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Cleveland Information Guide [ 5 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

The NewMarket Services Information Guide is designed as a valuable resource tool for you, the newcomer to Cleveland. It is our intent in producing this publication to standardize important and helpful information on your new community in a format that is most useful to you. Cleveland Welcomes You! Important telephone numbers, packing and moving suggestions, and much, much more useful information is found throughout the Guide pages. Selected area businesses, many offering significant savings are found in the Business Directory Section, sorted by category.

The Guide can save you both time and money while providing you a continuous resource tool as you become more familiar with the metroplex. We do hope you find our Relocation Guide to be of assistance to you. If you do not find something you need, or if you have any suggestions for future issues of the

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(866) 595-3792 Toll Free From everyone at NewMarket Services Welcome to Cleveland!

6 ] Cleveland Information Guide www.newmarketservices.com Cleveland Information Guide [ Volume 10 [ Number 5

LOCAL INFORMATION The State of Ohio 8 Area Codes, Important Phone Numbers 11 Travel Information 12-14 Weather 14 Voter Registration 14 Driver’s License 15 Publisher: NewMarket Services, Inc. About Cleveland 9 President: Patrick Morgan Neighborhoods 16-18 Managing Editor: Rebecca Wallace Things To Do 19-21 Executive Editor: Jason Gerali Media 21 Contributing Writer: Amy Tenant MOVING Executive VP Sales & Marketing: Robert Fischer Smooth Transitions 25-26 Choosing a Moving Company 25 Regional Sales Manager: Beth Hurley Packing Tips 25-26 Art Department: Sprague Design Staying Organized 26 Graphic Designer: Dean Sprague Settling Into Your New Home 26 NewMarket On-Line: Total Web Design, Inc. What’s All the Talk About? 29 Pre-Move Checklist 30-31 IT and Web Development: Larry Bongiovi Relocating Your Pet 32 Research Assistant: Stephanie Cooper, Lora Price MOVING WITH CHILDREN Circulation: Little Drummer Boy Dist., Inc. Reinforce the Positives 34-35 Phoenix Office: Choosing a School 34-35 PO Box 30534 Selecting Child Care 36-37 Phoenix, AZ 85046-0534 Education 37-39 Phone: (602) 923-3415 Fax: (602) 923-0774 FITNESS & HEALTH Toll Free: (866) 595-3791 In the Kitchen 41 Physical and Mental Well Being 42-43 Chicago Office: Volunteering 44 902 North Ashland Chicago, IL 60622 HOUSING Phone: (312) 226-6288 Making the Right Choice 46-47 Fax: (312) 226-6290 Choosing the Right Home 48 Toll Free: (866) 595-3792 Home Inspection Checklist 49 NewMarket currently publishes Information Homecare Basics for New Homeowners 50 Guides for 95 North American and 32 Security 51 International Markets. To order your Home Buyer’s Glossary 52-53 NewMarket Information Guides for $3.50 each, please contact NewMarket Services Take Control of Your Energy Costs 54 toll free at (866) 595-3792. Who’s Who in Building 55 Selecting a Builder 56 In preparing this publication, every effort Selecting a Contractor 56 has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained herein, but Banking & Mortgage Information 58-61 authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Listings are subject to omission, error or change BUSINESS DIRECTORY without notice. Business Directory Listings 62-64 All material in this publication is copyright protected and can only be reprinted with permission of the publisher.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 7 THE STATE OF OHIO

MI NY Ohio is a major producer of machines, tires and rubber products, steel, processed foods, tools, and other manufactured goods. This Buffalo CANADA is not immediately obvious because Ohio specializes in producer’s Detroit goods (goods used to make other goods, such as machine tools, industrial chemicals, and plastic moldings). Nevertheless, there are well known Ohio consumer items including some Procter & Gamble products, Smuckers jams and jellies, and Day-Glo paints. Cleveland PA As part of the Corn Belt, agriculture also plays an important role in the state’s economy. There is also a small commercial fishing OH IN Pittsburgh sector on Lake Erie, and the principal catch is yellow perch. In Columbus addition, Ohio’s historical attractions, varying landscapes, and recreational opportunities are the basis for a thriving tourist industry. Indianapolis Over 2,500 lakes and 43,000 miles of river landscapes are a Dayton paradise for boaters, fishermen, and swimmers. Two major WV amusement parks, Paramount’s Kings Island and Cedar Point, are Cincinnati also important to the tourism industry. Of special historical interest are the Native American archaeological sites—including grave VA Louisville KY mounds and other sites.

Lexington

hio is a Midwestern state of the United States. Part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio is a cultural and geographical Fast Facts crossroads, which was settled by people from New O POPULATION: 1,353,140 England, the Middle States, Appalachia, and the upper south. Ohio Columbus is an Iroquoian word meaning “good river.” The name refers to the CAPITAL: Ohio River that forms its southern border. TIME ZONE: Eastern, UTC-5/-4 Ohio’s geographic location has proved to be an asset for LARGEST CITIES: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati economic growth and expansion. Because Ohio links the Northeast NICKNAME: Buckeye State to the Midwest, much cargo and business traffic passes through its borders on its well-developed highways. Ohio has the nation’s 10th STATE ANIMAL: White-tailed Deer largest highway network, and is within a one-day drive of 50% of STATE BIRD: Cardinal North America’s population and 70% of North America’s STATE FLOWER: Scarlet Carnation manufacturing capacity. To the North, Lake Erie gives Ohio 312 miles of coastline, which allows for numerous seaports. Ohio’s STATE MOTTO: With God all things are possible southern border is defined by the Ohio River (with the border being STATE NICKNAME: Buckeye State at the 1793 low-water mark on the north side of the river), and WEB SITE: www.ohio.gov much of the northern border is defined by Lake Erie. It borders 5.5% Pennsylvania on the east, Michigan in the northwest near Toledo, STATE SALES TAX RATE: Ontario, Canada across Lake Erie to the north, Indiana to the west, Kentucky on the south, and West Virginia on the southeast.

8 ] Cleveland Information Guide ABOUT CLEVELAND

OVERVIEW

ften cited as a model for urban rebirth and named one of the top 10 international visitor hotspots by Travel and Leisure magazine, the City of Cleveland, located on Othe shores of Lake Erie, has truly lived up to its image as the New American City. Cleveland's success story today is fueled by an on-going commitment to growth and a global vision for the future. In fact, Fortune magazine ranked Greater Cleveland as one of the 10 best cities for business in North America. Places Rated Almanac named the city the nation’s #2 destination for recreation and Partners for Livable Communities named Cleveland one of four “most livable cities” in the United States this decade! Most recently, USA Today named Cleveland one of 10 great places to take a hike in the big city. Cleveland is the county seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the U.S. state of Ohio. The municipality is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie, approximately 60 miles west of the Pennsylvania border. It was founded in 1796 near the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, and became a manufacturing center owing to its location at the head of numerous canals and railroad lines. Cleveland’s location on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie proved providential in the growth of the city and its industry. Cleveland experienced explosive growth after the opening of the Ohio and Erie Canal, establishing the city as one of the manufacturing centers of America. Steel and many other manufactured goods were major industries. The city was hit hard by the fall of manufacturing, but the city has diversified its economy to include service-based industries. Cleveland has also become a world leader in health care and health sciences. The world-famous Cleveland Clinic, the area’s largest employer, is one CLEVELAND DEMOGRAPHICS of the highest-ranked hospitals in the United States as tabulated by U.S. News & World Report. Cleveland’s healthcare industry also includes University Hospitals of Cleveland, a County: Cuyahoga noted competitor of the Clinic’s which is ranked #25 in cancer care, and MetroHealth Population: 2,945,831 medical center. Among the album titles by Cleveland's favorite son, rocker Michael Stanley, Area: 82.4 sq mi were Heartland and North Coast.

Median Age: 37.2 City residents and tourists benefit from investments made by wealthy residents in the city’s heyday, in arts and cultural institutions, and philanthropy also helped to establish a Afro American: 16.80% robust public library system in the city. More recent investments have provided the city with Hispanic: 2.70% tourist attractions in the downtown area, such as Jacobs Field, the Rock and Roll Hall of Other: 1.50% Fame, and Playhouse Square Center. The two musical compilations sum up Cleveland’s White/Caucasian: 79.00% locale: North Coast of America’s heartland. Sitting on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is about as Midwest as Midwest gets. Part of a megalopolis that includes Akron, Youngstown, Median Income: $30,286 Canton and Toledo, Cleveland is Ohio’s largest metropolitan area and its center of culture and activity. Home to three major professional sports teams, a world-famous orchestra as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Great Lakes Science Center, the city is keeping up with the world in terms of modernism.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 9 NATIONAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION PHONE NUMBERS

National Health Organization Mental Health Simply dial plus the number below 1-800-*… National Alliance for the Mentally Illness (NAMI) 950-6264 Allergy National Down Syndrome Society 244-4444 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AFFA) 727-8462 National Mental Health Association Resource Ctr 969-6642 Cancer Neurology American Cancer Society 227-2345 National Alzheimer’s Association 272-3900 American Institute for Cancer Research. 843-8114 Christopher Reeve’s Paralysis Foundation 225-0292 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America 955-4572 American Parkinson Disease Association 223-2732 National Cancer Institute (CIS) 422-6237 Epilepsy Foundation of America. 332-1000 Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) 754-6490 United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA) 872-5827 Children’s Health Huntington’s Disease Society of America 345-4372 American SIDS Foundation 232-7437 Brain Injury Association of America Family Hotline 444-6443 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) 344-4823 National Headache Foundation 843-2256 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 223-1138 National Multiple Sclerosis Society 344-4867 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance 221-7437 National Stroke Association 787-6537 National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc. 233-7393 Patient Care Spina Bifida Association of American 621-3141 Medic Alert Foundation U.S. 863-3425 or 432-5378 Infectious Diseases National Hospice Organization 658-8898 AIDS Hotline, CDC National, National STD Hotline 342-AIDS Shriner’s Hospital Referral Line 237-5055 (Spanish) 344-7432 Visiting Nurse Association of America 426-2547 (Hearing Impaired) 243-7889 Physical Disabilities Internal Medicine American Council of the Blind. 424-8666 American Diabetes Association 232-3472 American Speech/Language/Hearing Association 638-8255 American Heart Association 242-8721 or 968-1793 National Easter Seals Society 221-6827 American Kidney Association 638-8299 Woman’s Health American Lung Association 586-4872 Endometriosis Association. 992-3636 Arthritis Foundation 283-7800 Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. 221-2141 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. 932-2423 *This is a Toll-Free Number! Lupus Foundation of America 558-0121 This is only a partial list of national health organizations. National Kidney Foundation 622-9010 Contact the National Health Information Center (NHIC) Spondylitis Association of American (SAA) 777-8189 at (800) 336-4797 for a more complete list.

NOTE: This general information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional as it relates to your specific situation.

