The Collinwood Observer

Convince the Sewer District to green Lakeshore Blvd, May 10

Nan Kennedy — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:42:04 EDT

DO Save this date: Thursday May 10 for The Green Initiative on Lakeshore – A Neighborhood Meeting.Be at the Rec Center at 6 pm on Thursday May 10 to help convince NEORSD that Lakeshore Blvd is a natural for one of their Green Initiative remakes – the Rec Center itself, with its reused building materials, swale gardens and plantings, is as green as Kermit, and right across the road is one of the area’s prize green spaces, in the park. Greening Lakeshore Blvd will tie the whole thing together and revitalize that stretch of the neighborhood. (I pause to swear that revitalize, excited and passionate are words I very, very rarely use.) NEORSD has us on their list – along with others. Come and persuade them!

ODOT agrees to replace I-90 noise walls

Councilman Mike Polensek — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:27:45 EDT

I am pleased to announce that after a great deal of discussions and negotiations the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has agreed to replace the deteriorated and failing existing I-90 noise walls between East 140th Street and East 185th Street, both north and south sides. This is great news for the community and I wish to personally thank ODOT District 12 Deputy Director, Mr. Myron Pakush, for his commitment to our community. He saw firsthand how bad the existing walls have become and agreed that they needed to be replaced. The project is set to go out to bid in June with construction to begin later this year with completion scheduled for late summer 2013. This is another example of the fact that when we as a community join together we can and will make a difference whether it be local or dealing with the State.

Open Mic gives Collinwood High School students a voice

Shanita Horton — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:39:45 EDT

Students from Ms. Horton's Collinwood High School English class, read poetry for National Poetry Month.

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On Friday, April 20, 2012, selected students from Collinwood High School participated in the first collaborative Open Mic Friday at the Cleveland Public Library’s Collinwood branch, in Celebration of National Poetry Month.

In the tradition of Nikki Grime’s Bronx Masquerade (a young adult novel about a group of students whose stereotypical views are challenged and changed through poetry), students read original lyric, narrative, haiku, I Am, and love poems. The agenda included remarks by branch manager Ms. Jeffries, young adult librarian, Ms. Peak, and Collinwood Teaching Professions Academy principal, Mrs. Brown. Sophomore Anthony Jackson served as the master of ceremonies.

Open Mic presented the perfect chance for the students of Collinwood High School to showcase their poetic abilities. “I enjoyed it,“ said sophomore, Imani Hudson, who participated by reading her own original poetry. “I got a change to see the talents of my fellow peers, and the staff was nice to us." As in Grime’s novel, sophomore L’Dejah Orr found that some of her classmates were more than meets the eye. “Open Mic shows a different side of people. Some people try to act tough, but they’re really not.”

Ms. Peak organized the event in collaboration with me, I am Shanita Horton, Collinwood High School English Teacher. Horton. My classes have all read Bronx Masquerade and were excited to have an Open Mic of their own. Ms. Peak saw this as an opportunity to work with students from Collinwood. "It was a pleasure partnering with Collinwood High School students and teachers to celebrate National Poetry Month while sharing library resources. The self-expression through poetry by the students was very inspiring and I look forward to doing it again next year!"

Shanita Horton is a mother of four, teaches at Collinwood High School and loves to read classic literature.

Cleveland Metroparks wants to hear from YOU on May 22nd

Councilman Mike Polensek — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:37:38 EDT

For more than two years, Cleveland Metroparks has been working on Cleveland Metroparks 2020: The Emerald Necklace Centennial Plan to outline the future of the Park District. Many of the topics were brought to the Park’s attention by you, the enthusiastic users of Cleveland Metroparks.

We invite you to attend an Open House to have your say about the future of Cleveland Metroparks

May 22, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Collinwood Recreation Center

16300 Lake Shore Boulevard

Topics concerning Cleveland Metroparks’ Euclid Creek and North Chagrin Reservations and the Park District’s lakefront initiatives will be displayed in an open house format at the Recreation Center. Drop by any time between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. to learn and comment on the Park District’s plans, which are designed to make Cleveland an even better place to live. We will have maps and written materials for you to review and staff will be present to answer your questions.

