Near West Side Community Council Offers a New Resident-Based Model for Neighborhood Development

PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN Presorted Standard Friday, August 2, 2013; “Producers of Culture” an art opening of U.S. POSTAGE PAID Esperanza Youth Artists in collaboration with the Beck Center for the Arts and Cuyahoga Arts and Culture; Bruno Casiano Gallery, CLEVELAND, OHIO 5304 Detroit Avenue: The panel on the left is one of three ceramic FREE PERMIT 1354 panels in a mural produced by the Esperanza Youth Artists, as an expression of some of their hopes and dreams. Vol. 40, No. 9 September 2013 PPlainlain PPressress CCleveland’sleveland’s NearNear WestsideWestside NNewspaperewspaper Near West Side Community Council offers a new resident-based model for neighborhood development by Chuck Hoven the Clark-Fulton neighborhood 10,408 people per square mile, In a strategic plan for the within the original target area being The goal of the Near West Side using a resident based model of as opposed to 5,183 people per organization,created in 2012, a declared “investment schools” by Community Council (NWSCC), redevelopment. square mile in the city as a whole. mission statement was developed the Cleveland Metropolitan School which consists of largely of member Ruiz says, when he looks at the The neighborhood is also fi lled with which says, “Through collaboration District (CMSD), Ruiz believes the agencies and individuals located on Clark Fulton neighborhood, where children and schools, says Ruiz, and information-sharing within the mission of the Near West Side the Near West Side of Cleveland, is Esperanza is located, he sees a with 31% of the population in the community, we empower youths Community Council should be, “How to bring together the vast experience gem of a neighborhood fi lled with neighborhood in K-12 schools, as on Cleveland’s Near West Side to do we support those schools?” The of various agencies and individuals, people, a lot of diversity, and many compared with 19.1% citywide. achieve their highest level of career schools, Walton, Luis Munoz Marin, “to adequately address the needs social service agencies. He believes Ruiz estimates that the Near and college readiness.” and Lincoln West High School, of our youth population so as to that by pulling together, the people West Side Community Council While the Near West Side were in either academic watch or develop a supportive community.” and agencies in the neighborhood now has about fi fty members, with Community Council originally academic emergency prior to being Victor Ruiz, Executive Director of can make their streets safer; make 25 members that are very active. targeted the community from named investment schools by the Esperanza, a member organization sure children get to school, and Members are largely professionals Lake Erie to Denison and from CMSD. that played a key role in the collaborate to assure students and in social service and community the Tremont neighborhood to the Ruiz says the Near West formation of the NWSCC, sees the their families have the resources development organizations. The West Boulevard neighborhood, Side Community Council hopes council helping form a new model they need to succeed. Near West Side Community Council Ruiz says he feels the organization to emulate the P-16 (preschool for neighborhood development Citing census data for the Clark- has an Executive Committee started with too large a geographic through post secondary education in Cleveland. Instead of trying to Fulton neighborhood, Ruiz notes and four additional committees: area and needs to focus in order or training) model developed by bring people in from the suburbs as the neighborhood has almost Education and Learning, Health and to concentrate its resources more Kurt Karakul and the Third Federal some neighborhoods have done to twice the population density as the Safety, Council Collaboration and effectively. Foundation in the Broadway/Slavic spur development, Ruiz envisions City of Cleveland as a whole with Community Engagement. This year with three of the schools ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 6 Cleveland Public Theatre’s Teen Student Theatre Enrichment Program thrills audiences with outdoor performances in Cleveland neighborhoods by Chuck Hoven Prior to the performance at Mercedes Executive Assistant Kathy Tierney for secured by the City Council office a week for eight weeks to prepare the In early August, Cleveland Public Cotner Park, Director Chris Seibert their support for the Student Theatre helped make possible the eight week original production of the play, And Theatre’s 2013 Teen Student Theatre honored retiring Ward 16 Councilman Enrichment Program over the years. summer theatre program in which the One Night. Enrichment Program entertained Jay Westbrook and his long time Seibert noted that the fi nancial support teens worked fi ve hours a day, 5 days audiences in a dozen locations around the City of Cleveland. The free performances were held in outdoor park settings. The play they created is called And One Night. In the play, a young woman, Sasha, hides in the stuff being stolen from her father, the Big Guy. When the thieves discover her amongst the stolen goods, she begins relating some of the stories from Arabian Nights: One Thousand and One Nights. Like Scheherazade’s tales told to the Sultan in Arabian Nights, Sasha’s tales help to preserve her from harm and change the worldview of her captors. THEATER REVIEW Sasha’s own tale is interwoven into the story, as the tale progresses, it turns out that her departure from her father’s house was not accidental. She stowed away among the good being stolen, looking for adventure, and feeling neglected by a father absorbed in his work and the accumulation of many possessions. The tale concludes with Sasha’s reunion with her father and his declaration that his daughter means more to him than all his possessions. At Mercedes Cotner Park in the West Boulevard neighborhood on August 8th, the cast of nearly thirty teens did an excellent job of performing the tales