10 ] Cleveland Information Guide AREA CODES AND IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

City Area Code(s) Utilities The area code for Cleveland is 216. Electric Emergency Cleveland Public Power (216) 664-4600 P.O. Box 94560 All Emergencies (Fire, Police, Ambulance) 911 Cleveland, Ohio 44101-4560 Cuyahoga County Highway Patrol (216) 587-4305 www.cpp.org Ohio State Highway Patrol (877) 7-PATROL Gas U.S. Coast Guard (216) 522-4122 Dominion East Ohio Gas Co. (800) 362-7557 1201 East 55th Street Financial Services Cleveland, OH 44103-1028 Automatic Teller Information www.dom.com ATM Locator (800) 248-4286 Telephone MasterCrd ATM (800) 424-7787 Cleartel Communications (888) 389-1400 VISA Plus System (800) 843-7587 www.cleartel.com Lost or Stolen Credit Cards DPI Teleconnect (877) 564-6374 American Express (800) 233-5432 www.dpiteleconnect.com AT&T Universal Card (800) 423-4343 AT&T (800) 288-2020 Diners Club (800) 234-6377 att.sbc.com Discover Card (800) 347-2683 Cable JCB (800) 736-8111 Adelphia Cable (888) 683-1000 www.adelphiapowerpage.com MasterCard (800) 826-2181 Water and Waste VISA (800) 336-8472 City of Cleveland, Division of Water (216) 664-3130 Lost or Stolen Travelers Checks www.clevelandwater.com American Express (800) 221-7282 Thomas Cook MasterCard (800) 223-7373 Travelers Check Customer Service (800) 645-6556 VISA (800) 227-6811 Services /Support Networks Directory Assistance 411 AAA Motorist (216) 621-0766 AAA Road Conditions (216) 606-6423 Alcohol & Drug 24-Hour Help Line (800) 562-1240 American Red Cross (216) 431-3010 National Runaway Switchboard (800) 621-4000 24-hour hotline to link runaways to social service agencies or to their families. Confidential. Road Conditions (216) 2OH-ROAD Teen Link (Various Topics) (800) 235-9678 Teen Health InfoLine (800) 998-3600

Cleveland Information Guide [ 11 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airports Alaska Airlines, alaskaair.com (800) 426-0333 Hopkins International Airport Alitalia, alitaliausa.com (800) 223-5730 5300 Riverside Drive Asiana, us.flyasiana.com (800) 227-9262 Cleveland, Ohio 44135 British Airways, british-airways.com (800) 247-9297 www.clevelandairport.com Cathay Pacific, cathaypacific.com (800) 233-2742 The Cleveland Airport System was established in 1925 with the China Airlines, china-airlines.com (800) 227-5118 opening of Cleveland Municipal Airport, now Cleveland Hopkins China Eastern, chinaeastern.co.uk (800) 200-5118 International Airport (CLE), the first municipally-owned commercial Egypt Air, egyptair.com.eg (800) 334-6787 airport in the United States. Celebrating its 80th anniversary in El Al, elal.co.il (800) 223-6700 2005, CLE is the largest commercial airport in Northeast Ohio, Eurofly, eurofly.it (800) 477-6492 serving almost 12 million passengers annually. Eva Airways, evaair.com (800) 695-1188 Burke Lakefront Airport (216) 781-6411 Iberia, iberia.com (800) 772-4642 1501 North Marginal Drive Japan Airlines,jal.co.jp/en (800) 525-3663 Cleveland, Ohio KLM Airlines, klm.com (800) 374-7747 www.clevelandairport.com Korean Air, koreanair.com (800) 438-5000 Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL) is a fully certificated FAR Part 139 airport that is owned and operated by the City of LACSA, centralamerica.com/cr/lacsa/lacsa.htm (800) 225-2272 Cleveland. It is situated in downtown Cleveland. LOT Polish, lot.com (800) 223-0593 Lufthansa, lufthansa.com (800) 645-3880 Airlines - Domestic Mexicana, mexicana.com (800) 531-7821 AirTran Airlines, airtran.com (800) 247-8726 Philippine Airlines, philippineairlines.com (800) 435-9725 Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, alaskaair.com (800) 252-7522 Quantas, qantas.com (800) 227-4500 Allegiant Air, allegiantair.com (800) 432-3810 Singapore Airlines, singaporeair.com (800) 742-3333 American Airlines, aa.com* (800) 433-7300 Skyservice USA, skyserviceairlines.com (877) 485-6060 Atlantic Southeast, flyasa.com (800) 282-3424 Swissair, swiss.com (800) 221-4750 Comair, comair.com (800) 221-1212 TACA, taca.com (800) 535-8780 Continental Airlines, continental.com (800) 525-0280 USA 3000 Y Airlines, usa3000.com* (800) 872-3000 Delta Airlines, delta.com* (800) 221-1212 *Denotes service to Cleveland Frontier Airlines, frontierairlines.com (800) 432-1359 Cruises/Resorts Hawaiian Airlines, hawaiianair.com (800) 367-5320 Disney World Reservations (800) 227-1500 JetBlue Airlines, JetBlue.com (800) 538-2583 Holland America Cruises (800) 426-0327 Midwest Airlines, midwestairlines.com (800) 452-2022 Princess Cruises (800) 774-6237 Northwest Airlines, nwa.com (800) 225-2525 Royal Caribbean Intl. (800) 327-6700 SkywestAirlines, skywest.com (800) 453-9417 Southwest Airlines, southwest.com* (800) 435-9792 Highways/Interstates Spirit Airlines, spiritair.com (800) 772-7117 Three two-digit Interstate highways serve Cleveland directly. SunCountry Airlines, suncountry.com (800) 359-6786 Interstate 71 begins just southwest of downtown and is the major United Airlines, ual.com* (800) 864-8331 route from downtown Cleveland to the airport. I-71 runs through the US Airways, usairways.com (800) 428-4322 southwestern suburbs and eventually connects Cleveland with Virgin Atlantic, virgin-atlantic.com (800) 862-8621 Columbus. Interstate 77 begins in downtown Cleveland and runs *denotes service into Cleveland almost due south through the southern suburbs. I-77 sees the least traffic of the three interstates, although it does connect Cleveland to Airlines - International Akron. Interstate 90 connects the two sides of Cleveland, and is the Aer Lingus, aerlingus.ie (866) 886 8844 northern terminus for both I-71 and I-77. Running due east/west Aeroflot, aeroflot.aero/eng (650) 615-9278 through the west side suburbs, I-90 turns northeast at the junction AeroMexico, AeroMexico.com (800) 237-6639 with I-71 and I-490, and is known as the Innerbelt through Aerolineas Argentina, aerolineas.com.ar (800) 333-0276 downtown. At the junction with the Shoreway, I-90 makes a 90- Air Canada, aircanada.ca* (800) 247-2262 degree turn known in the area as Dead Man’s Curve, then continues Air China, china-airlines.com (800) 986-1985 northeast, entering Lake County near the eastern split with Ohio 2. Air France, airfrance.com (800) 237-2747 Cleveland is also served by two three-digit interstates, Interstate Air India, airindia.com 480, which enters Cleveland briefly at a few points and Interstate Air Jamaica, airjamaica.com (800) 523-5585 490, which connects I-77 with the junction of I-90 and I-71 just Air New Zealand, airnewzealand.com (800) 262-1234 south of downtown.

12 ] Cleveland Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION

Two other limited-access highways serve Cleveland. The American Limousine Service (216) 221-9330 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway carries Ohio 2 along its length, and Cleveland Auto Livery (216) 421-1101 at varying points also carries US 6, US 20 and I-90. The Jennings Cleveland Express (216) 661-9105 Freeway (Ohio 176) connects I-71 just south of I-90 to I-480 near Company Car (216) 861-7433 the suburbs of Parma and Brooklyn Heights. A third highway, the Rideaway (216) 464-7433 Berea Freeway (Ohio 237 in part), connects I-71 to the airport, and Public Transportation forms part of the boundary between Cleveland and Brook Park. Regional Transit Authority (216) 566-5100 Hotels/Motels www.riderta.com Best Western (800) 528-1234 Cleveland currently has a bus and rail mass transit system Budgetel Inns (800) 428-3438 operated by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, also Clarion Hotels (800) 424-6423 known as “RTA.” The rail portion is officially called the Cleveland Comfort Inns (800) 424-6423 Rapid Transit, but is better known as The Rapid. It consists of two Courtyard by Marriott (800) 321-2211 light rail lines, known as the Green and Blue Lines, and a heavy rail Days Inn (800) 329-7466 line, the Red Line. RTA is currently installing a bus rapid transit line, Doubletree Hotels (800) 222-8733 coined the “Silver Line,” which will run along Euclid Avenue from Econo Lodges (800) 446-4777 downtown to University Circle, completion date is set for the end of Embassy Suites (800) 362-2779 2008. Fairmont Hotels (800) 527-4727 The RTA provides convenient service to and from Cleveland Four Seasons (800) 332-3442 Hopkins International Airport (CLE). RTA’s red line provides regular Hilton Hotels (800) 445-8667 service between CLE and downtown Cleveland via the Tower City Holiday Inns (800) 465-4329 Station. The trip takes less than 30 minutes, and trains depart from Howard Johnson Motor Lodges (800) 654-2000 CLE every fifteen minutes for the majority of the day. Hyatt Hotels (800) 233-1234 RTA’s station at CLE is located on the lower level of the main La Quinta Motor Inn (800) 531-5900 terminal. To reach the RTA station, travelers should use the Loews Hotels (800) 223-6397 elevators or escalators located in the center of the ticketing and Marriott Hotels (800) 228-9290 baggage claim levels. Meridien Hotels (800) 543-4390 Rental Cars Omni International (800) 843-6664 Advantage, advantage.com (800) 777-5500 Quality Inns (800) 228-5151 Alamo, alamo.com* (800) 462-5266 Radisson Hotels International (800) 333-3333 Avis, avis.com* (800) 331-1212 Ramada Inns (800) 228-2828 Budget, budget.com* (800) 527-0700 Red Roof Inns (800) 843-7663 Dollar, dollar.com* (800) 800-4000 Ritz Carlton Hotels (800) 241-3333 Enterprise, enterprise.com* (800) 736-8222 Sheraton Hotels (800) 325-3535 Hertz. hertz.com* (800) 654-3131 Stouffer Hotels (800) 468-3571 National, nationalcar.com (800) 227-7368 Super 8 Motels (800) 800-8000 Payless, paylesscarrental.com (800) PAY-LESS TraveLodge Motels (800) 578-7878 Thrifty, thrifty.com (800) 367-2277 Westin Hotels (800) 228-3000 *Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) has a consolidated Inter-City Transportation rental car facility located off the airport grounds. Shuttle service is Amtrak (800) 872-7245 available to take all rental car customers from the main terminal to Greyhound Bus (800) 231-2222 the rental car facility. Shuttles are located on the lower roadway Service from City to numerous locations throughout the United island and can be accessed by exiting from Door #5 on the States. baggage claim level of the main terminal. For travelers needing Limo Service assistance, a telephone center with rental car information is located near the door. Over 36 limousine companies provide service to travelers at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. All limousine service must The shuttle bus ride from the terminal to the rental car facility be arranged in advance. Any state licensed company is allowed to takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes. The shuttle busses run pick up or drop off passengers at the terminal curbside. Listed continuously from 5:00 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. (EST), seven days per below are a sample of limousine companies that have a permit week, 365 days per year. authorizing them to wait on airport grounds for customers who have continued on page 14 scheduled their services.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 13 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Taxi ABC Taxi (216) 651-7777 Location: Outside Door #1 - Baggage Claim Level of the Terminal ACE Taxi (216) 361-4700 Airport Taxi (216) 391-5555 Rates are computed by a meter; however taxicabs may, upon request of passengers, accept fares where the rate is computed on Americab (216) 881-1111 an hourly basis. An eight percent (8%) state tax is added to the fare. United Cab (216) 398-9000 Meter charges are as follows: USA Tax (216) 281-6666 $2.80 for the first 1/6 mile or less Yellow Cab (216) 623-1550 $ .40 for each additional º mile or fraction thereof $ .25 for each one minute or $15.00 per hour for wait time