I look forward to seeing you at this open house. If there are any further questions regarding this please feel free to call. I may be reached at my office at (216) 664-4236.

Record Store Day another great success

Melanie Hershberger — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:29:53 EDT

After waiting in line outside MUSIC SAVES for up to 3 hours, happy customers shopped the array of limited, exclusive Record Store Day releases in the store. Photo by Cari Thornton.

I'd like to buy a vowel

Erin Randel — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:38:23 EDT

NT A FITTNG WLCME photo by Erin Randel

At the April meeting of the Northeast Shores marketing committee, residents and business owners in attendance pressed the agency to act upon a request to order a new set of moveable letters for the LaSalle Theater's marquee. NSDC, whose mission is to develop a better neighborhood “for everyone to live, work and visit,” owns the building and has been marketing it as a brewpub/entertainment venue for more than 18 months.

If everyone who has cringed with embarrassment at the marquee’s so-called welcome sends a dollar to Northeast Shores to help defray this $400 purchase, Executive Director Brian Friedman will be well on his way to the Bonus Round. Contributions can be sent to 317 E. 156th Street, Cleveland, 44110, Attn: AEIOU.

"Alive on East 185" Family-friendly parade and sidewalk sale

Denise Lorek — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:36:09 EDT

On May 19, the E. 185th Street community will be hosting “Alive on East 185,” a family-friendly event featuring a parade beginning at 11:00 AM and a sidewalk sale/party immediately following, until 5 PM. There is no admission charge, and all are welcome to attend!

The parade will begin at Villaview and East 185th (near Muldoon’s Saloon & Eatery) and will continue down E. 185th until it reaches Lakeshore Boulevard. The parade is scheduled to begin at 11AM. This year US Representative Marcia Fudge will be our parade Marshal!

Once the parade has ended, local merchants will set up a street-wide sidewalk sale/party, allowing everyone to enjoy what E. 185th St. has to offer. Alongside the merchants will be local groups and organizations providing information about their many activities and programs. There will also be an Inflatables area set up for the children to enjoy free of charge.

Please mark your calendar for May 19th, at 11AM to join us for this streetwide Celebration of the Community!

If your group or organization would like to participate in the parade or sidewalk party, there is still time to sign up. Please contact Denise Lorek at Northeast Shores Development:216-481-7660, dlorek@northeastshores.org.

Replace your roof with a 0% loan up to $10,000-- No matter how much you make

Charlie Kamen — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:32:31 EDT

Need help replacing your old, battered roof? Do you live in the 44119 zip code? Are you are up-to-date with your current mortgage, tax payments and your home is owner-occupied? Then you may qualify for the 0% Loan offered by Neighborhood Housing Services in partnership with Northeast Shores. This program has no income qualifications. The loan amount is a maximum of $10,000 for roof and gutter repairs. There are NO PAYMENTS DUE upon the loan until sale or transfer of the property. To enroll into the program, income documentation and application is required though it will not disqualify you in any means from the loan.

Again, while this is a loan program, you will not have any payments until you SELL OR TRANSFER your home. This program is designed to help us all through these tough economic times, not to create more debt while we wade our way through these very real issues.

You may have previously self-determined that you don’t qualify for other Northeast Shores housing programs, but it is critical to note that this initiative does not operate under the same economic guidelines.

I'm here in our office and excited to help you get the ball rolling on getting your new roof! Once you discuss your needs with me, I will guide you through applying and the documentation that is needed. I can be reached at (216) 481-7660 or via email at ckamen@northeastshores.org.

Nan's Notes for May

Nan Kennedy — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:23:39 EDT

ALL-STAR BASKETBALL Sat May 5 Starting at noon, the best teams from the city’s rec centers will be fighting it out at the Rec Center, and the Advisory Board will be selling water, hot dogs, drinks and chips. May the best team win, and may the concessions make lots of money to turn over to the center’s management – which needs it, because the city refuses to charge admission, even to suburbanites.