of the Arabian Nights – such as the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, the story about a fi sherman and a genie, and a story about jealous sisters -- as related by the heroine, Sasha. The play was entertaining and engaging and the audience clearly enjoyed the performance and the lessons imparted in the play. The cast, directed by Cleveland Public Theatre’s Chris Seibert, did an excellent job of projecting their voices PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN in the outdoor setting so all audience Thursday, August 8, 2013; Cleveland Public Theatre’s Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) performance of the play And One Night, members sitting on the lawn around the at Mercedes Cotner Park, W. 95th and Maywood: The play offers a reimaging of some of the stories from Arabian Nights: One Thousand and performance could hear the play. One Nights. A young woman uses stories and her imagination to help a group of thieves to change their outlook on life. 2 Plain Press • September 2013 ART 2013 HISPANIC HERITAGE SHOW will be held at the Bruno Casiano Gallery, 5304 Detroit Ave., from Sept. 20 through Oct. 20. For info, call 216-346-6562. TRANSFORMER STATION art gallery, 1460 W.29 Street, will present “The Unicorn”, its first exhibition by the Cleveland Museum of Art, opening Sat., Sept. 7 thru Nov.30. Opening day events from noon – 5 pm include music on the lawn, plus performance art and readings in the galleries. For info, call 888-CMA- 0033 or visit ClevelandArt.org. The Plain Press Community Board is sponsored by Organize! ARTNEO AND THE CLEVELAND Ohio through donations from readers and supporters PUBLIC LIBRARY Charles F. Sch- weinfurth Library are collaborating POTLUCK IN THE PARK, a city- CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY to present the exhibition Charles wide celebration of growers and SEED LIBRARY lets you check F. Schweinfurth: Uncompromising eaters from all neighborhoods, out a seed packet, grow the fruit or Architect of Cleveland’s Valiant Age will be held on Sun., Sept. 22, vegetables, then save seeds from to run Sept. 6 to Nov. 2, 2013 at from 4:30-7 pm at Dunham Tavern the best plant and “return” a packet ARTneo at the Beck Center for the Museum, 6709 Euclid Ave. Bring a of seeds to the Library. Participating Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. dish of any size to share and a list libraries include the Main Library Opening reception will be Fri., Sept. of ingredients, hopefully with at least downtown (at 325 Superior), the 6, 6-8 p.m. For info, visit artneo.org, one local ingredient. Guests are also Carnegie West Branch Library (at encouraged to bring a nonperish- Fulton and Bridge) and the Lorain PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN or call the gallery, 216-227-9507, able food item to donate to Hunger Branch Library (at 8216 Lorain). Saturday, July 27, 2013; Saving Women and Gents (SWAG) Health Fair during gallery hours, Wed-Sat af- Network of Greater Cleveland. Learn how at a Seed Saving Work- sponsored by The Urban Barber Association (TUBA), Parking lot of ternoons 1-5. Please come regardless if you are shop: Sat., Sept. 14, 1 pm at Main the Detroit Norwood Apartments, W. 111th and Detroit Avenue: Sonya COMMUNITY unable to bring a dish. For info, visit Library, Science & Technology Dept. Callahan of Lifebanc talks with Josh Womack. The Lifebanc display COMMUNITY SONG WRITING sustainablecleveland.org. & Thurs, Oct. 10, 6 pm at the Lorain offered information on organ donations. WORKSHOP WITH Roots of Amer- ican Music’s Kevin Richards and EVENTS Branch Library. For info, visit cleve- The Urban Barber Association goes Sheela Das will be held Sat., Sept. EDGEWATER PARK BIRD WALK landseedbank.org. 7, from 11 am – noon at the Gordon with Cleveland Metroparks natu- KEEPING CHICKENS in city neigh- beyond cutting hair to help their clients Square Farmers Market, corner ralist on Tues., Sept. 17, 6-7 pm, borhoods will be the subject of The Urban Barber Association 9611 Lorain Avenue, both offered of W.65 and West Clinton Ave. All will explore the coastline and learn an OSU Extension Service work- (TUBA) sponsored a Health Fair area residents the opportunity to are invited to bring an instrument, about fall bird migration through shop on Sat., Sept. 14, from 10 titled, Saving Women and Gents receive free blood pressure and enjoy a demonstration of traditional the lakefront greenspace. Meet at am – noon, at the garden of Toast (S.W.A.G.) in four barbershops blood glucose screens, as well as and blues melodies, then write and the lower lake level parking lot. For restaurant (across the street and (2 on the East Side and 2 on cholesterol and HIV screens from perform your songs at the workshop. info, call 440-887-1968. a few parcels north of 1365 West th th the West Side) on July 27 . The Cleveland Clinic staff. For info, visit www.facebook.com/ GREAT LAKES BREWING COM- 65 St.) Learn how to build a coop th participating barbershops on the In addition to the Cleveland Clinic, DSCDCG. PANY celebrates its 25 anniversary and the necessities of feeding and West Side, Urban Kutz Barbershop among the participants in the heath PRIMARY ELECTION DAY is with a Block Party on Fri., Sept. 6, caring for chickens. For info, email nd at 11100 Detroit Avenue and 2 fairs were: Lifebanc, the Kidney Tues., Sept. 10, with polls open from 11 am – 9 pm, at the Great [email protected] or call 216- Round Knockouts Barbershop at Foundation, Cuyahoga County 6:30 am-7:30 pm. Voters must Lakes Brewpub and Market Square 429-8200x217. th Invest in Children, and Diabetes bring identifi cation to the polls. Early Park, W.25 and Lorain. Lots of free SUMMER SPROUT is accepting Test Machine and Cleveland voting at the Board of Election will activities, music plus local food and applications to start new community Plain Press Christian Foundation. beer available. For info, visit great- garden sites in city of Cleveland Phone: (216) 621-3060 be held through Mon., Sept. 9, from lakesbrewing.com. neighborhoods for the 2014 sea- 2012 W. 25th STE 500 Urban