WEATHER

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Average High 31.9 38.0 50.5 62.0 72.3 80.4 83.7 82.1 76.2 64.5 51.4 39.2 Average Low 18.5 21.2 31.2 40.0 50.31 58.0 62.7 60.8 54.8 42.9 34.3 24.6 Average Precipitation 2.2 2.2 3.3 3.2 3.9 4.0 4.3 3.7 3.0 2.2 3.2 2.9 Temperature in degrees F, precipitation in inches

VOTER REGISTRATION

Voters must be registered in Cuyahoga County in order to vote in Download a Voter Registration Card at www.clevelandvotes.org any election. In order to vote in Cuyahoga County, you must meet (you must have Adobe Acrobat reader installed to view this file). the following requirements: Once you have completed the form and signed it, please mail to • You must be a United States Citizen; Cuyahoga County Board of Elections - 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. If you have questions about filling out this • You must be at least 18 years old on the day of the General form, please contact us at (216) 391-0900. Election; • You must be a resident of Cuyahoga County for at least 30 days; • You must register to vote at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote.

14 ] Cleveland Information Guide DRIVER’S LICENSE AND AUTOMOBILE INFORMATION

As a new resident to Ohio you need a new driver’s license, license • Now it’s off to the license agency to get your new license plates. plates, and an Ohio title for your car. Here are the steps to follow To register your vehicle in Ohio, you must present your new Ohio Driver’s License title (or memorandum of title, if your car has a lien). Once you are an Ohio resident, you need to become an official • The license agency will collect the proper registration fees Ohio driver as soon as possible.You are considered an Ohio depending on when you purchase your tags, what taxing district resident once you: take a job, sign a lease, buy a home, register to you reside in, and when your birthday is. For passenger vehicles vote, or enroll children in school. and non-commercial trucks, the cost will range from $35 to Take your driver’s license and proof of social security number to $105. Again, as with your title, the legal owners of the car must the nearest Ohio State Patrol exam station. You will then be asked apply. to surrender your valid-out-of-state driver’s license, take a vision Registration screening and written test on Ohio traffic laws and signs. (Written License plates expire on the owner’s birthday or if the vehicle is test is usually waived if you have a valid out of state license.) leased, the registration expires on the 20th of the month designated Within 60 days you must take the “examination passed” form to for the leasing company. There is no grace period. Registrations can a deputy registrar license agency where your driver’s license will be be renewed by going to a deputy registrar license agency, mail-in issued. registration, by logging onto www.OPLATES.com or by calling the Individual driver’s licenses are valid for four years and expire on toll-free number 1-866-OPLATES (1-866-675-2837). Addresses your birthday. can be updated by filling out a form at the deputy registrar license agency or by logging onto www.OPLATES.com. Title, Registration and License Plates Ohio’s motor vehicle laws that may differ from other states’ laws. If you own a vehicle, you will need to have it inspected. The purpose is to avoid registration of stolen vehicles. All license Safety Belts - Ohio’s mandatory safety belt usage law requires agencies offer this service and many, but not all, new car dealers do drivers and front-seat occupants of most passenger vehicles to also, so call ahead to be sure. Ask for the service department at the wear their safety belts whenever they drive or ride in a motor vehicle car dealers. on Ohio’s roadways. If you are a driver under 18 years of age, all occupants, front and back seats, must wear safety belts while The inspection of your vehicle will verify the make, model, body operating on Ohio’s roadways. A violation of the safety belt law is type, and manufacturer’s serial number or vehicle identification not a moving violation and carries no points on your permanent number. You will be given the completed inspection form. This takes driving record. about five minutes. There is a $3.50 fee to the dealer or license agency and a $1.50 fee to be collected at your next stop, the auto Child Restraint Law - Any child who is less than four years of age title office. or weighs less than 40 pounds is required to use a child safety restraint that meets federal motor vehicle standards. Next, follow this checklist: Window Tinting - The acceptable percentages of light • Go to any county’s Clerk of Courts, auto title office. transmission for motor vehicles are as follows: for the windshield, • If your vehicle has two owners, both of you have to handle this the tinting must allow 70 percent light transmission; for all other unless you get a notarized power of attorney (Power of Attorney windows, the tinting must allow 50 percent light transmission, plus for Certificate of Title & Power of Attorney for Vehicle Registration) or minus three percent. for the one who can’t come; Use of Earphones - The use of earphones while driving a motor • If you have a lien on your car, you will have to request that your vehicle is illegal, except motorcycle operators for communication original title be sent directly to the title office so the lien can be purposes. recorded on the Ohio title as well as supply an original or copy of License Plates Display - Two license plates are required for all the loan papers; cars, trucks, and motor homes. • You will need to phone the Clerk of Courts to determine the Financial Responsibility Law - No one can operate a motor charge for your title transfer. If sales tax is due, it will be collected vehicle without proof of insurance. To comply with the law, liability before the title is issued. The title transfer must be paid for in coverage of $12,500-$25,000 for personal injury or death and cash. If you lease a car, contact your leasing agency to find out $7,500 for property damage is required. how they want you to handle the title transfer. It varies from company to company;

Cleveland Information Guide [ 15 NEIGHBORHOODS

Each distinct neighborhood retains much of its Old World cultural miss neighborhood favorite includes the famous Great Lakes background, tradition often blends with new restaurants, festivals Brewery, known for its quality award-winning craft beer. and unique shops. And, outside of the city and its inner ring Tremont suburbs there remain a number of small historic towns built in the If there is such thing as a south side of Cleveland (and it is only early nineteenth century when Northeast Ohio was a frontier town “if” because with the suburban sprawl going on it seems as if the known as the Western Reserve. southern border is ever-changing), it is Tremont. Located about five Downtown miles from Lake Erie, directly south of downtown, Tremont is an It is hard to imagine many places in the world having undergone amalgamation of Mediterranean ethnic groups, with an emphasis the type of facelift Cleveland has seen over the past 15 years or so. on Greek. The Tremont area treats you to some of the best views of From the dirty, damp and dingy steel town of the early 1980s has downtown Cleveland and the Flats area. Tremont’s newest emerged a shiny new lakeside spectacle. A skyline once filled with residential influx are young urban professionals and artists lured by smokestacks (and smoke) now boasts glowing towers, shiny the area’s eclectic surroundings. Tremont has one of the largest stadiums and a host of modern museums and shopping centers. concentrations of architecturally notable churches in the country. Jacobs Field, Quicken Loans Arena and Cleveland Browns Stemming off of Lincoln Park in all directions, you’ll find art galleries Stadium, along with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and shops. The Tremont Artwalk is held the second Friday of every and Great Lakes Science Center, are the architectural and cultural month. The Taste of Tremont is held every September with an creations that define downtown’s rebirth. The Key Tower a excellent sampling of the art and cuisine of Tremont. skyscraper built since the mid-1980’s, joins the 70-year-old Terminal Detroit-Shoreway Tower to give Cleveland a skyline that reflects both its history and its www.dscdo.org future. With Playhouse Square and its multiple venues just a stone’s The Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood is located just one mile west throw from Public Square, the downtown area will never leave its of downtown on Lake Erie. Gordon Square is emerging as the residents with wanting something to do. vibrant commercial center of the neighborhood along Detroit Avenue with arts and retail institutions like the Cleveland Public West Side Neighborhoods Theater, antique shops, and cafés. The neighborhood also includes Lorain Avenue the Franklin Boulevard and West Clinton National Register Historic www.discoverlorainave.com Districts. Lorain Avenue is a major commercial thoroughfare through Edgewater Cleveland’s West Side connecting Ohio City, Lorain Station Antique On the edge of the near west side of Cleveland the Edgewater District, Little Arabia and Kamm’s Corners neighborhoods. It boasts community is best known for the popular Edgewater State Park, an eclectic mix of historic landmarks, food and flea markets, which overlooks Lake Erie and offers visitors hiking and biking trails, churches, ethnic restaurants and pubs and more than 30 antique picnic spots and fishing piers. shops. Kamm’s Corners Ohio City www.kammscorners.com www.ohiocity.com A neighborhood on the Western edge of the city named after the A little-known fact about this ethnically diverse area is that it once late 19th century settler, Oswald Kamm, has a long and nearly went to war with Cleveland over the Cuyahoga River. The so- distinguished history as one of Cleveland’s most desirable and vital called "Battle of the Bridge" was settled, and the two sides neighborhoods. Located west of the city, Kamm’s Corners offers a eventually made peace. Ohio City has since become an integral part suburban lifestyle combined with easy access to downtown of the city, if not Cleveland’s most charming and historical district. Cleveland. Kamm’s Corners features a variety of homes from Birthplace of football legend John Heismann, the Ohio City luxurious to affordable, and has great outdoor recreation with neighborhood, just across the Cuyahoga River from downtown, is municipal parks and Metroparks Rocky River Reservation. Kamm’s known for its ethnically diverse population and the magnificent West Corners continues to be a thriving neighborhood for Irish Americans Side Market anchoring Market Square. A city landmark since 1912, today. the market is one of the country’s largest and boasts a variety of fresh foods and ethnic specialties from more than 180 vendors. East Side Neighborhoods Across the street, The Open Air in Market Square Street Fair St. Clair Superior features live music, a variety of arts and crafts vendors, and takes www.stclairsuperior.org place every Saturday afternoon during the summer. Take a stroll Just east of downtown and a stone’s throw away from Lake Erie, through this charming Victorian era neighborhood ñoriginally settled this area is home to more than 23 nationalities, including Asians, by Cleveland’s German and Irish population ñ and discover African-and Caribbean-Americans, Eastern Europeans and fashionable contemporary eateries, funky shops and an influx of Hispanics. Its commercial district is dotted with ethnic specialty new housing enhance the cosmopolitan ambiance. Another not-to- restaurants, shops and markets, including Cleveland’s “Chinatown.”