BIKEATHON Sat May 5 The tour starts at Gordon Park, E72nd St, south of the Shoreway; registration is 7:30-9 am, start time is 9:30. Riders wind up at about 12 pm at Humphrey Sports Complex Pavilion, 16400 Grovewood, where the fun goes on till 2 pm: music, entertainment, raffle, PlayStation 3, bikes, gift cards, Indians tickets. And more hot dogs. Collinwood Recreation Center 16300 Lakeshore Blvd, 420-8323; Monday-Friday, 7 am–7 pm.

MOTHERS’ DAY AT THE LIBRARY Thur May 10 Join Caroline Peak at the Collinwood branch for "Thank You Mom": A Mother's Day Commemoration. Mothers and mother figures are special -- create a memorable craft, piece of jewelry or keepsake to show them you care. Collinwood Library 856 E152 St. 216-623-6934. Mon, Tue,Thur 10am–7 pm; Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-6pm; www.cpl.org

MAY AT THE GOLDEN AGE CENTER Flea Market, Fri & Sat May 4 and 5 Tables are $15 for both days, so if you’re clearing winter clutter – the gifts you didn’t really want, the clothes that no longer fit because you kept your New Year resolution to lose weight -- here’s the place to find a home for it. Spaghetti Dinner Tues May 29 For only $8 you’ll get both a spaghetti dinner (at 6 pm) and a FREE Concert by the Hillcrest Band at 7:30. Paul W Alandt GAC, 16600 Lakeshore Blvd., (216) 481-0631

AT THE MARKET Francis has asparagus, spinach, lettuce, mushrooms as well as carrots and sweet potatoes and turnips – aparagus make a welcome change from delicious roasted root veg, round about now. He also has fat and healthy veggie plants: collards, broccoli, celery and such, also onion starts. Redozo Farm is back with heirloom tomato seedlings. Gloria has dandelion greens (don’t knock ‘em!) from the Farm across the road.

BTW: Many people don't know you can buy food-bearing plants and seeds with your Ohio Direction Card. What better way to feed yourself and your family than growing it yourself? And starting May 2, EBT/SNAP recipients will have their purchases matched up to $10 – so if you use those funds to buy veggie plants, you essentially get free food all season long. And -- if you use your Ohio Direction Card every time the market is open each month, you will get $80-$90 in free food to help your family eat better. I believe that’s called win-win. Coit Road Farmers’ Market Coit Road Farmer's Market is located at the corner of Coit & Woodworth Road in East Cleveland. www.coitmarket. org. Open year-round Saturday 8 am to 1 pm; April-November Wednesdays 10 am – 1 pm. 216-249-5455 during market hours.

Northeast Shores announces Cleveland Arsenal Award Winners

Seth Beattie — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:21:42 EDT

Northeast Shores is pleased to announce the 2012 winners of the Cleveland Arsenal award designed to honor the achievements of individuals who share their love of Cleveland on a grassroots level:singing the praises of our city’s unique neighborhoods, including North Shore Collinwood. These individuals are actively changing people’s minds about Cleveland’s future.

The program is part of the Artists in Residence initiative, a 2-year effort to make North Shore Collinwood an even better neighborhood for artists to live and work, organized by Northeast Shores and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture.

The 2012 winners are:

Sam Allard is a journalist and fiction writer from the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. He is the editor of Whiskey Island literary magazine and a book critic for the Plain Dealer. He loves Cleveland for its culture and courtesy, its spunk and pluck, the small-town aromas and big-city sports. He is a fan of the city’s microbrews, gardens and artists.

Daniel Brown is a Cleveland native and recent graduate of DePaul University in Chicago. He is currently participating in a year of service at Saint Martin de Porres High School in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. Daniel loves Cleveland for its vast potential, its neighborhoods and its never-say-die mentality.

