (Edgewater Park, Gordon Park, Euclid Beach, and Villa Angela/Wildwood) the best they can be.

Please help by taking ten minutes of your time to share your valuable opinion. Go to http://svy.mk/YVFEK1 to participate. Thanks!

"Scenes N' Cedar-Central" - Our Neighborhood's Past Brought to Life

Nick Downer — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Audience members wait for "Scenes N' Cedar-Central" to begin.

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On a raw April evening, as a cold wind sent plastic bags scudding across city streets and with the constant threat of rain from menacing grey clouds, about 50 people squeezed into a well-lit upper room of the Cedar Recreation Center, better known as the Bath House, to see the one-night-only production of “Scenes N’ Cedar-Central."

Written and directed by Cornell Calhoun III - an accomplished playwright, East Tech graduate, and long-time Cleveland resident - the plot revolves around the East 43rd street of a past generation. Divided into two acts and performed by a talented cast of Central residents, the play took a realistic look at the time period, describing the joys of block parties, dances with Smokey Robinson playing in the background, and the delicious foods made on holidays.

CSU is really "Putting On A Show!"

Dan Morgan — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:51 EDT

A portion of the Merit Scholarship Exhibition. In center, Ryan Upp's "Our Eden's a Failure." Photo by Dan Morgan.

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Cleveland State University has been redeveloping its Downtown Cleveland campus for several years now. The process has demolished some older buildings and spurred the construction of new buildings. This story focuses on the realignment of the Art Department and Galleries at Cleveland State, shifting the "spotlight" to Playhouse Square on the western fringe of the Campus District.

The Galleries at CSU at 1307 Euclid Avenue, in the Cowell and Hubbard Building, opened in September of 2012, after moving CSU art classrooms into the nearby, newly renovated Middough Building in January. CSU is also playing a leading role in the newly reopened Allen Theater on Playhouse Square.

Robert Thurmer, The Galleries at CSU's director, also teaches at Cleveland State University.

Spotlight on Emerging Young Photographers at the Cleveland Print Room

Shari Wilkins — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Photography Students from Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland State University, Kent State University, and Tri-C will be exhibiting their work from May 17 through June 30 at the Cleveland Print Room (CPR). The CPR is a community darkroom, education center, studio workspace and gallery that opened in the ArtCraft Building in downtown Cleveland this past January.

The Cleveland Print Room is spotlighting some of Northeast Ohio's outstanding student work at the startup nonprofit's latest exhibition, SPOTLIGHT: EMERGING PHOTOGRAPHERS.

With nearly two dozen photographers represented, the showcased work focuses on the ascending young photographic talent coming from Tri-C, Kent State University, Cleveland State University, and Cleveland Institute of Art. SPOTLIGHT furthers CPR’s goal of highlighting dynamic new photographic work coming from the rich artistic environment of Northeast Ohio’s educational institutions.

New Exhibition at the Morgan Conservatory

Mason Milani — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Asparagus, Woodcut by Andrij Maday

The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of its latest art exhibition, Woodcuts & Drawings: works on paper and their process by local artist Andrij Maday. The exhibit is running now through June 4.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Andrij Maday is a graduate of The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He is the recipient of 12 awards for woodcuts and drawings, and currently is an instructor at the Virginia Marti College in Lakewood. Maday specializes in hand-carved woodcuts, drawings, traditionally executed icons and site-specific murals.

This exhibition of recent woodcuts and drawings showcases the artist's passion as an instructor. Displayed with each printed woodcut are corresponding woodblocks in which the designs are carved in reverse. These blocks, in addition to displays of carving tools and mock-printing sessions, invite the viewer not only into the intricacies of his designs, but into his process as well. He often uses salvaged materials such as pine board cut-offs for woodblock printing in an effort to use the material which is most available around him.

St. Vincent Wellness Fair: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

Lauren Wilk — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

As a part of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center’s continued community outreach efforts, the medical center hosted a Wellness Fair at the Tri-C Metro campus gymnasium on April 13. The goal of the event was to actively engage community members in a healthy lifestyle.

The Wellness Fair, held in collaboration with the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland’s Healthy Family Fun Day, provided the community with fun and interactive health information and wellness screenings. In partnership with a host of community organizations, the Wellness Fair was able to offer attendees a fun-filled, educational afternoon. The event offered attendees health and wellness screenings, a variety of talks led by the doctors at St. Vincent Charity, healthy snacks and games and activities for children.

A variety of partners that ranged from health, education, public safety and community civic organizations came together for the afternoon. The event was supported through a grant from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland.

“Caring for the community is a part of the mission of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center,” said Wendy Hoke, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. “The Wellness Fair was a great way for us to engage the Central community in becoming actively involved in their overall health.”

Promise and Parade the Circle

Joan Mazzolini — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

For more than 20 years, the Cleveland Museum of Art has been hosting Parade the Circle, a free signature summer event that brings University Circle alive with music and art.

Artists from around the world join Greater Cleveland artists, families, schools and others in a spectacular display of bright costumes, giant puppets, stilt-dancers, handmade masks and colorful floats.