16 ] Cleveland Information Guide NEIGHBORHOODS

Highlights include popular restaurants and Asia Plaza, offering an located in the heart of University Circle. This 1910 mansion is listed authentic Chinese market experience. on the National Register of Historic Places. Glenville Little Italy www.nhlink.net/gdc/index.htm www.littleitalyredevelopment.org Named for its shady, thick glens, Glenville began in the 1880s as Just up the road from University Circle is Little Italy, one of the a fashionable summer resort for the wealthy families of Cleveland. city’s best-known and geographically distinct neighborhoods. You Today, visitors can still glimpse the area’s scenic beauty as they do not have to be Leonardo to figure out what this neighborhood stroll through Rockefeller Park’s Cultural Gardens or the City of has to offer. Also known as Murray Hill, most denizens prefer the Cleveland Rockefeller Park Greenhouse. With a predominantly more quaint title, which reflects the area’s culture. First settled in the African American population, Glenville is characterized by a strong late 19th century by skilled Italian artisans, Little Italy, also known as sense of community and is an example of urban housing renewal as Murray Hill, has retained much of its Old World charm. The area is well as commercial development and redevelopment. home to a blend of art galleries and shops, offering a wide variety of Hough crafts, paintings and sculptures. Murray Hill Artwalks are held the Located just west of University Circle, the Hough neighborhood first weekends of June, October and December. As its name might is a symbol of rehabilitation and revitalization. Originally settled in suggest, The Feast of the Assumption is a weeklong street festival 1799, Hough grew into an area for prominent citizens in the 1880s in August that begins with a traditional religious procession by the and then for the middle-class in the 1920s. From 1891 to 1946, the parishioners of Holy Rosary Church. neighborhood featured League Park, the first home of the Cleveland Cedar Fairmount Indians and Cleveland Buckeyes (Negro League). Today, the area www.cedarfairmount.org features new and renovated homes, shopping and, more Cedar Fairmount is located at the intersection Cedar Road - the importantly, an improved quality of life for the neighborhood’s East Side’s major commercial avenue ó and Fairmount Boulevard, residents. one of the East Side’s most distinguished residential boulevards. Slavic Village This district is well known for its beautiful historic Tudor-style www.slavicvillage.org buildings. During the day, enjoy the unique shops and cafÈs. In the A neighborhood of Old World service and charm, Slavic Village evening, enjoy sophisticated entertainment like jazz shows, martini was first settled by Polish and Czech immigrants. Today, it’s a bars or a game of billiards. unique blend of Eastern European ethnic shops and eateries. Coventry Village Located Southeast of downtown, this neighborhood is linked to the www.coventryvillage.org Metroparks Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation near the intersection of Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights has an atmosphere all its E.55th Street and Broadway Avenue. Experience arts, crafts, own, retaining the counterculture atmosphere that made it a keilbasa and more at the Slavic Village Harvest Festival held every magnet for Bohemians in the 1960s and 70s. The heart of Coventry August. Village offers a truly original shopping experience with an eclectic University Circle assortment of boutiques featuring everything from retro clothing and www.universitycircle.org toys to offbeat music stores. University Circle is an extraordinary cultural, medical and Shaker Square educational district centered around the prestigious Case Western www.visitshakersquare.com Reserve University. This enclave is about 4Ω miles east of Shaker Square, the oldest shopping area in Ohio, is an excellent downtown and is a haven for museum-goers, as well as those place for discerning visitors looking for unique merchandise, a looking for quaint shops and cozy eateries. Home to no fewer than broad choice of restaurants, and a six screen cinema with nine museums, including Cleveland Museum of Art, the Children’s independent and mainstream films. Saturday mornings starting in Museum of Cleveland, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History April, locally grown produce is available during the Farmer Markets and Society Western Reserve Historical Society, the neighborhood and Cleveland’s only outdoor antiques show is held in June. Stroll has an almost Smithsonian feel. The Cleveland Botanical Gardens one block north to Larchmere Boulevard, Cleveland’s Art and features an impressive glasshouse complete with two amazing Antique district, is home to more than 40 primarily locally-owned ecosystems and lots of butterflies. Take a walk up Martin Luther shops, galleries, restaurants and services that create a unique King Boulevard through Rockefeller Park. Drop in for a foreign film urban shopping experience. Two light-rail Rapid Transit lines stop at at the acclaimed Cinematheque at the Cleveland Institute of Art or the Square offering fast transportation to and from downtown a performance by the Cleveland Orchestra in their lavish winter Cleveland, the waterfront and Cleveland Hopkins Airport. home, Severance Hall. On the way, you’ll pass by the continued on page 18 deconstructionist architectural marvel by Frank Gehry, the Peter B. Lewis Building on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. Rest at Glidden House an exquisite 60-room bed & breakfast

Cleveland Information Guide [ 17 NEIGHBORHOODS

Chagrin Falls Peninsula www.chagrinfalls.net www.explorepeninsula.com Located astride the scenic ìHigh Falls” of the Chagrin River, about The hamlet of Peninsula is located in the heart of the Cuyahoga 18 miles east of Downtown Cleveland, Chagrin Falls was first Valley between Cleveland and Akron. It developed in the nineteenth settled in the mid-19th century by New Englanders eager to exploit century as an important commercial center on the Ohio-Erie Canal. the commercial potential of the falls and river. Today, this village of You will enjoy the park like atmosphere of the downtown district that 4,500 boasts a blend of 19th century appeal and 20th century includes numerous recreational opportunities that exist like a scenic sophistication, making it a popular destination for area residents railroad, hiking, biking and golf. Hudson Vermilion www.ci.hudson.oh.us www.vermilionohio Hudson is a traditional Western Reserve town with a century old This historic whitewash harbor town on the shores of Lake Erie is clock tower that has been rejuvenated with boutique shopping and reminiscent of a quaint New England fishing village. The charming bistro dining in its attractive downtown First and Main development. atmosphere, bed and breakfasts, soda fountain, Czech and French Before Western Reserve College moved to University Circle to later restaurants, beaches and marinas are big draws. merge with Case Institute of Technology, it was located in historic Hudson. The beautiful campus dates from 1826 and remains in use as prestigious prep school. Oberlin www.oberlin.org Oberlin’s historical importance extends beyond Northeast Ohio. Oberlin College, one of the nation’s leading liberal arts schools founded in 1833, became the first institute of higher learning to admit African Americans and women. The college and community were also instrumental in the Underground Railroad in the 1860s. You will find a number of heritage sites, restaurants and shops downtown. Oberlin College’s prestigious Music Conservatory gives many public performances throughout the year.

18 ] Cleveland Information Guide THINGS TO DO

In a city nicknamed the “Rock and Roll Capitol of the World,” it The Children’s museum of Cleveland (216) 791-7114 does not take a wild imagination to figure out what people do for 10730 Euclid Ave. entertainment. But despite the moniker, which conjures images of Cleveland, OH 44106 www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org guitars, smoke and fire, rock concerts and exhibitions only account Discover the world and learn through play! We are the only for a small sampling of the “North Coast’s” entertainment scene. educational institution that specifically focuses on early childhood The venues are numerous and activities, while falling a bit short of development socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. what you might find in New York, Las Vegas or Los Angeles, are nonetheless plentiful, if not daily. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (216) 781-7625 1 Key Plaza Museums Cleveland, OH 44114 A Christmas Story House (216) 255-6651 www.rockhall.com 3159 W. 11th St. Music Cleveland, OH 44109 Cleveland Institute of Music www.achristmasstoryhouse.com (216) 791-5000 11021 East Blvd. Ralphie’s house! See the actual home used in the film “A Cleveland, OH 44106 Christmas Story.” Restored to its movie glory with original movie www.cim.edu props on display. Opening Nov. 24, 2006. The Cleveland Institute of Music provides students with a Cleveland Grays Armory museum (216) 621-5938 professional, world-class education in the art of music, and 1234 Bolivar Road presents hundreds of concerts by its acclaimed faculty, visiting Cleveland, OH 44115 artists and students. Most events are free. www.graysarmorymuseum.org Cleveland Jazz Orchestra Discover America’s rich military history by visiting the landmark (440) 942-9525 P.O. Box 810 Armory (1893) of Cleveland Grays, a militia company founded in Willoughby, OH 44096 1837. www.clevelandjazz.org Cleveland Museum of Art (216) 421-7340, (888) CMA-0033 A world-class jazz ensemble, performing throughout Northeast 11150 East Blvd. Ohio and beyond. Cleveland, OH 44106-1797 Cleveland Pops Orchestra www.clevelandart.org (216) 765-7677 24000 Mercantile Road, Unit 11 Cleveland Museum of Natural History (216) 231-4600 Cleveland, OH 44122 1 Wade Oval Drive www.clevelandpops.com Cleveland, OH 44106 A must-see for visitors looking for the best in symphonic pops, (800) 317-9155 jazz, swing and music from Broadway and the movies. A top www.cmnh.org entertainment attraction. From dinosaurs and exotic cultures to rare diamonds and a new planetarium, the museum provides a fun, relaxing environment for House of Blues Cleveland (216) 523-BLUE 308 Euclid Ave. visitors to explore the Earth and beyond. Cleveland, OH 44113 Great Lakes Science Center (216) 694-2000 www.hob.com/cleveland 601 Erieside Ave. The award-winning Gospel Brunch at House of Blues Cleveland Cleveland, OH 44114 is a one-of-a-kind live music show and dining experience. Guests www.greatscience.com enjoy a delicious all-you- 400 hands-on exhibits and demonstrations about science phenomena, environment and technology, plus daily Cleveland Opera (216) 575-0903 1422 Euclid Ave. demonstrations and the region’s only OMNIMAX Theater. Cleveland, OH 44115 Health Space Cleveland (216) 231-5010 www.clevelandopera.org 8911 Euclid Ave. International artists! Innovative productions! Opera at its best, Cleveland, OH 44106 Oct.-May. www.healthspacecleveland.org A place where education and innovation meet to inspire healthy The Cleveland Orchestra (216) 231-1111, (800) 686-1411 Severance Hall actions. Experience dozens of interactive exhibits along the “Road 11001 Euclid Ave. to Good Health.” And gain knowledge for life. Cleveland, OH 44106 www.clevelandorchestra.com Long considered one of America’s great orchestras, performing in historic Severance Hall, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