Valerie Mayen is a fashion designer, David Bowie advocate and a shop owner. She has lived in Cleveland for nearly 11 years. While running her locally-made clothing store Yellowcake in the Gordon Square Arts District, Valerie also heads a budding internship program and a developing sewing workspace for other designers.

Changing perceptions and reinventing South Collinwood

Dennis Freeman — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:19:20 EDT

Much is going on in the city, in regards to new development and reinvestment. Most notably in areas such as Collinwood's own Waterloo neighborhood, University Circle, downtown, and quite a few west side areas. Optimism is seemingly climbing and respectability is returning to many different neighborhoods. Amidst all of this South Collinwood is often viewed as a second-class neighborhood outside of Collinwood, throughout the rest of the city, from my experience.

If you talk to people outside the neighborhood about the area south of the CSX tracks, many view it as some kind of war zone or crime haven. This couldn't be farther from the truth as Fifth District statistics prove that South Collinwood is the second lowest crime area on the northeast side(second only to North Collinwood). At the same time, one can almost see how outsiders could come to that conclusion considering how the news and the mainstream local media seem to portray the neighborhood with an imbalance of light being shed on bad news as opposed to the good. This can also be understood when noticing the amount of empty storefronts along St Clair, signifying a possible exodus of some kind, which normally leads people to ask the question, what's wrong that caused this?

This perception can be changed by educating folks on the good of South Collinwood. Remind people of the beautiful stadium near the Five Points intersection. Remind people of the beautiful newer school facilities that are Hannah Gibbons and East Clark as well as the one and only Job Corps Center, providing young adults with valuable skills so that they can excel. Inform them of the two businesses in the neighborhood serving fresh, locally grown produce: Cavotta's Garden Center and the Coit Road Farmers Market that sits on the border our neighborhood shares with East Cleveland. Tell them of the sidestreets lined with well-kept properties and people who still care about their neighborhood. Invite people to come and see what the neighborhood has to offer.

The Great Euclid Creek Invasive Plant Pull at Wildwood State Park

Carol Ward — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:34:29 EDT

Pulling Garlic Mustard at Wildwood.

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The month of March gave us an early taste of spring weather and sights. Nature invited us out to feel the warm breezes and observe the arrival of many spring plants. And not that our winter was so bad, but here in Northeast Ohio, we welcome any chance to get out and enjoy our surroundings.

Now that the calendar has finally caught up with the weather, here are some opportunities for you to get out and enjoy your local Ohio State Park:

May 12 from 10am-Noon: The Great Euclid Creek Invasive Plant Pull at Wildwood State Park. We'll be pulling Garlic Mustard, an invasive plant that out-competes native species and isn't a good food source for wildlife. This event is co-sponsored with the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District. Meet at the Wildwood entrance parking lot. Bring garden/work gloves if you have 'em.

May 26 from 10am-Noon: Fishing Fun at Wildwood State Park. Meet at the west end parking lot. Equipment and bait provided for the first 15 participants under 16 years of age.

Be sure to watch for our summer schedule at our local website: www.clevelandlakefront.org

Carol Ward is the Park Naturalist for Cleveland Lakefront State Park.

What's going on at Collinwood High School

Crystal Maclin — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:20:36 EDT

In an effort to appeal to the interests of students throughout the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) has adopted an academy model for many of its high schools. Therefore, Collinwood High School has been restructured in such a way as to offer the students of the Collinwood community, as well as others throughout the city, programming centering around three specific themes. These themes are the foundation for the three academies that now make up the Collinwood Campus: The Advanced Placement Academy, STEM Teaching Professions Academy, and The Academy of Interior & Fashion Design.

Each academy has its own principal, staff and location within the building; however, all students have access to general courses, programs, clubs, sports and extracurricular activities throughout the campus. By choosing one of the three academies to attend, Collinwood students focus their studies based on that choice.

The Advanced Placement Academy, which is led by Principal Kevin Payton, focuses on providing students access to culturally relevant advanced placement courses. These courses allow students to experience project-based learning while earning college credit. This academy is housed primarily on the first floor of the building.

