Councilman Kevin Conwell | Winter 2019

The Drumbeat of the Community Councilman Conwell 2018 HIGHLIGHT • Museum of African American History Fieldtrip Opposes State Move In October, Councilman Kevin Conwell sponsored and to Loosen Gun Safety accompanied 50 Glenville High School students to the Museum of African American History in Detroit. The trip also included a tour of the Motown Museum. A great time was had by all.

Ohio Statehouse in Columbus Councilman Kevin Conwell travelled to the statehouse in Columbus this month to protest against a proposed bill that would loosen gun safety standards. Councilman Conwell’s voice and the voices of hundreds of others proved to be effective as the Republican-controlled Senate backed off on a controversial provision in its original bill and instead passed a stripped-down version. “We did it,” said Councilman Conwell. “Together, we were able to back them down.” The so-called “Stand Your Ground” bill would have made it legal for an individual to shoot Ward 9 Seeing Two Major Development Projects someone in self- As part of a public/private plan by the City of to defense without first invest millions of dollars into struggling neighborhoods, two trying to retreat to Conwell speaking at the statehouse major development projects are underway along East 105th safety. That provision, in December Street, an area represented by Councilman Kevin Conwell. which would have The Finch Group has begun construction of a mixed-use applied even to a shooting in a public place, building on East 105th Street at Ashbury Avenue near was struck down, resulting in a win for the VA Medical Center. The $15 million project features Councilman Conwell and hundreds of others commercial and retail space on the first floor and more than who were against it, including police and 60 apartments on upper floors. The project, scheduled to be prosecutors. “This is a great public-private partnership that supports completed by next summer, also features a public park. “This gun bill, if passed in its original form, America’s military veterans and their families in times of would have encouraged more violence,” Across the street from the Finch project, construction need,” said Councilman Conwell. “Those who served in our said Councilman Conwell. “We are trying to has begun on two Fisher Houses, which will provide free armed forces, along with their loved ones, deserve top-rate encourage less violence, not more.” lodging to out-of-town families who have members being accommodations when they come to Cleveland.” Prior to his trip to Columbus, Councilman treated at the VA hospital. The $12 million project, scheduled Councilman Conwell said he is confident that the two Conwell sponsored a resolution in City to open early next year, will provide 32 suites for visiting major developments in the shadow of the VA Medical Center Council opposing the “Stand Your Ground” families who, otherwise, would have to rent hotel rooms. will help draw economic activity in the area bill. The resolution was unanimously adopted. The VA will operate and maintain the Fisher Houses, up East 105th Street into the Glenville area neighborhoods. “As a member of the City of Cleveland’s which are walking distance to the VA Medical Center. “This is a first step,” said Councilman Conwell. “I intend legislative body, I have a responsibility to push more capital into struggling neighborhoods. It’s to promote laws and regulations aimed time we invest in neighborhoods that have been too long at keeping our neighborhoods safe,” said Councilman Conwell. “I also have neglected; neighborhoods still bearing the scars of poverty.” the responsibility to oppose laws and Meanwhile, construction work continues on the East regulations that would effectively make our Side Market on the corner of East 105th Street and St. Clair neighborhoods more dangerous. Avenue. The $3.5 million project has seen a few hurtles over “In this case, “Stand Your Ground” would the last several months, causing a slow-down in progress, have inflicted a grave danger to our city. But but plans are still on track. “We’re hoping to see a grand we stopped it. We stood our ground.” opening early next year,” said Councilman Conwell. A Letter from Councilman Conwell Seeking Senior of the Year Musical Instruments for Kids of Needy Families Mary Helen Davis