continued on page 20

Cleveland Information Guide [ 19 THINGS TO DO

Shopping Outlet Shopping The Avenue at Tower City (216) 771-0033 Greater Cleveland offers plenty of outlet shopping. To the east is 50 Public Square Aurora Premium Factory Outlets, minutes from Six Flags Worlds of www.towercitycenter.com Adventure in Aurora, with more than 70 factory stores, including At the heart of downtown shopping is the $400 million Eddie Bauer, Polo Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, Saks Fifth Avenue development known as The Avenue at Tower City Center, located in and much more. the Terminal Toweron Public Square. A historic landmark, the Terminal Tower is 52 stories above the ever-changing city skyline. Sports and Outdoors The Terminal’s lower level, a former train depot, was renovated in The latter half of the 1990s was a tumultuous time for Cleveland 1989 to become an upscale shopping mecca and an updated fans. It saw the death and rebirth of the Cleveland Browns football Rapid Transit hub with a connection to Cleveland Hopkins team, who first moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens, and International Airport and to major downtown attractions. then were resurrected in the form of an expansion team. It saw the The Arcade (216) 696-1408 resurgence of the Cleveland Indians, who transformed from 401 Euclid Avenue perennial basement dwellers into an annual powerhouse. The Cleveland, OH 44114 Cleveland Cavaliers continued their ho-hum ways in the NBA. The www.theoldarcade.com Cleveland Crunch continues as a member of indoor soccer’s NPSL. A Cleveland Classic! Built in 1890 as one of America’s first indoor The Cleveland area boasts some of the best public golf access in shopping malls, a must-see for architecture and shopping. the country, home to more than 100 courses, while neighboring Beachwood Place (216) 464-9460 Akron annually hosts the World Golf Championships NEC 26300 Cedar Road Invitational at Firestone Country Club. The surrounding region also Beachwood, OH 44122 has two major ski venues, as Boston Mills Ski Resort and www.beachwoodplace.com Brandywine Ski Resort slopes are filled from Thanksgiving through High-end shops are plentiful at Beachwood Place with March. department store anchors like Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard’s, and Cleveland Bowns (440) 891-5000 Nordstrom’s. 76 Lou Groza Blvd Crocker Park (440) 871-6880 Berea, OH 44017 25 Main Street Westlake, OH 44145 Cleveland Cavaliers (216) 420-2000 www.crockerpark.com Quicken Loans Arena 1 Center Court Crocker Park is not your typical suburban shopping mall. It is a Cleveland, OH 44115 new neighborhood with a mix of national and regional retailers and www.cavs.com local boutiques strung along an attractive streetscape with Cleveland Indians (216) 420-4200 restaurants and things to do. Jacobs Field, Eton Chagrin Boulevard (216) 591-0544 2401 Ontario St. 28601 Chagrin Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44115 Woodmere, OH 44122 www.indians.com www.etonchagrinblvd.com Grand Prix of Cleveland (216) 619-7223 This shopping center is wonderful collection of boutique 1331 Euclid Ave., shopping and restaurants in a beautiful and inviting atrium and Cleveland, OH 44115 streetscape. www.grandprixofcleveland.com The Galleria at Erieview Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resorts (800) 875-4241 East 9th and St. Clair 7100 Riverview Road A glass-enclosed shopping center with specialty shops and Peninsula, OH 44264 restaurants. Cleveland’s arcade buildings are unique places to visit. www.bmbw.com These beautiful pedestrian passageways covered with glass Ohio’s largest ski resort. Enjoy two resorts for the price of one. 19 skylights were popular with the European aristocracy in France and slopes, 16 lifts with snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, Italy, but few were ever built in the United States. snowblading, terrain parks and 100% snowmaking coverage. Legacy Village (216) 382-3871 Cedar Point (419) 627-2350 25001 Cedar Road One Cedar Point Drive Lyndhurst, OH 44124 Sandusky, OH 44870-5259 www.legacy-village.com www.cedarpoint.com A beautiful main-street shopping center built with inspiration from Amusement park fans have voted Cedar Point the best park on Beverly Hill’s Rodeo Drive, Legacy Village is an inviting place to shop the planet eight years running! Millennium Force, one of our 16 and dine. coasters, was voted best steel coaster on earth. More than 150

20 ] Cleveland Information Guide THINGS TO DO rides and attractions, award-winning entertainment and four Walkiing Tours children’s areas. Stay at Cedar Point Resorts, including beachfront Segway of Cleveland (216) 252-0200 Cleveland Metropark Zoo and the Rainforest (216) 661-6500 17100 Lorain Ave. 3900 Wildlife Way Cleveland, OH 44111 Cleveland, OH 44109 www.gosegway.net www.clemetzoo.com Experience a Segway in the beauty of the Metroparks, or on a 3,000 animals occupy 168 rolling, wooded acres. The Rainforest downtown city tour. Guided tours: groups of 6 or less. 2.5 hours, is home to 600 animals and 10,000 plants from the jungles of Africa, training included. Call for reservations. Asia and the Americas. Walking Tours of Cleveland (216) 575-1189 Cleveland Botanical Garden (UC) (216) 707-2833, (888) 853-7091 1722 W. 28th St. 11030 East Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44113 Cleveland, OH 44106 www.clevelandwalkingtours.com www.cbgarden.org Step-on guides, sedan safaris and guided walking tours. An exotic new glasshouse ó the only one of its kind in the world; Pleasant, fun, enjoyable, informative, inexpensive. Minimum number 10 acres of beautiful gardens including an award-winning children’s for walking tours is one. Guide refuses to go alone. garden.

MEDIA

Newspapers TV Stations Call and Post Newspapers (216) 791-7600 11800 Shaker Boulevard Ch 2 WKYC-DT NBC Cleveland, OH 44120 Ch 3 WKYC NBC www.clevenews.com Ch 5 WEWS ABC Serving the African American Community for over 84 years Ch 8 WJW FOX through the State of Ohio with weekly publications. Ch 10 WOIO-DT CBS Cleveland Free Times (216) 479-2033 Ch 11 WAKN-LP ACN 800 W. St. Clair, 2nd Floor Ch 12 WMFD-DT ind. (news) Cleveland, OH 44113 Ch 15 WEWS-DT ABC www.freetimes.com Ch 17 WDLI TBN Available every Wednesday, the Free Times is Cleveland’s Ch 19 WOIO CBS premier alternative newsweekly, offering news and information on Ch 25 WVIZ PBS dining, concerts, film theatre and arts events each week. Ch 26 WVIZ-DT PBS Cleveland Scene (216) 241-7550 Ch 28 WUAB-DT MyTV 1468 West 9th Street, Suite 805 Ch 30 WBNX-DT CW Cleveland, OH 44113-1299 Ch 31 WJW-DT FOX www.clevescene.com Ch 32 WRAP-CA informercials Scene is recognized as Cleveland’s most comprehensive Ch 34 WQHS-DT UNI entertainment guide. From music and film reviews to news and the arts, Scene delivers information Clevelanders thrive on. The Cleveland Women’s Journal (216) 228-1379 1663 St. Charles Avenue Cleveland, OH 44107 www.womens-journal.com A free educational, informational and objective newspaper providing resources for women. Our mission is to empower women through knowledge. The Plain Dealer (216) 999-4350, 800-362-0727 1801 Superior Avenue Cleveland, OH 44114 www.plaindealer.com The Plain Dealer is Ohio’s largest daily and Sunday newspaper.

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tailored to one lifestyle. Tower suites offer the comfort you expect from a Wynn signature resort. Dozons of designer shops encorelasvegas.com

To speak with a reservation agent please call toll-free 1.888.320.7125 24 ] Cleveland Information Guide MOVING

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Choosing a Moving Company Have at least three movers come to your home and give estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non-binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. Obtain each company’s assigned Motor Carrier number and call the USDOT at (202) 358-7000 to determine if they are registered and have the proper insurance on file. Ask your prospective moving company for a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. Relocation to Your New City If you’re one of the 40 million Americans planning to move this year, you need a strategy. Starting early and staying organized is the key to a painless move. In general, follow the pre- move checklists provided. These lists will help you track the myriad details needed to facilitate your move. If you are selling your present home and/or buying a new one, refer to the home inspection checklist and the mortgage glossary. If you are planning to rent in your new city, read the article on rental tips. And, if you are undecided, we hope the article entitled “Buying vs. Renting” will help you assess the pros and cons of each. Whatever decisions you face based on your particular circumstances, stay positive, calm and organized. And, don’t forget to make some time just for yourself. It will probably save you a lot of time in the long run! Packing Tips • Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it. • Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they should be placed. • Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose of all volatile or corrosive chemicals. • After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew. • Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. • Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape. • Put no more than 50 pounds in each container. • Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter items on top. • Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in paper. • Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can rub off and stain items packed with it. • Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move. • Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or in special boxes with compartments. • Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances. • Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed containers. Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent damage. continued on page 26

Cleveland Information Guide [ 25 SMOOTH TRANSITION

• Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued where these boxes go. This way, movers will be directed to the furniture joints could collapse. correct rooms if you’re not available to tell them where to put • Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved each box. by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be • Make a detailed floor plan for where you want things to go in your individually boxed and cushioned. new home. Photocopy it so you can tack up copies in every room • You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment for the movers. hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales • Take snapshots of wall units and shelves, so you know how agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually things were arranged on them. considered legally part of your residence. Let the moving Settling Into Your New Home company pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage. • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and Stay Organized eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. Here are some basic tips to help make moving less traumatic: • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children • Pack an “Immediate Box” or an overnight suitcase with the will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to necessities you’ll be needing right away. Don’t forget to include position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using medicines and a first aid kit, toilet paper, tissue, and paper within their reach. towels. • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box • Pack an “Immediate Kitchen” box including trash bags, the has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling coffee pot or tea kettle, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates, “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. styrofoam cups and some non-perishable snacks, such as • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit. This way, there will be some overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. instant sustenance while you get organized. • Affix colored labels to the moving boxes according to destination. • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today! Put the same-color labels or signs on the door of the rooms

26 ] Cleveland Information Guide 12/31/10 28 ] Cleveland Information Guide WHAT’S ALL THE TALK ABOUT. YOU PACK, THEY DRIVE MOVING?