Kutz used the parking lot 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. For info, or to Cleveland, OH 44113 of the Detroit Norwood Apartments check your polling place, ward or SPARX CITY HOP on Sat., Sept. son. Applications are due Sept. e-mail: [email protected] at W. 111 and Detroit Avenue precinct call the Board of Election 21 from 11 am – 9 pm, offers 27. Learn about the technical as- Advertising e-mail: as a setting for its health fair. at 216-443-VOTE (8683) or visit free SPARX trolley service to arts sistance and services available [email protected] Cynthia Robinson, a manager of the www.443vote.com. celebrations in Cleveland neigh- for Summer Sprout sites and how Website: www.plainpress.org apartment building and a member of SEEDS OF LITERACY offers free, borhoods. For info, visit downtown- to apply at cuyahoga.osu.edu. Plain Press © the Cleveland Christian Foundation, cleveland.com/events. For info, contact Jim Thompson at Es tab lished in 1971 one-to-one tutoring for adults in Circulation: 21,000 copies. helped to pass out free diabetes reading, writing, math, science and FREE DOWNTOWN WALKING 216-429-8200x246 or email Thomp- Published monthly. test kits. Several hundred residents social studies and GED preparation TOURS continue through Sept. [email protected]. Distribution area: Cuyahoga Riv er west received health screenings at the th 15 through 5 historic downtown HEALTH to W. 130, Lake Erie south to the Lower in the US Bank Building, 3104 W.25 Big Creek/Brookpark Road. Avail able free Street, 3rd fl oor. For info, call 216- districts. For info and schedules, FAMILY HEALTH FAIR on Sat., Sept. at over 500 lo ca tions. ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 3 661-7950. call 216-771-1994 or visit cleveland- 28, from 8:30 am-noon at Lutheran Managing Editor: Charles E. Hoven; gatewaydistrict.com. Hospital’s Castele Learning Center, 1730 Editor: Deborah Rose Sadlon; GARDENING W. 25 Street, features free screenings, Photo Editor: Coriana Close community resources, children’s activ- CUYAHOGA COMPOSTS! is a Page Design Assistant: ities, and healthy cooking demonstra- Margie Bray Hoven 6-session program on composting tions. For info, call Janice Gonzalez at Community Board: Doris Honsa on an individual and/or neighbor- Ad ver tis ing Sales: Tom Sheehan; 216-363-2019. hood scale. Applications, schedule, Graphic Art ist: Dav id Myers; SUSTAINABILITY Dis tri bution: Ahmed Morad; and program description are avail- NOMINATE A HERO in local sustain- Mailing: Teresa Calvo; able online at https://cuyahoga. ability for the 5th Annual Sustainability Board of Trustees: Keith Brown,Peggy osu.edu, or by contacting Nicole Davenport, David Gam ble, Summit. Nominations due by Sept. 22. Dr. Leo Jeffres, Joe Narkin, and Helen Wright at 216-429-8200x249 or Visit sustainablecleveland.org, then click K. Smith. [email protected]. on “get involved”. September 2013 • Plain Press 3 Service Employees International Union asks Cleveland Municipal School Board to show importance of employees through more sincere contract negotiations by Chuck Hoven for school improvement involves welfare of employees of the district.” At the fi rst Cleveland Municipal the workforce, the entire workforce The SIEU members made it clear School Board Business Meeting in the is not content. During the public that their members are the parents new Cleveland Metropolitan School comment period, fi ve members of and grandparents of children in the District (CMSD) Administrative the Service Employees International school district, so they very much Building at 1111 Superior Avenue, Union, District 1199, brought their want the district to succeed. While CMSD Chief Executive Offi cer Eric concerns to the Board of Education. the rhetoric from the district tells Gordon outlined three specifi c goals: The union, which represents the them “how important we are as a 1) Workforce Shaping – honoring mailroom staff, the cleaning staff, support staff. However, the actions retirees while working to recruit the dietary staff, and the school of the lead negotiator for the district and retain staff; 2) Execute the secretaries, expressed their say we don’t matter,” said one union elements of the Cleveland Plan and disappointment and frustration in member. report progress to the community the district’s failure to come to an Union members complained in quarterly reports; and 3) Create agreement on their union contract. that they still had 20 items on the a Workforce Culture where all Union members said while the table. They said the school district’s employees see themselves as district and the CEO “are open and lead negotiator, Nick Jackson, educators fi rst, and therefore put supportive of us supporting them,” in continuously promised to look into students fi rst. their contract negotiations they have the items and continuously came While much of the CMSD’s plan shown “disregard to the health and ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 6

PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON Friday, August 9, 2013; Neighborhood Back to School Fair, Carnegie Branch Library, Fulton and Bridge Avenue: Abbey Kraynik of North Royalton Girl Scout Troop 64 distributes donated books to neighborhood children. Girl Scouts from Troup 64 held a book drive as part of a Silver Award Project to secure the donated books. The Neighborhood Back to School Fair, organized by West Side Catholic Center, Providence House, Franklin Circle Church, Carnegie Branch Library and Ohio City Inc., distributed over 900 backpacks ﬁ lled with school supplies. Pre-Kindergarten SPARK program targets children planning to attend Clark School Children, ages 3 and 4, who plan learning into daily home activities. In to attend Clark School, 5550 Clark addition, parent partners help connect Avenue, next year, are invited with children and families to resources they their parents or guardians to join the may need. The program offers a number Supporting Partnership to Assure Ready of materials to families including age Kids (SPARK) program. The SPARK appropriate books, art supplies, activity