Principal Marnisha Brown is at the helm of the STEM Teaching Professions Academy. This academy concentrates on careers in education with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students in this academy, which is located on the second floor, have the opportunity to participate in experiences like Robotics and Student Teaching.

On the third floor of the building, The Academy of Interior & Fashion Design led by me, uses design concepts and tools as a way to deliver instruction to students. Through classes in interior design, art and fashion design, students build upon their interests in fashion, environments and design to prepare for life after high school.

Collinwood High School is still the home of the mighty Railroaders. Our three-pronged approach to learning will ensure that we remain that mighty presence on E. 152nd Street and St. Clair Ave.

Crystal Maclin is currently one of three principals at Collinwood High School and is an alumni. She leads The Academy of Interior & Fashion Design.

50+ volunteers brave the chill to clean Euclid Beach Park!-Join Adopt-a-Beach Volunteers on May 19th at 10am for our next beach cleanup...and Chilli Peppers!

Stephen Love — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:16:17 EDT

That's one pair of dirty shorts...I hope it's all just sand!
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Adopt-a-Beach(tm) cleanups are in full swing at Euclid Beach State Park after another great cleanup for Global Youth Service Day and Earth Day on Saturday April 21st when over 50 volunteers including middle school students form Univerisity School in Shaker Heights, Accenture, CBCG Incorporated, Case Western Reserve Environmental Law Society and the community braved the cold, wind and rain to collect 150 pounds of trash (an improvement over last month's 226 pound of trash!) and 20 pounds of recyclables! Most collected were 428 cigar tips and 320 plastic caps/lids. Unique items included a faux Louise Vuitton purse with a diary and sand filled gym shorts! And a huge thank you to Steve Newman, owner of Chili Peppers restaurant for taking 50% off delicious tacos and burritos for lunch after the cleanup!

Mark your calenders for our next beach cleanup on Saturday May 19th from 10am-12pm. We will meet in the park pavilion at 10am! Prizes for the most trash collected will include Chilli Peppers Gift Cards:)

Beach cleanups are from 10am-12pm on the 3rd or 4th Saturday of the month at Euclid Beach Park.

Saturday May 5th from 10am-12pm-BAREFOOT WINE BEACH CLEANUP AND AFTER PARTY AT THE HARP At Edgewater State Park

Saturday May 19th 10am-12pm at Euclid Beach State Park

Saturday June 16th 10am-12pm at Euclid Beach State Park

Saturday July 21st 10am-12pm at Euclid Beach State Park

Saturday August 18th 10am-12pm at Euclid Beach State Park

For more information contact Stephen Love, at adopt.euclidbeach@gmail.com or facebook.com/Adopteuclidbeach.

Walking clubs

Dennis Freeman — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:32:26 EDT

With summer approaching, many are eager to take the steps towards getting in shape. Our new Collinwood Recreational Center, which is a great facility by the way, has a walking club that takes those steps towards health every Wednesday and Friday at 8am.

It would be great to see this sort of activity become more widespread in our community as many people may not be able to make it to the rec center due to obligations. I think it would be great for our community to form walking clubs in their particular sections of our neighborhood that could meet on maybe a couple evenings out of the week or weekend afternoons. It would be a great way for everyone from the young to the elderly to burn off some calories with like minded people while encouraging a social atmosphere amongst our neighborhood.

If you are interested and/or have any locations or routes you think should be organized, please visit www.collinwoodobserver.com click on observation deck on the left side, create a log-in, and submit your ideas on the forum.

Or you can visit and make your suggestions at one of the monthly neighborhood meetings, at the following times: Collinwood Homeowners' and Tenants' Association: First Wednesday, 7PM, St Mary's School, 15519 Holmes Ave, E 185th St Block Watch: Second Tuesday, 6PM, Lithuanian Village Hall, 877 E 185th St, Nottingham Civic Club: Third Tuesday, 7PM, Nottingham United Methodist Church, 18316 St Clair Ave, East 156th St Block Watch: Third Wednesday, 6PM, B&M BBQ, 15116 Lakeshore Blvd.