Moving Decisions Save Time and Money Are you faced with an upcoming job relocation? With so many The “you pack, they drive” moving alternative saves you the options for moving your household items, it can be a difficult trouble of driving an unfamiliar vehicle as well as the stress and decision to determine which service best fits your moving needs. difficulty during a long-distance drive. Since the estimates provided Also, with a limited relocation budget from your employer to cover for this service are based on volume (space) and not weight, you will your moving costs, finding a service that complements your avoid unexpected higher moving costs and hidden fees associated pocketbook is important as well. While hiring a professional moving with other full-service moving companies. Unlike a rental truck, the company may be time-saving, the cost for full-service moving could normal moving expenses such as fuel, taxes, tolls, and unexpected be several thousand dollars. A recent trend in the moving industry costs such as flat tires and engine blowouts are covered by the is the do-it-yourself moving option. Most people associate do-it- service provider. yourself with the truck rental option; however, the “you pack, they Loading Service Options drive” moving alternative is becoming increasingly popular. The cost savings of using the “you pack, they drive” service New Moving Alternative largely result from packing and loading your trailer. Some customers With this type of service, you are expected to pack and load your may not have the physical ability or manpower to pack and load items in an adequately-sized commercial trailer. You are given up to their own trailer. This problem is relatively easy to solve—simply two business days to pack and load your goods. The cost of the check with one of the packing and loading companies suggested move is controlled by the customer because this service allows you by the “you pack, they drive” service provider. You can locate to pay for only the spaced used in the trailer. Once you have packing and loading assistance in both your origin and destination completed the packing and loading process, the trailer is picked up cities. By combining the “you pack, they drive” service with local by the local dispatch office. The trailer is then transported by a loading and unloading assistance, you can save money versus professional driver to your destination. You will receive an estimated using a full-service moving company. arrival time for delivery of your goods and will also have the ability to The Choice is Yours track your goods during the transit of your move. Upon arrival at During your search for the best moving option for your upcoming your new home, the trailer is delivered at the appointed time and job relocation, consider the “you pack, they drive” moving option you will unpack and unload your goods. The local dispatch office and know that you are in control of every aspect of your move. You will then come and remove the empty trailer. will not only save time and money, you will experience less stress and headache during an already stressful part of your life.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 29 PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Month Before Two Weeks Before

 Take Inventory. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  Notify Phone Company: Your new local phone company should be notified of your move no sooner than 30 business  Reserve a rental truck or select a moving company. Look for days prior to move, and no later than 5 business days before rental trucks and moving companies in local brochures, yellow moving. The service representative will run a quick credit check pages, or through your rental agent/ real estate broker. and assign you a new telephone number.  Make a moving file for important documents, such as family  Notify Utilities: The electric and gas service companies should medical and dental records, school records, legal documents be contacted at least two weeks before your move. The old and titles, banking and financial statements, stock and bond service will need your move out date and you should request certificates, tax returns, birth certificates and insurance the return of any deposits at this time. The new service will documents. Include all receipts – many expenses are tax need your move in date to determine when service will be deductible. turned on or transferred to your name. You can inquire if they  Make any car rental, airline or hotel arrangements. have a billing plan to balance out of season differences by paying a set amount each month. If moving into an apartment,  Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and check with the property manager to see if service was left on paper for wrapping. before you call the utility companies. Write down the emergency numbers to call in event of a problem or outage.  Post Office: A week before you move, you should stop by your local post office to fill out a change of address cards.  Banks: (checking accounts, investments, etc.): Before you Correspondence cards are also available to send to various move to your new city, make sure all existing accounts in your companies such as credit card companies, magazine old bank are closed. Find a new bank to fill your personal publishers and any other organizations that should be needs and open accounts, order checks and obtain direct informed of your move. The mail will be forwarded to your new deposit forms if applicable. home for a full year. After a year, the mail will be returned to the sender with your new address stamped on it. You can get an  Find a new doctor and dentist and have your family’s medical official change form at the local post office or on the Internet at records transferred to them. www.usps.gov/movernet.  Refill any prescription medications which must be taken  Credit Card Companies: Immediately notify all your credit card regularly and arrange to have those prescriptions transferred to companies of your move. Keeping an individual file on each your new city. one makes this process much easier. We suggest using the  Arrange to register your children in their new school(s). Contact correspondence cards offered at the post office in addition to their current school(s) to have their records forwarded. requesting in writing that they send you a letter of confirmation. It is also recommended to make a follow up call.

 Purchase Insurance: If you are moving from out of state and are insured by a fairly large company, they will most likely have an office in the city you are moving to. If you need to find a new company, it is important to get homeowners insurance at least one month before the move. Those moving to an apartment need to contact the insurance company two weeks before the move. If you have large amounts of jewelry and/or furs coats it’s important to contact the agency as soon as possible since you will be needing additional coverage.

 Remember to request the return of any security deposits.

30 ] Cleveland Information Guide PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Week Before Moving Day

 Confirm any travel plans or reservations.  Early on moving day, reserve a large place for the moving truck to park. Mark off an area with cones or chairs. If you need to  Finish packing and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. obtain parking permission from your apartment complex  Subscribe to the local newspaper and visit the Chamber of manager or the city, do so in advance. Commerce in your new city for additional community  Before work starts, walk through the house with the movers information. and describe the loading order. Show them items you intend to  Change of Address Notification: You will need to notify the transport yourself. You should have these items grouped in an Postal Service that you are moving. It is now possible to do so area prior to the movers arriving. Remain on site to answer the without visiting the post office. Go to website listed above. For movers’ questions and to provide special instructions. the fee of $1.00 you may fill out the address change  Walk through your home and make sure that everything was information online and receive an email confirmation. Or you loaded. Make sure you have the keys to your new home. may choose to print the form and mail it to your local post office. US Postal Service, www.usps.com  Remember that professional movers expect to be paid in full before your goods are unloaded. Check for damage, as items  Notify IRS: You will also need to notify the IRS that you have are unloaded and report any problems right away. moved. This will ensure you receive your IRS refund and/or any other correspondence. To change your address with the IRS,  Unless the company’s policy prohibits the acceptance of complete a Form 8822 (PDF), Address Change Request. This gratuities, it is customary to tip each mover. $20 is a good is available on the IRS website. IRS, www.irs.gov amount; you may want to tip more or less based on the service you received. One Day Before  If you are moving yourself and getting help from friends, make  sure you create a task list. Be sure to have everything packed Pick up your rental truck or confirm your move with the moving before your help arrives. It is natural for people to work in pairs, company. but you should consider each person’s physical ability and  Make sure you and your movers have the directions to your health status. Plan to provide beverages and food for your new home. Plan your travel so that you will be there to greet volunteers. Load the truck according to the directions your them and unlock your home. Have a backup plan in case one truck rental agency gave you, and make sure that you of you gets delayed. understand how to operate and drive the rental truck before you leave the agency.  Obtain the driver’s cell phone number and give him/her yours so you can stay in touch in case one of you is delayed.

 Ask what form of payment the movers will accept (check, money order, certified check, travelers checks) and make necessary arrangements.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 31 RELOCATING YOUR PET

Your coffee is finally brewing after what seemed like an endless After making a list of local veterinary clinics, take the time to go search through the boxes left by the moving company. The disk visit them. Talk to the staff. Ask about office hours, fees, whether jockey on the radio reads the weather forecast and you learn that it appointments are required, and what services are available. Also, is -5 degrees outside with an expected high of 0. Welcome to your ask if it is possible to talk to the doctor so that you can introduce new city, but at least your company gave you a nice raise for yourself and at least have a first impression to help you make your relocating. choice. Just as you start thinking that everything is proceeding smoothly Finally, ask your neighbors which veterinarians they take their and that your new city really does have a lot to offer, you realize pets to and why. Then, of course, it’s your decision, but at least you Prince, your four-year old Great Dane, isn’t acting right. Now what? have gathered some information on which to base your decision. Is he really sick? Homesick? What’s worse is that you don’t know All dogs should be vaccinated for the possibly fatal disease where the closest veterinarian is located and, of course, he or she Parvovirus. can’t be as good as Dr. Morris…and Prince just loved Dr. Morris. Remember to NEVER leave your pet in a car in hot weather, as Farfetched? Not really. Pets are probably most overlooked when heat conditions in cars can quickly become fatal to animals. it comes to relocating. Most people just expect their pets to wake up completely adapted to their new surroundings as if nothing changed. Although this is true for many pets, just as many find relocating to be traumatic. Furthermore, most people wait until their pet is ill before finding a new veterinarian. What should you do then for your pet when relocating? Actually the place to begin is in your hometown before you move. Speak to your own veterinarian and tell him/her where you are moving and ask his/her advice. In most cases, this alone will be sufficient to find out what is necessary to prepare your pet for transition. Further, people will be surprised how often their veterinarian can recommend someone in the area where they are moving. Whether or not this person will actually become your new veterinarian is not as important as the peace of mind that the recommendation is from someone you trust. Finally, don’t wait until your pet is ill before looking for a veterinarian. This is an extremely emotional time and nothing can be more traumatic than having to find a veterinarian in the midst of a crisis. It is obvious, then, that you should find a new veterinarian before that first crisis occurs so that when the need arises, you will be prepared. How do you go about finding a new veterinarian in a new city? The best place to begin is simply the NewMarket Services Information Guide. Location is an important factor, as many pets don’t travel well and, in the case of emergency, distance may be a factor in receiving timely treatment.

32 ] Cleveland Information Guide

MOVING WITH CHILDREN

REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

Get family members focused on and involved in the process of moving. Hold a family meeting to discuss why, where, when and how the family will move. Encourage everyone to ask questions and express feelings. If possible, drive the family to see the new home and take a tour of the new neighborhood schools, shops and parks. Take photos or videotape the new house and neighborhood. Make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, they can read and inform other family members about the area history, landmarks, special events and amusements. Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with packing. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at their new home. Let each family member help plan how to set up his or her bedroom. Have them help select paint or wallpaper. Let them share ideas how to arrange the furniture. When the move takes place, set up the children’s rooms first. Choosing a School One of the most satisfying experiences a family can have is finding a school that fits its needs. That school will “feel right” because its administrators, teachers, and parents are part of a strong community that shares the family’s educational values. Children are eager to go there because the school program stimulates their curiosity and provides them with outlets for their interests. Parents will be pleased because their involvement in their children’s education will be welcomed and encouraged. In order to find the best school for your child, you should begin by observing your child’s learning habits. Even as preschoolers, children begin to develop different approaches to learning. These inclinations provide strong clues about what kind of school would serve them best. In her book Your Child’s First School, educational consultant Diana Townsend- Butterworth offers these suggestions of things to watch for in determining your child’s orientation to learning: • What does your child enjoy doing? • What excites your child and arouses his or her curiosity? • What seems to be frustrating? • Does your child thrive in a structured environment or seem to prefer one that offers more freedom? • Is your child quiet or rambunctious? • Does he or she prefer to work on projects alone or with other children? • Does he or she have any special interests or abilities? Make a list of answers to these questions as well as taking note of any other characteristics you notice about your child. As you read more about individual schools, and when you visit the ones that interest you, you will be better able to choose a school that suits your child.