program is an early learning program cards, backpacks and school supplies. that works with children and their In addition to working with the parents to help increase early childhood families at home, the SPARK program literacy and school-readiness. will introduce the children and their The program, designed by the families to Clark Elementary School to Literacy Cooperative in collaboration help take some of the mystery and fear with Invest in Children and Family out of attending kindergarten. Parents or Connections, is an in home tutoring guardians participating in the program PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON program that links pre-kindergarten- have an opportunity to meet and interact Friday, August 9, 2013; Literacy Lot, Carnegie Branch Library, Fulton and Bridge Avenue: Children work aged children and their parents with a with other parents participating in the on art projects in a Literacy Lot where the library grounds contained images from children’s books. The “Parent Partner.” program. colorful pasta is part of the imagery from the children’s book, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. The parent partner helps to guide the SPARK, which started in 2010, has parent in the use of a proven curriculum proven success in preparing children families such as assistance with TTHEHE UURBANRBAN BARBERBARBER ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION and also serves as a resource providing ccotinuedotinued oonn ppageage 6 low/no income health programs, parents with ways to incorporate ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage 2 they encounter.” He says the trusted drug and alcohol abuse recovery, homelike environment offered in the Community Re-entry, employment, LLETTERE T T E R TOT O THET H E EDITORE D I T O R food banks, affordable and reliable site and many stayed to enjoy free barbershops often leads to clients auto mechanics, scholarship music, food and visit health care sharing personal information about Reader complements young peoples’ opportunities and voter registration. booths. their health, ﬁ nances, employment For more information about Waverly Willis, co-owner of Urban and family concerns. Willis says the work on “Teen Edition” of Plain Press The Urban Barber Association To the editor: Kutz, and an active participant in barbershops are perfect locations to visit their website at www. I read the Plain Press every month. I pick it up at McDonalds on The Urban Barber Association, help people with the problems they theurbanbarberassociation.org or Denison & Pearl. It’s very interesting and informative. describes TUBA as. “a collaboration face in life. contact Waverly Willis via phone I want to say the Teen Edition was very good. The young people did an of Barber shops and hair salons The members of TUBA provide at 216-253-4991 or by email at excellent job with all the articles and layout of the paper. who are using their minority owned a network of locations to distribute [email protected]. David Jereb, 71 years businesses as a venue to assist our literature about a variety of resources community with every day issues available to help individuals and 4 Plain Press • September 2013 Plain Press Candidate Survey Cleveland City Council – Ward 3 --Primary Election, September 10, 2013

Please introduce yourself to Plain Joe Cimperman: Representative. I am a bridge build- sponsored infectious disease re- me that we need a new approach to Press readers and describe the My name is Joe Cimperman and er and someone who works to bring search (HIV/AIDS, malaria, etc.) My creating jobs and improving neigh- skills, resources and experience I am a candidate for Cleveland consensus and leadership together. husband Michael and I returned to borhoods. We need an approach that will help you to address some City Council Ward 3. I was born in Since elected I have helped form Cleveland to start Ecomart, the fi rst that puts children, senior citizens of the pressing concerns of the Cleveland in the Saint Clair Superior block clubs, have re built or built wholesale distributor of post-con- and neighborhood businesses fi rst; City of Cleveland as a City Coun- neighborhood. new 11 parks, and have answered sumer recycled paper products in an approach that utilizes the power cil Representative from Ward 3. Since 1998 I have proudly served thousands of calls and concerns the Midwest. I also founded the of unions and businesses committed (Please limit answer to 200 words the people of Cleveland as a Council from the great people of this com- Nuisance Abatement Coalition, Inc., to social progress. or less.) munity. Crime has gone down since a neighborhood organization which I was fi rst elected to this ward, and oversaw the participation of many in Describe an important issue it happens because my offi ce works our community to produce effective facing residents or stakeholders with the Cleveland Police and the petitions and witness statements, in in Ward 3 and how you would community. Hundreds of new homes coordination with local law enforce- address that issue as City Council have been built, we have fought to ment, for various diffi culties facing Representative. (Please limit your keep our schools open, growing, our minorities, children, families, response to 500 words or less.) and strong, and under my leadership and seniors. My husband Michael Joe Cimperman: nuisances like Moda, the Jay Hotel, and I have lived on Jay Avenue for There are many important issues and other crime hotspots have been 23 years. facing the residents of new ward 3 shuttered. I am a serious councilp- yet they are all interconnected. Ward erson with serious results. Jeff Mixon: 3 is home to the most innovative and Hello Ward 3 Residents, dedicated residents in this region. Carrie J. Kurutz: My name is Jeff Mixon. I graduat- From the block clubs of Tremont and After graduating from The George ed from Cleveland East High School Ohio City to the heights of Riverview, Washington University in Washing- in 1983 before attending Case from the converted-to-housing ware- ton, D.C., at 22, I