Dennis Freeman is a young adult interested in the advancement and sustainability of Collinwood and it's youth.

Euclid Hospital Celebrates Earth Day

Angela Smith — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:13:27 EDT

Over a hundred people participated in Euclid Hospital's Earth Day.

Since its inception more than 40 years ago, Earth Day has become an important reminder of the human impact on the ecosystem. Euclid Hospital proudly celebrated this special day as a way to remember that everyone can contribute to a healthy environment. On April 20, over 100 people stopped by the cafeteria to learn more about saving energy and reducing waste at both home and work. Hosted by the hospital's Green Team, the event also featured a light bulb giveaway, coloring contest and other educational activities.

The Lady Luck Review

Jennifer Walker — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:30:39 EDT

The Lady Luck is a dying breed of bar. Unpretentious in every aspect of the word, when you step inside at about 3:00pm it puts you in the mood for a quiet beer with the buddies on a Thursday afternoon while you keep an eye on the game. Spacious and clean on the inside, this unique space seems a bit intimidating on the outside. Wedged between residential homes on Nottingham it sprawls in the middle of a mostly empty parking lot during work hours on week days. However, the quiet lunch time hour is perfect if you want some great, traditional bar food with fast and friendly service. When asked what the most popular thing on the menu was, our barmaid, Mary, suggested the wings and the burgers. Both were exceptional. She took the time out to explain that both the ground sirloin for the burger and the large-sized chicken wings are never frozen, plus the sauces, sides and marinara that most bars buy in a can or jar are all home-made and fresh here. It's not hard to see why this "hole-in-the-wall" local bar has the reputation for some of the most affordable and best bar food around. You won't find filet mignon here, but you will find fun, nostalgic, homestyle food like Sloppy Joe's and Fried bologna sandwiches any day of the week.

Join the Collinwood Nottingham History

Mary Louise Jesek Daley — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:17:58 EDT

There is a lot going on with the Collinwood Nottingham Historical Society. We are doing research, making contacts and moving forward. We invite you to join us on our journeys.

First, we will be visiting numerous historic sites in the Downtown Cleveland area related to Collinwood and Nottingham history and settlement on SATURDAY, JULY 7th, 2012 beginning at 9:00 AM as a part of our History Discovery Series. We will be visiting the Lorenzo Carter Cabin in the Flats followed by a visit to the Superior Viaduct/Bridge Tour, Huntington Park/Courthouse Square to discuss the story of Oliver Hazard Perry and then onto the Cuyahoga County Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Cleveland’s Public Square. Afterwards we will visit Erie Street Cemetery and then Woodland Cemetery. If time and energy permits we may make another stop at Lakeview Cemetery. Regardless we will end the day at our unofficial sponsor, Muldoon’s. If you would be interested in joining us on this day, transportation on your own, email the Historical Society at CollNottHistory@aol.com or CollNottHistory@gmail.com or call Mary Louise at work at (216) 664-4236.

Interested in becoming a Park Ambassador at Euclid Beach Park this Summer?

Stephen Love — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:26:32 EDT

Park Ambassadors educating the next generation of beach goers.

The Euclid Beach Adopt-a-Beach Team is looking for people to be Park Ambassadors this Summer! Ambassadors will spend 1-2 hours volunteering every 1-2 weeks (time slots will be flexible) to help make Euclid Beach Park a cleaner and more inviting place to visit. Some Ambassador duties may include light maintenance and talking to park visitors about not littering, proper waste disposal and litter's impact on beach and water quality. Ambassadors will participate in a training session at the Collinwood Recreation Center (Date TBA-Likely mid May-- check into www.collinwoodobserver.com front page for announcement.)

If you're interested contact Stephen Love at adopt.euclidbeach@gmail.com or call 216-571-0685.

St. John Nottingham: open to everyone

Gregory Kita — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:34:53 EDT

St. John Lutheran School is proud that it has, over the years, admitted students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies and admissions policies.