www.oldbrooklyn.com November 2009 Volume 31; Number 9 Veterans Day, 2009 – OBN remembers fallen World War II vet from James Ford Rhodes by Myra Stone, Librarian tures of Rhodes soldiers in all branches of James Ford Rhodes High School the military. Every Rhodes commencement ceremo- When Donald signed the book, he stat- ny has its own special memories. At the last ed that his present leave from the military commencement exercise at the Cleveland was ending. We believe that he made Convention Center on June 7th, graduates arrangements to receive his diploma at the witnessed something they’ll never forget — 1944 graduation because he is listed in the posthumous awarding of the high school Rhodes’ 1944 yearbook. He missed his grad- diploma of a Rhodes grad who died in World uation because of the “D-Day” invasion of War II. the Normandy coast of France. Pvt. Donald D. Owens was killed in a Donald Owens served in the 773 Tank tank explosion on October 9, 1944, near Division, 90th Division. The men in it Luneville, France. Until recently he has been entered France through Normandy and listed at the Lorraine American Cemetery in fought their way across France. Pvt. Owens, St. Avold, France as “missing”. Now that his along with two other soldiers, was killed in a Photo by Sheila Quealy-Walter “dog tags” have surfaced, students, staff, tank explosion in what history calls the For the 15th year, giant Transformer-like figures are displayed in Pete Marin’s front yard at family members and members of the com- “Battle of the Bulge”. One soldier’s remains 4807 Wichita Ave. Optimus Prime and Bumble Bee will be there through November 8th. munity have had the opportunity to pause to were found just three years ago, and Pvt. belatedly thank one of their own. Donald D. Owens’ tags surfaced after that. Old Brooklyn CDC conducts annual meeting Donald D. Owens attended Rhodes They are now in the hands of the US High School from 1940-43. From the Military JPAC (Joint Prisoner of War and by Robyn Sandys In terms of the financial picture for the Rhodes Archives, we discovered that he Missing in Action Accounting Command) [email protected] CDC, it couldn’t be better. Revenue topped played varsity football, basketball and was a for DNA analysis. The remains of a third $1,003,802 with expenses at $948,696 Boy’s Leader. In March of 1943, just two soldier are still missing. Old Brooklyn Community which left an operating net surplus of over months shy of graduation, Donald left This story could not have unfolded Development Corporation (OBCDC) held $55,000. Rhodes to serve his country. At the age of were it not for the efforts over the years of its annual meeting on October 20th at the Besides telling the membership and seventeen, he voluntarily enlisted in the US Gerard Louis of Luneville, France. Gerard, Knights of Columbus Hall on Broadview community about all of the CDC’s success Army and was sent to basic training in Camp now in his 60s, was always captivated by the Rd. The K of C’s past Grand Knight Leo this year, there was some business conduct- Mead, Maryland. story of the tank and its occupants. He was Hansen graciously permitted OBCDC to use ed. The membership elected to its board two From what we have been able to piece determined to locate the remains of the sol- the space for free. There were about 45 peo- brand new board members — April Beates, together, Donald was hoping to return to diers as his way of saying thank you to the ple in attendance that learned about the the Marketing Director for Paran Rhodes to receive his diploma. His perma- United States for saving France during CDC’s activities this past fiscal year, from Management which owns and operate the nent record card states that he had complet- World War II. Gerard told me that he has July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. Memphis Fulton Shopping Center; and Jeff ed all the requirements for a high school been searching in the Forest of Parroy for Some of the key highlights included Kipp, the Executive Director of the Living in diploma. the past nine years. OBCDC’s completion of a new three-year Cleveland Center. Jeff and his family reside We know that Donald returned to Near the end of October, 2008, I strategic plan this past summer. A copy of in Old Brooklyn as well. The Living in Rhodes on Jan. 14, 1944 because he signed received a phone call from Duane that plan as well as the Annual Report can be Cleveland Center’s focus is to market and the “Blue Book” which was kept in the Main Thomascik, about the 90th Division found on the web site at promote Cleveland’s neighborhoods. Office. This