was a journalist Western Reserve University; where houses downtown to the community with Roll Call on Capitol Hill with I earned a bachelor’s degree in psy- gardens of West 61 and Frontier. It insight into legislation and the art of chology. I worked with Alzheimer’s is also blessed with access to our compromise in my many interviews patients as a research assistant at City’s greatest resources: the West of top elected officials, including Case before attending Kent State Side Market, Lincoln Park, Clark my fi rst Clevelander, the Honorable University; where I earned a mas- Field, Lake Erie, and neighborhoods Mary Rose Oakar, who is now my ter’s degree in education. At Kent, with schools where you can raise campaign manager for Cleveland I wrote my first successful grant your family and live a great life. Our City Council-Ward 3. I continued proposal which established the biggest issue is unrealized potential: as assistant editor for Washington Community Leadership and Student from abandoned homes that could Woman Magazine and then later Service (C.L.A.S.S.) Program. The be re-habilitated to welcome new as a production editor for the journal C.L.A.S.S. Program won the Saturn citizens, to store fronts that could of the National Academy of Scienc- Award for the Most Innovative New serve our community with needed es. In the interim, I worked for the Program. jobs, development, and goods. Chicago Tribune in Kenya when my I’m running for Cleveland City Running through all this is the issue husband entered the Peace Corps. Council in Ward 3 because the resi- of quality of life, safer communities, My work for these publications and dents here deserve a representative and a more engaged and collabora- others covered pay discrimination with vision, compassion and experi- tive model for growth. How do we all against women, governmental ence. Under the current ward lead- live better? Not by tearing each oth- corruption, arts, small business, ership, the overall quality of life has er down or scaring each other with and science-based analysis of consistently declined; while poverty, false statistics, not through whispers environmental problems. I later crime and hopelessness skyrockets. and division. But we face the issue was a Field Officer in Kenya for As a life-long resident of the city of of our growth as a community by Case Western Reserve University/ Cleveland, a former schoolteacher working together even more and National Institute of Health-which and community activist, it’s clear to forging the most cohesive ward 3 that we can. I have been doing this since 1998. I ask for your support to continue this work for you.

Carrie J. Kurutz: Our Community faces a serious ongoing Safety Problem. Safety should no longer take a back seat to other issues in the new Ward 3. It’s unthinkable that in the ﬁ rst half of 2013, rape, felonious assault, vehicle theft, and arson occurred more frequently than all of 2012 (in the 2nd District). When violent crime is declining in other cities across the country, it’s shameful that in Ward 3 it’s on the increase. We must insure a better quality of life and economic development. Going door-to-door, I’ve met hundreds of people throughout our Ward who simply live in Fear − for themselves, their families and their neighbors. An elderly woman came to the door with her walker. She said, “Carrie, I was afraid to open the screen door. The last time I did, I was assaulted.” Why do our seniors live in fear? On another street, a woman was afraid to let her own children play in the backyard because drug dealers were throwing used needles into her yard from the alley. That’s a mother in fear. An 86-year-old veteran repairs both his own house and the absentee landlord’s home next door, which is constantly vandalized. He lives in fear. A small business owner on Lorain Avenue had the front window of his convenient store smashed, and robbed twice recently. Do you think he received a call from the councilman? A top manager of a long-time neighborhood business went outside at 5 a.m. to protect two female employees, and had a brick thrown at his head from the drug house across the street. He showed me the scar, and said he wanted to move out of our neighborhood. That drug house has been there for

ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 7 September 2013 • Plain Press 5 Art show features work of artists in Esperanza’s summer youth program by Chuck Hoven her marriage, and best part of Jahqwahn Watson chose to This summer, young artists in her life was her children. Arellano explore his own cultural background Esperanza’s summer program responded to the interview doing a through a poem he displayed with interviewed area senior citizens piece that makes fun of the wedding image of himself and an inverse and compared the elders’ culture ceremony with a large piece of chalk view of that image. The work seeks and heritage to their own. They, dressed up in a wedding gown. to explore building a bridge between then, created artwork based on a Arellano, who would like to be an his Black African culture and the refl ection of what they had learned. artist, also displayed a work called Latino culture he experiences along In addition to the individual pieces “Pinky Promise”, a pen on paper with his friends and schoolmates. by each artist, all fi fteen artists in work that she says takes a serious Edison Arellano in a piece titled, the summer program collaborated look at the importance of keeping “The Heavy Burden”, contrasts two to create a colorful three-panel a promise. Arellano says gallery seniors he interviewed – one who tile mural that examines what they owner Bruno Casiano invited her talked about the troubles in his life felt education should be and the to show some of her work at the and another who shared memories students’ hopes and dreams for gallery. of playing dominoes. the future. Dorothy Bell interviewed two Students worked on their individual The Esperanza youth artists women, Juvencia Quiñones and artwork in neighborhood settings or displayed their individual work Ana Garcia. She learned from