Dear friends and neighbors, I am currently working on a program to give low-income families donated musical instruments so that their children can learn the fundamentals of music. The goal, of courses, is that these kids will discover and appreciate the fine art of music, giving them an experience that can open a whole new world. My project is in collaboration with the Cleveland public schools, the Councilman Conwell and Mayor Jackson recognized Ms. Mary Helen Davis at the 2018 City of Cleveland Senior Day event on May 24. and two non-profit groups – Arts Cleveland and Center for Arts-Inspired Learning. Mary Helen Davis was born in Atlanta, As a musician, I know that there are hundreds of children in our Georgia, where her father was stationed in the community who are musically talented, but, sadly, do not have the means to U.S. Navy. purchase an instrument. We could have a Miles Davis or a Herbie Handcock As a child, she lived at various Navy bases in our midst but would never know it. throughout the country, including Great Lakes, So, please consider donating a used or new workable instrument. Illinois, in the Chicago area, where she spent We will begin accepting instruments on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, most of her childhood. Mary Helen graduated January 21, 2019 at a collection box in . If you cannot get from Hyde Park High School. After graduation, she attended Chicago to Severance Hall, we can make arrangements to pick up your instrument. Teacher’s College where she earned a bachelor And if an instrument requires a repair, we will make sure it is done. of arts degree in Education. The name of the program is “Play It Forward Cleveland.” The first After moving to Cleveland in the early children to receive instruments will be from Ward 9 in the Glenville area. 1960s, Mary Helen met her future husband, Eventually, we will extend it throughout the whole city. Loxie Davis. They were married in 1961 and Please feel free to call me if you have any questions about the program. remained so until Mr. Davis’ passing in 2001. My office number is 216-664-4252. She has three children, Derrick, Deidra and Dwayne, six grandchildren and three great- Sincerely, grandchildren. In 1971, Mary Helen began teaching in the Cleveland Municipal School District. She taught reading at Miles Standish and Kevin Conwell, Chesterfield Elementary. She also taught at St. Councilman, City of Cleveland Malachi’s and at St. Stephens. After retiring from teaching in 1984, she began working with the Cuyahoga County Fair Housing Administration and was eventually promoted to Fair Housing Administrator, a position she held when she retired in 2002. Mary Helen is very engaged and involved Department of Aging, EMS Partner in “File in her community and is an active member of her church, Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church, of Life” Emegency Medical Safety Program which she joined in 1961. She is the vice The Cleveland Department of Aging president of the Deaconess Board, a member and Cleveland EMS have partnered to of the Missionary Society and works with the bring File of Life to Cleveland seniors. Evangelistic Choir, which she organized. File of Life is an emergency Every year, Mary Helen plans the church’s preparedness magnetic file that MLK Gala, which honors the work of The Rev. promotes safety and peace of mind. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event recognizes It is designed to be placed on the local and national leaders who have made outside of a refrigerator. A File of Life significant contributions in the struggles for includes important information about justice and civil rights. Mary Helen is also active with the Cuyahoga medical history, emergency contacts, and Democratic Party and has been the president medications – all in one place, for use in an of the Parmelee Avenue Street Club for the last emergency. three years. This information is invaluable to She is a member and the chaplain of Eta Phi Emergency Medical Service professionals Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Chapter. She is also when seconds matter in an emergency. File free File of Life magnet call 216-664-2833 or a member of the Cleveland Chapter of Chums, of Life is available at no cost. To obtain a send an email to [email protected]. Inc., a nationally recognized organization that promotes friendship and camaraderie among women. In 2002, Mary Helen was elected Holiday Waste Pick Up Schedule Bulk Pick Up president of AARP Ohio, the first African FOR THE WEEK OF: American woman to hold that position. »»New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) »»Presidents’ Day (Feb. 18) »»January 7, 2019 When asked what she loves most about ONE DAY DELAYED NO DELAY - REGULAR PICK UP February 4, 2019 Cleveland, she said the rich diversity of »» races and cultures. “I just love Cleveland,” »»MLK Day (Jan. 21) »»Good Friday (April 19) »»March 4, 2019 she said. “My family is here and I find ONE DAY DELAYED NO DELAY - REGULAR PICK UP »»April 1, 2019 Cleveland as a great place just to enjoy life.” A Word from Councilman Kevin Conwell

Dear Ward 9 residents, I hope everyone has had a “ I am dedicated to preserving safe and prosperous year as we’re about to bid goodbye to and supporting families – 2018 and say hello to 2019. We have seen a lot of new the building blocks of our development projects in the ward this year and next year looks just communities.” as promising. October. The trip also included a tour of the We’ll soon be seeing ribbon cuttings Motown Museum. for new apartments, retail shops and I always say, “we live through our children” a full-service grocery store in Ward 9. and it was heartwarming to see how these These are projects that are already under kids were captivated and inspired by the construction and I’m confident that we can history and culture of their roots. For some of build on them to leverage more projects in them, it was their first time away from home, our neighborhoods. a life-changing experience. The goal, of course, is to create vibrancy As a public official, a father and a throughout our community, a place where husband, I am dedicated to preserving and our children can play safely outdoors; where supporting families – the building blocks of neighbors help neighbors by looking out or our communities. each other. And where young couples can Finally, I wish everyone safe and happy buy homes and raise families in a safe and holidays. And please don’t hesitate to nourishing environment. call me with questions, comments or Creating this environment, however, concerns. My office number is 216-664- requires many hands working together. We 4252. have seen many accomplishments this year, Stay warm and don’t forget to change the but we still face challenges, so let us come batteries in your smoke detectors. Engage with Councilman together and take on those challenges. I am confident that the residents of Ward 9 will Regards, KEVIN CONWELL: prevail. CITY HALL Meanwhile, I would like to share with 216-664-4252 you my experience of escorting 50 Glenville EMAIL [email protected] High School students to the Museum of WEB African American History in Detroit this past www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/ward-9