34 ] Cleveland Information Guide REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

For high school, parents often choose a new school for their Schools children. This is frequently because their current school goes only Total enrollment in public schools: 198,126 students through eight grade. As you look for a high school, consider your Top Cleveland Area Public School Districts: child’s learning style as well as his or her interests when deciding Avon City Schools (440) 937-4680 upon a school. Also keep in mind your own family goals, which may 35573 Detroit Road involve preparing for college, in making this important choice. Avon, Ohio, 44011 What about family expectations? In order to provide a good www.avon.k12.oh.us match, a child’s school must also meet a family’s needs. Here again, Beachwood City School District (216) 464-2600 you may want to prepare a list of expectations and use it as a guide 24601 Fairmount Blvd in the search for the best school for your child: Beachwood, OH 44122 www.beachwood.k12.oh.us • What goal do you have for your child’s long-term education? Is college preparation a priority? Cleveland Heights (216) 371-7171 • How important to you is parental involvement in school activities? University Heights School District • Do you expect the school to have a role in developing a child’s University Heights, OH 44118 www.tiger.chuh.cleveland-heights.k12.oh.us character by encouraging respect for adults and peers as well as others in society, including the disadvantaged? Cleveland Municipal (216) 574-8000 1380 East 6th Street • How important is it to you that you have a strong relationship and share a philosophy with other parents at the school? Cleveland, Ohio 44114 www.cmsdnet.net • How interested are you in providing a home setting that gives your child time for homework? Lakewood City Schools (216) 226-8275 15425 Detroit Avenue • How important to you is a before-school and after-school Lakewood, Ohio 44107 program? www.lkwdpl.org Before beginning a search for a school, parents should reflect on Oberlin City Schools (440) 774-1458 these questions, and their expectations for schools. Parents who 153 North Main Street choose schools wisely are pleased after their children enroll Oberlin, Ohio 44074 because the family and the school work in harmony with a common www.oberlin.k12.oh.us set of expectations for the youngsters. Admissions directors at Orange City Schools (216) 831-8600 schools will gladly connect you with parents of current students so 32000 Chagrin Boulevard you can make an informed choice for your child. Pepper Pike Ohio 44124 Most schools believe parents should have a strong role in their www.orangeschools.org children’s education. Being involved in a child’s education Shaker Heights (216) 295-1400 strengthens the whole family and sends a message to children that 15600 Parkland Drive education is an important part of their lives. Schools know that the Shaker Heights, OH 44120 way in which parents choose to become active in their children’s www.shaker.org schools varies greatly. They provide many different opportunities for Solon City Schools (440) 248-1600 parental involvement. Most schools have strong parent associations 33800 Inwood Road that organize social events, help coordinate volunteer activitied, and Solon, OH provide an organizes means of communication between parents www.solonschools.org and school. Westlake City Schools (216) 835-6331 Each of these encounters strengthens the life of the schools and 2155 Bassett Rd creates a community of committed adults supporting the goals of Westlake, OH 44145 the schools and the students. This feeling of community, with adults and students working together for a common purpose, is one of the distinguishing strengths of a good schools.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 35 SELECTING CHILD CARE

When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program Before/After School Programs to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to These programs give children additional time and opportunity to expanding demand, just finding an opening may be difficult. engage in hands-on enrichment activities in reading, science, math, Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most art, drama, and specific “safety” topics that include conflict importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of resolution and drug abuse. Most programs offer homework persistent phoning and visits. assistance and some offer tutoring. Most also provide supervised As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is physical activity and healthy snacks, or even dinner. School age safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, programs are often provided through local schools, child care and nurturing. You will need to consider many questions. But you centers, churches, or youth-oriented community organizations. are not alone — an increasing number of parents rely on quality Quality features include opportunities for children to make individual child care so that they may work. About 70% of parents place their and group choices about activities, opportunity to improve young children in some type of daily care. Knowing in advance that academic skills, spaces for children to relax and rest, well this is not an overnight process makes it a bit less overwhelming. supervised spaces where they can be active, nutritious snacks, and parental involvement. Types of Child Care You might like the home-like feel of a family child care home, or Choosing Child Care maybe you want your child to have opportunity to socialize with In addition to the forms of child care, you want to take into peers in a larger child care center. You might be looking for after account the following factors: school care for your child, a summer camp experience or a program • Age and personality of your child. that can accommodate his or her special needs. It will help you in • Child care needs of all the children in your family. your search to learn more about each type of child care setting. • Location of your workplace, home and child care facility. In home • Hours you need child care. Some parents may prefer the one-on-one contact an in-home • What you can afford. care provider can offer, especially for an infant. The International Nanny Association (INA) recommends that you interview any When you begin your search, start with the telephone. Plan to prospective hire at least twice and that you conduct a criminal spend a few minutes with each call. Describe your needs and ask background check, which is usually done by most placement about the program, staff, location, other children in care, and what agencies. is included in the cost. Make an appointment and visit the center, school or home, and plan on spending at least an hour at each One key to good child care is whether the caregiver can adapt to place. Visit once to observe the children in care and at another time the needs of each child and family. Not all children of the same age outside of regular structured hours to spend time with provider or are at the same level of development; each child has unique director. character traits. A good caregiver understands these personal and developmental differences and creates a program to meet each In any group center, health, safety, and hygiene must be given child’s needs. priority in all settings. All children and staff members should have current immunizations; staff should have clear criminal background Center-Based Care checks. The facility must be child-proof and all staff members The most popular type because there are so many options for should wear disposable gloves when changing diapers. Toys should children of all ages. You take your child to a place that is organized be disinfected on a regular basis and frequent hand washing should and staffed specifically to care for a group or groups of children. be promoted among the staff and children to minimize the spread Some types include day care centers, preschool programs, of infection. before/after school programs. Preparing Your Child for Child Care Day Care Center Most young infants, up to seven months, adapt to caring adults If you’re considering a day care center or another group setting, and seldom have problems adjusting to good child care. Older you should spend some time observing the center and talking to infants may be upset when left with strangers. They may feel parents with children in the center. You should also expect that your separation anxiety, which is a normal part of development for some child will be assigned to the same caregiver to promote a sense of children. They will need extra time and your support to “get to security and consistency. Inquire about the rate of staff resignations; know” the caregiver. Some children show changes in behavior low staff turnover minimizes the need for young children to when they start child care. Toddlers may cry, pout, refuse to go to repeatedly adjust to new caregivers. or act angry in other ways. Preschoolers may regress and behave Preschool Programs like a younger child. They may be more wakeful at night. This Preschool programs are offered through Head Start, child care behavior usually goes away after a few days or weeks in high-quality centers or local public and private schools. They can be offered as child care, just be sure to monitor. a half-day program for three or four days a week or they can be part of a full day program at a child care center.

36 ] Cleveland Information Guide TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

You may help your child adjust to a new child care arrangement. caregiver or ask your pediatrician for advice. Parents need to help Arrange a visit with in-home caregivers while you are at home or the caregivers and the child deal with any changes in the child's when you need child care for a short time. Visit the center or family routine at home or child care. High-quality child care helps children child care home that you have chosen with your child before grow in every way and promotes their physical, social and mental beginning care. Show your child that you like and trust the caregiver. development. It offers support to working parents. Your pediatrician Some children like to carry a reminder of home when they go to wants your child to grow and develop with enjoyment in a setting child care. A family photograph or small toy can be helpful. Talking that supports you as a parent. to your child about child care and the caregiver is helpful. Being In the final analysis, locating a child care provider with whom you prepared makes any new experience easier for children. There also are confident is well worth the searching. Why? Your child benefits are storybooks about child care that you and your child can read greatly from such an arrangement, meeting and interacting with together. (Check with your local library, another great outing for a other children and adults. The child learns and grows from parent and child) experience, often times a major step in establishing independence After a child has been in child care, a sudden change in and becoming his or her “own person.” And you feel more at ease caregivers may be upsetting. This can happen even if the new leaving them. caregiver is kind and competent. If you are concerned about your For more information you may want to visit the following website: child's feelings, you may want to arrange a meeting with the American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org

TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Cleveland is the home of The Ohio State University, which is one Online Learning of the largest college campuses in the United States. Other Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, institutions located in Cleveland and its metro area; include to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace Cleveland State Community College, Franklin University, Ohio from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The Dominican University and the Cleveland College of Art and Design. costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— Community Colleges and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution can be much less. Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 college- learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to bound high-school graduates start their college education this way. research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online The second function of community colleges is to prepare classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as online universities out there. well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes at four-year schools, like fashion design. at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually Cuyahoga Community College (216) 987-4804 700 Carnegie Avenue all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of Cleveland, OH 44115-2878 private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, www.tri-c.edu only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. More than 50,000 students have improved themselves at CCC. Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to The college offers associate degrees, certificate programs and the Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from first two years of a baccalaureate degree. Since 1963, Tri-C is Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some Ohio’s first and largest community college. Physicians Assistant programs require students to attend some campus classes or Program is one of only four community college programs of its kind orientations, but many are delivered completely online. in the nation, drawing many applicants from outside of the region. Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband Liberal Arts Colleges connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional.

Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the continued on page 38 humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small and personal attention is available.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 37 TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Public vs. Private Universities Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more residents. They get most of their money from the state or local majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and size and some classes may taught by graduate students. other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can Cleveland State University (216) 687-2290 offer more personalized attention and often more prestige. 2121 Euclid Avenue Case Western Reserve University (216) 368-2030 Cleveland, OH 44115-2214 10900 Euclid Ave. www.csuohio.edu Cleveland, OH 44106 Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Top 10 www.weatherhead.case.edu health-care law schools in the country. CSU’s Cleveland-Marshall U.S. News and World Report ranked the school’s undergraduate College of Law is the largest law school in Ohio and was the first to engineering programs in the top 30 and the undergraduate offer evening classes and the first to admit women and minorities. business programs in the top 20 in the United States. Upper Division John Carroll University (216) 397-1886 Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate 20700 North Park Blvd University Heights, OH 44118 study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s www.jcu.edu degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division A mid-sized, Jesuit, Catholic, liberal arts university located in college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a suburban Cleveland, JCU offers over 58 majors, undergraduate and second year of study at a four-year college. graduate, with an emphasis on ethics and value-centered decision- making. Ursuline College (440) 449-4203 2550 Lander Rd. Pepper Pike, OH 44124 www.ursuline.edu Ursuline is the oldest Catholic women’s college in the United States.

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificate or Diploma Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree (or Joint Degree) These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an Complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or first-professional occupational field. For example, to enter fields such as computer degree in less than the usual amount of time. In most programs, science or teaching, you may first have to get a certificate or students apply to the graduate program during their first three years diploma. of undergraduate study, and begin the graduate program in their Associate Degree fourth year of college. Successful completion results in awarding of You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) both bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These are sometimes degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two referred to as “4 +1” programs. years of a four-year college. After earning an AA or an AS, you may Masters Degree transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a These signify more specialized training in a particular field. They bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is are competed after the bachelor’s degree, usually over the course awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of of 2 years for the full time student. study. Doctorates Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree These generally signify some significant research in the field, and Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its are an upper level degree. part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common.