them in Esperanza’s West 25th Street and the group’s mural in a show “not to be afraid to maintain who and Clark headquarters. However, titled, “Producers of Culture”, which you are,” she said. In an acrylic on through collaboration between opened on August 2nd at Bruno wood painting, Bell shows the island Esperanza, the Beck Center for the Casiano Gallery, 5304 Detroit of Puerto Rico and a Puerto Rican Arts in Lakewood and Cuyahoga Avenue. fl ag, refl ecting the elders’ pride in Arts and Culture, the youths were ART REVIEW their heritage and roots in Yauco, able to go to the Beck Center for Esperanza Program Coordinator, Puerto Rico. several intense hours a day to work conceptual artist Martinez Garcias, Nikolet Hermida-DeJesus chose on the mural. to interview her grandmother – the Editor’s Note: The artists’ three panel facilitated the summer program, PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN challenging the youth to fi nd new result is a surreal photo collage color mural will be on display at the called “Queen’s Eden” about her Beck Center for the Performing Arts, Friday, August 2, 2013; “Producers of Culture” an art opening of ways to look at their lives and their Esperanza Youth Artists in collaboration with the Beck Center for the culture. Garcias said he hoped by grandmother’s garden and her as part of the Hispanic Art, Hispanic dedication to the Lord. Heritage Exhibit, from September Arts and Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, Bruno Casiano Gallery, 5304 interviewing the elders, the youths Detroit Avenue: Esperanza Youth Artist Dorothy Bell holds her acrylic would have an opportunity to “speak Melvin Valerio spoke to an elder 6 to October 6, 2013. Members of about stories of slavery in colonial the community are welcome to view on wood work. The work shows an image she made to represent what to someone who has lived a life.” she learned from interviewing local senior citizens, Juvencia Quiñones Then, he challenged the youths to times in Puerto Rico. The acrylic the exhibit, free of charge, any time on canvas work, he produced, during that period and to join the and Ana Garcia, about their life histories and their culture. Bell is a talk to each other and share what student at Kent State University. they learned from their elders. He describes “a visual translation of students for a free opening reception said they engaged in a process bondage to freedom.” on Friday, September 20, from 5:30 where they were challenged to to 7 p.m. in the gallery. The Beck create art from that experience. Center is located at 17801 Detroit The individual work of the young Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107. artists varied greatly. Zulymar Arellano says she interviewed an elder, who reflecting on her life, says the worst experience was 6 Plain Press • September 2013

Ward 14 Candidate Surveys

Four candidates are competing in the September 10th Primary Election in Ward 14: Nelson Cintron, Jr., Brian Cummins, Janet Garcia, and Brian Kazy. As the Plain Press goes to press, only two candidates, Cummins and Kazy, have turned in their surveys. We hope to post all Ward 14 candidates surveys we receive online at www.plainpress.org.

Residents organize candidate forums in Ward 14 Ward 14 resident Gloria Ferris could not ﬁ nd any evidence there were any candidate forums planned in new Ward 14 prior to the primary election on September 10th – so she began to organize. Ferris called upon other block club leaders and they planned two forums. They recruited former Ward 14 Councilwoman Helen Smith to act as moderator and followed League of Women’s Voters recommendations in designing the format. The two forums were held in August. With the help of The Institute for Open Economic Networks (I-Open), a nonproﬁ t educational economic development organization headquartered on Kingston Road in Cleveland, the two forums were recorded and are available on YouTube. To link to the forums, go to the Website landing page: https://sites.google.com/a/i-open.org/meet-the-candidates/ward- 14-cleveland-ohio.

literacy skills before entering school SSPARKPARK PROGRAMPROGRAM is critical to a child’s development and ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage 3 future academic success.” While Clark School is a neighborhood to be ready for kindergarten. SPARK school in the Stockyard neighborhood, children score statistically higher on any child in the Cleveland Metropolitan Kindergarten Readiness Assessment School District can choose to attend the in Literacy tests than their peers in school with permission of the principal the same classrooms. The Literacy if space is available. Parents interested Cooperative, Invest in Children, and in enrolling their child in SPARK should Family Connections offer the program contact Family Connections at (216) because they believe that “acquiring 921-2023. SSERVICEERVICE EEMPLOYEESMPLOYEES IINTERNATIONALNTERNATIONAL PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN Thursday, August 8, 2013; Open House, Lincoln West High School, 3202 W. 30th Street: Faculty, staff, ccontinuedo n t i n u e d ffromr o m ppagea g e 3 the district, and also a parent of a students, parents and partners from Community Based Organizations socialize at this meet and greet back with no answer or a rejection. child in the district that takes pride event prior to the opening of school. West Side Community House (WSCH) staff members Maria Sliva, A SIEU member from the dietary in the work she does and wants (Left) and Donniecia Worley (Right) talk with Stockyard, Clark-Fulton & Brooklyn Center Community staff noted “without us there will be the district to succeed. She said, Development Ofﬁ ce Community Network Weaver Juliana Cole about an upcoming event at WSCH. Cole no face to greet children at breakfast “The district will never become a helped the Near West Side Community Council and Lincoln West High School to get the word out about and lunch.” Another SEIU worker, premier district if the workers are the Lincoln West Open House. said she was a low wage-worker in disgruntled.”