This year, the Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood is an outreach site for the Parade and will provide an opportunity for students, residents and partners to take part in the event! To find out more about the parade go to: http://www.clevelandart.org/events/special-events/parade-the-circle/about.

It’s a big commitment for this spectacular event. An artist from the Cleveland Museum of Art will work with participants - there will be parade workshops at the schools and two community workshops at the Friendly Inn.

"We are delighted to be selected as one of the art museum's community sites for this year's parade and hope that this is only the beginning of our partnership," said Sonya Pryor-Jones, Promise Neighborhood director.

Pizza Hut First Retailer to Sign at The Langston

Tim Coxey — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Photo by Donna Dieball.

America’s favorite pizza is coming to Cleveland’s newest mixed-use development, The Langston at Cleveland State University. Buckingham Companies and Polaris Real Estate Equities have signed Pizza Hut as their first restaurant tenant, which will occupy 1,094 square feet of retail space in the development. The new restaurant will be located at 2211 Chester Ave, Suite B.

The new store, a carry-out and delivery concept, will serve signature Pizza Hut menu items, pasta and its specialty Wing Street chicken and wings entrees. The store plans to open in August 2013.

Pizza Hut, "America's Favorite Pizza," delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what's new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

“Pizza Hut is the perfect match for The Langston,” said Denise Kouril, director of commercial real estate for Buckingham Companies. “It’s a highly regarded and well-known dining option that will be embraced by residents, students and working professionals in the area, and we can’t wait for its opening.”

Neighborhood Leadership Development Program - Citizens changing Cleveland together

Donna Dieball — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

KC Petraitis, a recent graduate of the NLDP. Photo provided by Sandra Kluk.

Are you a Cleveland area resident interested in taking an active role in developing your city? Would you like to benefit from skill-enhancing sessions led by dedicated experts in local neighborhood development? The Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP) has been helping passionate and driven Clevelanders achieve their goals for the past five years.

Established in 2006 by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation with the goal of expanding our city’s leadership capacity, the NLDP has already helped many individuals make a significant impact on Cleveland neighborhoods. So far, the program has graduated 84 leaders who continue to make contributions to Cleveland; 18 more will graduate this spring.

The NLDP is open to anyone aspiring to be a leader, regardless of race, class, gender or level of education. Acceptance into the program is competitive: a maximum of 20 participants are accepted each year following an application process and an in-person interview.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must be prepared to move forward with an existing project or idea that focuses on improving a particular neighborhood or community.

Accepted participants benefit from a variety of skill-building resources and become equipped with the tools to build strong communities. The program includes 14 leadership training sessions, individual coaching, and exposure to knowledgeable curriculum presenters. You can gain experience developing strategic plans, identifying your personal leadership style, building a professional network and applying your knowledge to real life community situations.

What We Love in the District - Tasiana Stigall

Donna Dieball — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Photo provided by Tasiana Stigall.

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Tasiana Stigall

Her favorite place in the district: Everything! But she particularly likes CSU’s Mather Mansion.

A “hidden gem” more people should know about: She feels the whole district is a hidden gem because of the recent investments taking it in a new direction.

One new thing she would add to the district: A place for students to hang out at after classes where they can eat, listen to local artists play, listen to poetry and relax.

Tasiana is an Urban Studies major at CSU with a focus on urban planning. She lives on campus and feels one of the best benefits of resident life is the opportunity to form great relationships with people all over campus.
Tasiana works for the Construction Employers Association. She gets to work closely with contractors of all trades and sizes. She says that working for CEA has enhanced her knowledge of building industry needs and helped her recognize the importance of the labor industry as a growing workforce.
After college, she plans to work for a construction or neighborhood development company to help improve business methods and ensure quality planning.
More than anything, Tasiana loves meeting new people and making others happy. She goes through life trying to make others smile.

What We Love in the District - Stephanie Sparks

Donna Dieball — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Stephanie poses with her dog, Ginger.

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Stephanie Sparks

Her favorite place in the district: A quiet bench behind CSU’s Science and Research Building.

A “hidden gem” in the district more people should know about: Norton Furniture at East 21st and Payne.

One new thing she’d add to the district: A roller-skating rink.

Stephanie is an Honors student at Cleveland State, triple-majoring in English, Sociology and Criminology and is excited about graduating this month. She lives in the district at 1900 Euclid Lofts and loves being so close to CSU.
Stephanie is a Success Coach at CSU’s Tutoring and Academic Success Center. She’s also a retail associate at Macy’s.
Outside of school and work, Stephanie loves reading and exercising. She also loves to roller-skate, particularly at Brookpark Skateland in Parma. Her favorite time to go is during “Retro Night,” when a wide variety of Michael Jackson songs are played.
Stephanie loves dogs and is the happy owner of two beagles, Penny and Ginger.

What We Love in the District - Fouad Yared

Donna Dieball — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Fouad shows his enthusiasm for CSU.

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Fouad Yared

His favorite place in the Campus District: The Law Library at Cleveland State.