Fifth District Come Code It! Police Community The Cleveland Foundation awarded Relations Awards the city of Cleveland $200,000 grant that will On October 18, Councilman Conwell fund half of the cost of joined Mayor Frank G. Jackson for the tuition for accelerated 2018 Fifth District Police Community adult training Relations Awards Ceremony held at courses at We Can Cleveland Job Corps, located at East Code IT, a Cleveland 140th & St Clair Avenue. coding bootcamp with a mission to improve This annual event honors both inclusion and diversity in the tech industry. officers and citizens for their The new partnership program is focused on reaching low-to-middle income Cleveland community service. Councilman residents or anyone residing in the Glenville, Conwell helped recognize Ward 9 Buckeye-Shaker, Clark-Metro, and E. 79th- resident Ms. Marion Tabb for her efforts Kinsman/Central neighborhoods. For 30 in making our community a better adult students who pass the We Can Code IT place. admission requirements, the grant will fund half of the $12,900 tuition cost. We Can Code IT offers numerous financing and scholarship options to cover the remaining $6,450. The grant also Senior Grass Cutting Program covers the $125 registration fee for those 30 If you are interested in receiving an application students. for the Senior Grass Cutting Program We Can Code IT was founded on a commitment to helping people feel comfortable beginning in May 2019, please contact the with learning computer technology and Cleveland Department of Aging Chore Program software development. We Can Code IT’s at 664-3998 or 664-4694. innovative teaching methods combine in-class, Applications will be mailed out in February 2019. hands-on and remote learning. Their mission is to include all populations in the tech community, with a goal to increase diversity in the tech industry by 10 percent in the next ten years. Cleveland residents interested in applying for the tech training grant should contact: [email protected] PRESORT STD. PRESORTU.S. POSTAGE STD. PAID U.S. CLEVELAND,POSTAGE OH PERMITPAID NO. 2893 CLEVELAND, OH PERMIT NO. 2893 Multi-Family Fire damage Occupied   Abandoned Cars Structural Problems Structural Roof/Gutter/Downspout Illegal Operation or Business to help us address trouble spots. Two-Family Boarded up Premise is: Premise  Premise type: www.clevelandcitycouncil.org information S ard Report9 Eyesore Form U W Abandoned/Vacant One-Family Condition of building (circle all that apply): Condition of building (circle Vandalized

M  Bad Porch(es)  Illegal Activity Illegal Rodents/Animals M Paint/Siding/Trim Ward 9 News Exterior Maintenance The Drumbeat of the Community • Serving the Glenville and University Circle Neighborhoods Provide specific

E Address: ______Councilman Kevin Conwell • Downtown Office: 601 Lakeside Ave., City Hall, Room 220 Cleveland, OH 44114 664-3837 Jobs Jobs Corps for Youth...... 541-2500 One Stop Career Center...... 664-4673 Glenville Opportunity Center...... 268-1600

The Drumbeat of the Community Room 220, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 venue, City Hall,

Phone: 216-664-4252 • Fax: 216-664-3837 • Email: [email protected] R A 2

6:30 - 8:00 pm Councilman Kevin Conwell, Ward 9 0 Fax to: EVERY THURSDAY EVERY 3RD 601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 220, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 1 OR 664-4557 0 True Vine Baptist Church, 711 E. 105th Street 711 E. Baptist Church, Vine True 216-664-4557

ArtWorks Any reports sent in will be held in confidence. Cleveland Councilman Kevin Conwell 664-4557 Time: Martin Luther King illegal address to help police Day Event January 21, 2019 in our neighborhood. and get to know your neighbors and neighborhood know your and get to “All Things are Possible by Working Together” Working by Possible are Things “All ard 9 Hotspot Form information 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Councilman Kevin Conwell, 601 Lakeside W activity @ Studio 105 PUBLIC THE TO OPEN AND FREE ARE MEETINGS

1470 E. 105th Street THURSDAY EVERY Mail to:

For more information contact For more information The students (K-8) can participate in:

Office: 664-4557/Home: 791-6642 visual arts, photography, dance, spoken word, and game art Officers Enforcement Hill and Code Commander Conwell, out and meet with Councilman Come

Provide specific programs. QUALITY OF LIFE COMMUNITY MEETINGS COMMUNITY LIFE OF QUALITY Details: Address: Days: Name of Suspect/Alias: Location: Suspect vehicle (License plate, make, year, model, color):

Snacks & Pizza Lunch Provided! Important Employment Contact Numbers Important Employment 5:00 - 7:00 pm • Glenville Library, 11900 St. Clair 11900 St. Library, 5:00 - 7:00 pm • Glenville Towards Employment...... 696-5750 Towards Glenville Glenville Employment Connection..541-2267 Questions? ThePlease call 216-561-5005Drumbeat x17 of the Community Employment Connection...... 664-4673