NNEAREAR WESTWEST SSIDEIDE CCOMMUNITYOMMUNITY CCOUNCILOUNCIL by concentrating resources in the services we offer, how can we The organization is also involved in ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage oonene three investment schools using a ensure we are maximizing our an array of programs to help make and its social service agencies corporate partner model, the Near efforts?” He emphasized that the the neighborhood safer. Village neighborhood and the around the schools. While those West Side Community Council and organization’s members “are not Member organization Big Central Promise model initiated neighborhoods are ahead of the its members can make a difference coming to save the schools, “ but Brothers/Big Sisters has offered by the Sisters of Charity in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood in terms this school year. rather to offer services. “We have to focus its mentoring services at Central neighborhood. Both models of developing a strategic plan and The question he asks community something we do well. How can you Walton School. involve organizing the neighborhood securing funding, Ruiz believes that organizations is, “With all these use us?” he said. With the passage of the school Examples of Near West Side levy, the Cleveland Metropolitan Community Council members and School District (CMSD) has services brought to the table are promised to invest more resources the Cleveland Metropolitan Zoo in schools in academic emergency which offers an array of science or academic watch, which they education opportunities and believe have a good chance to resources; Esperanza, which offers improve. CMSD started with 13 mentoring, tutoring and family investment schools – three in the engagement services; the West area served by the Near West Side Side Ecumenical Ministry’s El Bario Community Council. Ruiz says , which offers a GED program for each of those schools has been parents; HUMADAOP which offers promised a Resource Coordinator a substance abuse prevention to help engage the community program and after school programs with the schools. He says the for youth; and MetroHealth Medical school district plans to hire private Center which plans to open a mobile agencies to oversee the resource weekly clinic at Lincoln West High coordinators. He hopes the new School to help address the health resource coordinators will be in needs of students. place by the end of the year to work Other organizations involved in with all the investment schools in the the Near West Side Community neighborhood. Council bring a variety of skills to the On the Near West Side, those table for example Stockyard, Clark- new resource coordinators will fi nd Fulton, Brooklyn-Centre Community a valuable resource to help them, Development Office offers a a community organization already leadership development program for working to provide wrap around youth at Lincoln West High School. services to the investment schools. Ruiz estimates that from 2,000 to 2,500 students attend Walton, Luis Munoz Marin and Lincoln West. He believes the many social service and community-based organizations on the Near West Side can make a difference by offering resources to the three investment schools, their students along with their families in a coordinated manner. The next meeting of the Near West Side Community Council will be on Wednesday, September 25th from 4-6 p.m. at MetroHealth Medical Center in Room 170. For more information about Near West Side Community Council and how to get involved call Victor Ruiz at 216-651-7178. September 2013 • Plain Press 7 WWARDARD 3 SURVEYSURVEY Lakeview Action Network also has the potential to help in other areas; ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage 4 such as education, transportation and crime reduction. years. Our councilman claims his The Lakeview Action Network en- version of success. Well, that’s his visions bringing vocational charter opinion. Not the facts on the ground. high schools to this area, working Crimes against women should in conjunction with unions and not be kept silent. A rape reported businesses committed to social on the parking lot of the West Side progress. Marketing-wise and Market was first brought to the profi t-wise, this would be a win-win community’s attention by me. This situation for both groups. rape, and the one the happened the But for now, the Lakeview Action very next day at Lakeview Estates, Network will focus on executing the is a matter of public record. Now, following fi ve-point plan: Sponsor a there’s been a third rape reported on Fifty-50 Raffl e Fundraiser; File as nd Bailey Ave. Last week, a 2 District a Self-Declared Non-Profi t Organi- policeman told me that there were zation; Submit proposals to secure 10 robberies on a single night that funds to hire a professional grant same week in Ohio City, alone. The writer; Hire a professional grant number one concern in our Com- writer with the help of the Cleveland munity is SAFETY. I’m not waiting Foundation; and Facilitate the pro- for someone who’s been in offi ce cess of Low Rise residents develop- for 15 years to fi nally heed the call ing an action plan which will focus to Safety. And I’m not waiting for initially on the issue of bullying. The this Councilman now to step up to Dishmon Development Center will the plate and do his job. He’s had be involved in this process. enough time to show his worth. Too A birds-eye view of the Low Rise many people have been victimized leaves little doubt that the lack of and have been left to fend for them- programs and activities for children selves. is a matter of grave concern. So Police are doing the best they much so, that if the success of a plan PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN can, considering the dramatic cuts to turn the area around requires that in personnel the past several years. Saturday, August 10, 2013; Esperanza Back to School Event features free backpacks, school supplies, rules be bent, I would be in favor of food, and health screenings. Over 1,000 students received backpacks with school supplies. Juliangeliz I believe that our Police Offi cers and bending certain rules. That’s the Fire Fighters need proper support Rivera, age 4, sits with her friend, Alanis Pinero, age 6, as Pinero examines some pencils she obtained level of compassion and commit- from one of the booths at the event. and tools to be able to do their ment needed here; an attitude that jobs. My opponent is scrambling to might facilitate a benevolent trans- portant challenges that face the Dear Readers, fi gure out what to do about crime formation. City of Cleveland and describe PPLAINLAIN PPRESSRESS in an election year. His long-term the legislation you would intro- Visit the Plain Press website record shows he has not taken the duce to Cleveland City Council at www.plainpress.org to see the problem seriously and funding for Describe the three most import- to help address that challenge. TToo aadvertisedvertise Community Policing, a success ant challenges facing the City of Explain why the legislation you candidates answers to the throughout the country, was slashed Cleveland. (Please limit answer to propose would be the best option fi nal question of the Ward 3 ccallall under his watch. 