A “hidden gem” in the district more people should know about: Bon Appétit near East 21st and Euclid Avenue.

One new thing he would add to the district: A microbrewery.

Fouad is a graduate student at CSU’s Levin College focusing on economic development. He works as a graduate assistant, teaching classes in Urban Affairs. He also collects survey data for Legal Aid, a company that provides legal council to low-income people. He finds both jobs very rewarding.
Fouad is passionate about films and hosts film screenings at the Levin College on a regular basis. He also loves Russian Literature – The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is one of his favorites.
Fun fact about his family: His parents met in Damascus, Syria and got married after only one date! They’ve been married now for 25 years.
Throughout the rest of his life, Fouad hopes to be able to change stigmas in society.

What We Love in the District - Mansoor Khan and Sarah Knight

Donna Dieball — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Mansoor and Sarah enjoy lunch at a Campus District Subway restaurant.

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Mansoor Khan and Sarah Knight

Mansoor and Sarah both attend Cleveland State. They’ve been friends for almost two years.

Mansoor’s favorite place in the Campus District: The 1900 Euclid Convenience Store.

A “hidden gem” in the district more people should know about: The view from an eighth story window in CSU’s Rhodes Tower.

One new thing he’d add to the district: A Taco Bell.

Mansoor is a Chemical Engineering major at Cleveland State. For the past several semesters, he’s had a co-op position at Swagelok.
Mansoor enjoys reading and is president of a book club at CSU. Some of his favorite books are Game of Thrones and The Great Gatsby. He also spends much of his spare time playing video games and football.
He hopes to someday attain a job that equips him with a personal assistant.
Fun fact about Mansoor: He’s never shaved his face!

Sarah’s favorite place near the district: The Starbucks at East 14th Street – the people are always friendly!

A “hidden gem” in the district more people should know about: A quiet garden area outside of the CSU Law Building.

One new thing she would add to the district: A place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.

Sarah is a Health Sciences major at CSU focusing on pre-occupational therapy. She volunteers as an occupational therapy assistant at Southwest Lifeworks. She’s also worked in produce at Marc’s for the past three years.
Sarah loves CSU because it’s a short commute from home and also because of the great professors she’s had.
In her spare time, Sarah likes playing video games and training her dog, Sophie.

What We Love in the District - Aaron Reese

Donna Dieball — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:50 EDT

Aaron Reese (right) with fellow officer and mentor Frank Sanchez, taken a day before Sanchez's retirement. Photo provided by Aaron Reese.

Aaron Reese

His favorite places near the Campus District: Playhouse Square and Number One Pho at East 31nd and Superior.

A “hidden gem” in the district that more people should know about: The many artist galleries and work spaces in the Superior Arts Quarter.

One new thing he would add to the district: More parks and green spaces.

Aaron Reese is a police officer for the Third District Community Service Unit in Cleveland. He works from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. patrolling various neighborhoods within the 3rd district, which extends from the river in the flats to Little Italy and includes the Campus District. Aaron is passionate about ensuring the safety and quality of life of Clevelanders.
Aaron has been a police officer for 17 years. He began as a dispatcher at age 17. He commends both Commander Stevens and Chief McGrath of the Cleveland Police Force for their constant dedication to guarding the safety of our city’s citizens and businesses.
Aaron is active in the Cleveland Police Athletic League, a group that tutors, coaches and mentors Cleveland youth.
Outside of work, Aaron enjoys patronizing downtown restaurants and entertainment venues. He loves spending time with his wife and eight-year-old son.

Student essay: You know my name, not my story�

Sherrell Adams — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:16:51 EDT

Sherrell Adams, an 8th grader at Carl & Louis Stokes Central Academy, stands with Assistant Principal Kamilah Williams. Sherrell is receiving a $1,000 college scholarship, sponsored by the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, from the Carson Scholar’s Award. Photo provided by Joan Mazzolini.

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Wow! Where can I begin? I mean, there have been tons of times I’ve had a problem that I had to overcome. But there is only one time, one DISATEROUS time, that I remember the most.

It was a spring night in 2009 - May 29 - when the problem began. I remember this night as if it were yesterday. Shynnelle and I were lying in bed, getting ready to go to sleep so we could get started with our next day, when our mother walks into the room and says…

“Hey you guys turn on the television and turn to the news!“ My sister and I were confused. Why did she want us to turn to the news? What was going on? My sister Shynnelle immediately turned the TV on and turned to the news. She didn’t like the horrid look on my mother’s face. We just watched, afraid of what was going to happen next. My mother had a worried look on her face.

She turned the TV off and looked into our eyes and held our arms and said as clear as day, “That might be you guys’ father.”

We looked at her with a confused look on our face. What is she talking about?

“Huh?” was all we said.

“Well, the news reporter stated that a man was gunned down on Buckeye Road and your father lives near Buckeye Road. All I’m saying is, this could be Thomas,” she answered.

“That’s not our dad. We know that’s not our dad. It can’t be,” Shynnelle said.