book contains over 600 signa- See Veterans Day page 4 www.oldbrooklyn.com. The remaining three board members The strategic plan includes a number of were appointed during the year but needed goals OBCDC would like to accomplish by to be elected at this meeting — Theresa 2012. They include: Martin, a resident of Old Brooklyn who $900,000 in residential investment and works for Key Bank in their community $500,000 of commercial investment facili- development division; Jeffrey Rhodes, tated by the CDC; another resident of Old Brooklyn. Jeff teach- Increasing the number of people receiv- es at North Royalton High School; and ing CDC services from the current 2,750 a Christina Seabold, who also resides in Old year to 4,200; Brooklyn and works for Cleveland Increasing the number of people Metroparks. engaged with the CDC family from about After the meeting, OBCDC’s board 4,800 to 8,500; held a brief board meeting to elect officers The Master Plan for the CDC’s service for this coming fiscal year. Greg Huth will area was also reviewed as well as other plan- See Annual Meeting page 6 ning studies such as the Transportation of Liveable Communities which focuses on the W. 25 Street/Pearl RD. corridor from Lorain Ave. to Brookpark Rd. Again, all of these Inside the OBN studies can be found on the CDC’s web site. Some other key highlights of the year Community Spotlight; Desk of Frank Smith has again set up Heggs House of Horror, his hand-crafted, over-the-top included the “All Access” Home and the Executive Director; Halloween decorations, in front of and on the side lot of his home at 1608 Merl Ave. Bicycle Tour in July. It was a fun-filled day Community Meetings 2 Photos by Sheila Quealy-Walter where over 175 people went on Lolly the Trolley tours of the area as well as bicyclists News & Events; SNR 3 touring area attractions such as historical homes, parks, trails, area local shops and so CWRU Mural 4 forth. Benjamin Franklin Community Garden Town Crier; Church Merging 5 was also discussed as they now have received the award from the Cuyahoga County Fair two years in a row for “Best Commercial News; Community Garden.” This past year the OLGC & Art House; Mayor and those from all around the city Letter to the Community 6 toured the garden. OBCDC and Ward 16 Councilman Community Toolbox; Kevin Kelley sponsored three “Movie Residential Wind Turbine 7 Nights Under the Stars” this past summer which were a great success and fun for fam- Italian American Article; ilies throughout the area. Theater Notes 8 The CDC also purchased and is rehab- Family Fun 9 bing its first home on Tampa Ave. and will be pursing additional homes to rehab and Senior & Church Notes 10 sell. The home is expected to be completed Specters, tombstones, skeletons, a witch and pumpkins join the colorful autumn plantings at later this fall and hopefully sold by early Classified & Service Directory 11 this home on W. 14th St. at Merl Ave. for another outstanding Halloween display. next year. PAGE 2 OLD BROOKLYN NEWS NOVEMBER 2009 provided the impetus for restoring the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail; it now has From the desk of the national recognition as a National Heritage Corridor. Eventually their vision for the Canal executive director was extended all the way south to Zoar. by Robyn Sandys After gaining experience from these proj- [email protected] ects, Jeff was contacted by people to brain- November, the month where we give storm about how to preserve an area of the thanks. First a heartfelt thanks to all of our Jeff Lennartz – West Creek valley -- the last big chunk of members and volunteers who share your time throughout the CDC’s service area. woods in Parma -- which was being threatened and energy on behalf of Old Brooklyn and We also had a very successful Fall-O- Community Activist with development by a proposed golf course. Brooklyn Centre. I also want to thank our staff, Ween event on October 24th. There were over (West Creek is a north-flowing tributary board and City Council reps as well as the City 600 families there who all had a splendid time. by Donnald Heckelmoser The first 300 children received a free goodie and Lynette Filips of the Cuyahoga River, rising in Broadview of Cleveland Community Development and Planning Departments. Without all of YOU we bag and a hot dog meal. There was a costume [email protected] Hts., and passing through Parma and Brooklyn would not be doing our best to serve the nearly contest, pumpkin decorating, games, entertain- lynettef@old brooklyn.com Hts., before it empties into the Cuyahoga in Independence near the base of Schaaf Rd.