100 words or less.) for addressing this issue. (Please Plain Press Candidate Survey. TTomom SSheehanheehan If I spend 100 nights a Joe Cimperman: limit your answer to 500 words year walking up and down our aatt We need to address abandoned or less.) 2216-621-3060,16-621-3060, neighborhood streets in Tremont, homes that need to be inhabited with Ohio City, Downtown, Clark/Fulton, new residents or torn down. Flea Market oorr eemail:mail: Stockyard District and across the We need to work even more [email protected]@yahoo.com Near West Side to reduce crime, and closely with the Second District send a message that protects You, Police to help Commanders Sulzer, I Will Do So— You Will See Me Out Stephens, and McCartney and their Plain Press There! There’s only one way to lead: amazing police offi cers to improve by example, not excuses. our neighborhoods in Ward 3. CLAS SI FIED We have many resources in our Business Jeff Mixon: PLAIN PRESS CLASSIFIED: $10 community- we need more bridges for 12 words and 30¢ for each Lakeview Terrace is a subsidized between resources and needs so housing area commonly known as Directory additional word. To advertise our neighbors can live with dignity count the words and mail a “the projects.” With a population and in care of each other. of more than 2,000 residents, un- check or money order with your employment here typically exceeds ad to the Plain Press, 2012 W. Carrie J. Kurutz: 25th #500 Cleveland, OH 44113. 35%. Over the decades, sadness Aside from safety, unemployment, Accountant and despair have been normalized For more information call Tom lack of education and the disrespect Sheehan at (216) 621-3060 or here, along with a variety of social for our environment are enormous Plumber ills. Lakeview Terrace residents email plainpressads@yahoo. diffi culties for this City. We must com. suffer from amputated spirits – due do better creating jobs for all of our in large part to political neglect. CHURCHES people and assist small businesses WHY STAY HOME AND BE Compared to the attention lavished in our Communities. The key to an on the corporate fat cats across the LONELY, when you can meet new improved economy is Education. friends, and hear how Jesus can bridge, the residents of the near We must provide quality, relevant west side are treated as children of bless, make you happy, and become education for our children and those part of your Life. All people are a somewhat lesser god. Low Rise who need retraining. This takes wise residents, as opposed to those living welcome. House of Worship, 3112 vision and careful planning, not just W. 73rd Street, Cleveland, off Clark. in the Lakeview Tower High Rise, money. Let’s clean up our neigh- Real Estate rarely see politicians in person. Sunday: 3 P.M., Joe & Eva. borhoods, especially where our FLEA MARKETS/THRIFTS In a city where most quality poorest families live. They deserve ST. PAUL’S THRIFT SHOP: jobs go to suburbanites, Lakeview encouragement so learning can Day Care Furniture, clothing, baby needs & Terrace residents survive primarily take place, not more slag heaps, more. First Saturday Dollar Bag,10 through entitlement programs such polluted air, decaying sewers, and a.m. - Noon. Best prices in town! St. as welfare and social security. half-baked, corrupt proposals for Paul’s Community Church a W. 45th When it comes to providing posi- garbage-to-energy plants. tive programs for children, the reality and Franklin Blvd. is that there isn’t enough money to FOR RENT Jeff Mixon: go around. Add to that the fact that Wanted NEED ANSWERS TO LANDLORD Reshaping Cleveland’s mis- children can’t vote, and they end up TENANT QUESTIONS? Call guided approach to educating urban getting left out in the cold in a “you- Cleveland Tenant’s Organization’s children is one of the biggest chal- scratch-my-back and I’ll-scratch- Rental Information Center: 216- lenges that we face as a city. We yours” political system. If the adults For Rent 432-0609. remain fi xated on the delusion that that care about these children don’t PROPERTY OWNERS NEEDED: every child should attend college, become aggressive child advocates, If you are a property owner with as if the world could operate with- we’re likely to end up with yet anoth- nice, clean, reasonably priced out plumbers, bricklayers and auto er generation of children fallen victim apartments, and are looking for mechanics. to a phenomenon that psychiatrist tenants, please call Care Alliance The lack of leadership, when it Harry Stack Sullivan coined malev- at (216) 924-0429 and ask for Jim comes to creating jobs and providing olent transformations. Malevolent Schlecht. job-training opportunities, is another transformations are associated with major problem that we face. IMPROVE SOCIETY not being valued, which causes the Ending the political neglect of IMPROVE OUR SOCIETY: type of anxiety responsible for most children (who can’t vote) is a third Read and heed Deuteronomy psychological maladjustments. challenge. The political neglect 28 of the King James Version. The Lakeview Action Network, of children is one of the principle Act by supporting a theonomic which I’m spear-heading, is a reasons that crime is skyrocketing constitutional amendment. non-profi t organization whose num- in Ward 3. REAL ESTATE ber one priority is to raise money to CASH for Houses, Any Condition enhance programming for children Pick one of those three most im- (UGLY is OK), Any Location. 216- residing in the Low Rise. The 533-3181.