38 ] Cleveland Information Guide PAYING FOR SCHOOL

FAFSA www.fafsa.gov • Federal Student Loans made to parents: Much higher limit, but FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form payments start immediately that must be filled out annually by university to determine their • Private Student Loans made to students or parents: Higher limits eligibility for federal financial aid (including grants, loans, and work- and no payments until after graduation. study programs). In addition, most states and schools use information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. The FAFSA consists of numerous questions regarding the student’s finances, as well as those of his or her family; these are entered into a formula that determines the Expected Family Contribution. The amount of the EFC can vary widely, depending on a number of factors; for example, one such factor is whether a student has siblings in college at the time. The best place to look for help before you start filling out your FAFSA is at your school’s financial aid office. Other Sources FAFSA only scratches the surface of the money available to students for school. There are many state and private scholarships out there. The easiest way to find listings of what scholarships that you may qualify for is by going to a scholarship database online and doing a search. Some handy sites for this are: Lunch-money.com Finaid.org Fastweb.com Collegeboard.com It’s not recommended that you participate in any website that asks you to pay a fee to search for a scholarship; there are many wonderful free sites available. Types of Financial Aid Financial aid may be classified into two types based on the criteria through which the financial aid is awarded: merit-based or need-based. Merit-Based Getting Your MBA Part-time Merit-scholarships are typically awarded for outstanding Getting your MBA may be imperative to you and your career. academic achievements, although some merit scholarships can More than 40% of all graduate students are working adults, so it is also be awarded for special talents, leadership potential and other possible to balance the rest of your life with your desire to continue personal characteristics. Merit scholarships are sometimes your education. awarded without regard for the financial need of the applicant. You’ll generally spend three to four hours a week with the Athletic scholarships are a form of merit aid that takes athletic talent instructor in a 3-credit class. It’s generally recommended that you into account. spend about 8 additional hours a week studying and preparing for Need-Based the next classroom session, so 12-15 hrs a week total. Need-based financial aid is awarded on the basis of the financial So where are you going to find an extra 15 hrs a week? It helps need of the student. The amount of need based aid is generally to journal how you do spend your time during the week, and then based off the criteria on the FAFSA. list priorities. Lower priority items, like watching TV, may take up Loans more time than you realize, and can be shelved so you can continue While included in the term “financial aid” Higher Education Loans your education. differ from scholarships and grants in that they must be paid back. They come in several varieties in the United States Re-prioritizing your time is the most crucial step in ensuring you’ll have success on your path to your degree. Make sure you discuss • Federal Student Loans made to students directly: No payments your goals with your boss, friends, and family, so they know what to until after graduation, but amounts are quite limited expect as you add this major commitment to your life.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 39 40 ] Cleveland Information Guide FITNESS AND HEALTH

IN THE KITCHEN

tarting with Thanksgiving, turkey is an important part of many holiday meals. We all look forward to the smell of the turkey roasting for hours in our homes. It is very Swelcoming for guests, and puts everyone in a festive mood. Most of the fat in turkey is within the skin and most of the fat within the meat is in the dark meat. The white meat with the skin removed is a good food source for people on low- fat or low sodium diets. The meat fiber is easier to digest than other types of meat, which makes it a good choice for individuals that may have digestive problems.Turkey is an excellent source of several important vitamins and nutrients such as iron, niacin, zinc, potassium, and B vitamins. And what about blaming the turkey for your after dinner lethargy? Turkey does contain L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that has a sleep inducing effect. However, L-tryptophan needs to be taken on an empty stomach and without any other amino acids or protein in order to make you drowsy. There's lots of protein in a serving of turkey and it's probably not the only food you are consuming at the meal. The truth is that you could omit the bird altogether and still feel the effects of the meal! The day after the feast is equally anticipated for those wonderful leftovers. But you can only eat so many turkey sandwiches and may need another use for the scraps. Try the chili recipe below. And after the first of year when all of the treats are gone and the waistband needs shrinking, try the recipe with ground turkey for a low-fat, satisfying meal. Simple Turkey Chili Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 (16 ounce) cans canned kidney beans - 2 onion, chopped drained, rinsed, and mashed 2 tablespoons garlic, minced 1/3 cup chili powder, or to taste 4 cups water 1 teaspoon paprika 4 cups cooked turkey, chopped 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 pounds ground turkey 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 2 (28 ounce) cans canned crushed 1 teaspoon ground cumin tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Direction Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until tender. Pour water into the pot. Mix in all remaining ingredients except kidney beans, and garlic.Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Add kidney beans. Serves 16.

Please visit our website, www.NewMarketServices for more recipes. Be one of the first 25 people to enter a recipe this month and receive $10 and automatic entry into our $2500 semi-annual best recipe contest. See website for details.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 41 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Health Club • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might Your move is filled with many new challenges. If your life style want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)? includes working out a priority will be to find a club that meets your • Does the club offer a variety of leagues? If you want to compete needs. Or a new move may bring the perfect time to implement - is the club affiliated to the right leagues, and does it have teams those healthy lifestyle changes that were on your New Year’s of the right standard for your competencies? Resolution list for the past several years. • Does the club offer a variety of high-quality weight equipment? It Begin your search before you move. Ask your current club for should include free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, and recommendations or perhaps they even have reciprocity with a club machine weights, you really need both to get a proper workout. in your new location. If you belong to a national chain, chances are • Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs good that you will be able to transfer your membership. for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight However if you do find yourself looking for a new club, use this management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)? check list to help you find the place that will work best for you. • Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics When visiting a club use your own observations and question the classes, at the time that you would be using the club? staff and current members. Be sure your new club will be able to • What are the real costs? Make sure you understand all rates, meet your fitness, social, and safety needs. charges and fees because these can vary widely, and many clubs • Is the club clean and well maintained, especially the locker rooms require contracts ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. Be and the shower areas? sure you’re entitled to use all facilities, such as pools and spas at • Are staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure there is always no extra charge. someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new • Is child care available if you need it? exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. • Is there adequate parking available if you need it? • Does the location for work for you? It’s best to select a club that’s One way to find out whether a club is right for you is to try it out near where you live or work. for a few days. Some clubs offer a special guest pass for • Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational prospective members. But even if you have to pay for a week to try backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized it out, it’s better to spend the money than to make a long-term certifying agencies? commitment to a club that doesn’t work out. Try the club during the • Are new members provided with a club orientation and hours you will normally be using it. It will give you a realistic idea of instruction on how to use equipment? what the club environment while you are there. • What age group do you see while visiting? If you are in your 50’s, It’s important to read health club contracts carefully. Don’t do you really want to work out with a group in their 20’s (and vice assume the club offers classes such as aerobics as part of the versa)? Be sure to visit club at the time you will be normally using membership. While some do, others charge extra. If the health club the facilities. requires a long-term commitment, find out whether you’ll be able to • Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you get a refund if you need to cancel your membership due to a job want and need to achieve your fitness goals? transfer, an injury or if you simply find that the club isn’t working for • Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for you. you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, It’s a fact that of every three people who join a health club, only basketball, etc.)? If classes or group activities help to motivate one will work out there 100 days a year. Find a club that you are you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, comfortable with and you will greatly increase your chances of sticking with your exercise program won’t be realistic. being the one of three people that are there more than 100 days a year. NewMarket Services wishes you good health.

42 ] Cleveland Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Coping With Change a new community requires finding new sources for familiar services. Did you know that your body and mind sense change as stress? Finding a new hairdresser, barber, drugstore, food market, doctor, Whether you change the place you live or where you work, it all lawyer, cleaner and shoemaker are all necessary. You not only have adds up to stress. The more changes that come at one time, the to locate these services, but you need to determine if you are more stress you experience. satisfied with the quality of the services provided. Forming a Self-Image comfortable working relationship with the service provider adds Your attitudes towards change often depend on your self image more stress to the change itself. and expectations of how difficult it may be. Your self image is the Perhaps your whole lifestyle changes if you are moving from a inner vision of who you are. It is the basis of your every thought, smaller or larger community. With long-distance moves, you will word and action. Moving, with the many changes it entails, offers an have to make new friends and develop a different emotional support excellent opportunity to modify and/or improve your self image system. When these changes are not made through your own through the risks of taking positive action. choices, but are the decisions of a boss or someone in your family, then the stress is even greater. Children have to make changes because of their parents. They need special help and understanding getting settled in school and making new friends. Often, they will have difficulties as they adjust to the new surroundings. Changes produce stress not only within yourself, but also with the people with whom you are close. It may cause you to react differently from your usual behavior. If you are in a relationship or marriage, you may find more tension developing, with less patience or tolerance of the other person. If you live alone, not knowing where to go to make new friends can bring feelings of isolation and loneliness. Creatures of Habit Psychologically, most of us are creatures of habit and quickly develop repetitive patterns that make us feel comfortable and secure. Ever notice that most people find the same seat or section of the commuter train or bus? Drivers usually take the same route every day. We do this in order to reduce stress. The sameness of established behavior develops a sense of control over ourselves and surroundings. By seeking repetitive habits, we save our energy for new events that are either unpredictable or uncontrollable. When change removes the sameness from our lives, we attempt to relieve the tension Some people welcome change as a challenge or an exciting new produced by uncertainty and newness. We look for ways to develop experience. Others may resent the inconvenience and extra effort other familiar patterns. they need to make to re-establish a comfortable routine. Still others Management of Change feel overwhelmed by the unknown and are not sure where to go or To manage change effectively, several simple steps will help you to whom to turn. adjust to the newness and extra effort needed to establish different Often, stress causes old issues, defeats or concerns to patterns in your life. resurface. Perhaps new worries and fears form unexpectedly, or • Organize your time so you can finish the tasks you have planned. you feel tired and fatigued most of the time. Decision making abilities are affected, and you seem to be having less fun and • Have realistic expectations. Do not plan to complete everything enjoyment. These are all telltale signs of stress brought on by within the first few weeks. change. • List your priorities and finish each one before you go on to the When signs of stress affect you, it may be a time of emotional next. transition, indicating old behavior patterns are not as effective as • Provide your body with recreational time and time to relax. they once were. This is often a good time for self-reflection-to look • Trust your first impressions; they are most often right. at what you like in yourself and what you do not like. Periods of change can offer you an opportunity for growth within Stress yourself. Professional consultation may be useful during this period. When you relocate to a new city, all categories of your life are changed. Along with the obvious changes listed above, moving to

Cleveland Information Guide [ 43 VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to become involved in your new community Many people are reminded of their wish to volunteer during is through volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are many, for holiday seasons, but this is when organizations might have an everyone involved. Ask your employer for advice. Many companies excess of help. If you want to volunteer during the holiday, give employees paid time off to volunteer and will often publicize remember to contact the organization in advance. Otherwise, time their employees’ community service. According to the research your work for the lean season. group Independent Sector, the U.S. volunteer sector is equivalent to Volunteering is fun, leads to learning new skills, meeting 9 million full-time workers. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, interesting people, making new friends, sharing your talents, and if you want to help kids or the environment, there are great keeping in touch with the community in which you live. Whether it is organizations that will excite your particular interest, broaden your important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy horizons and fit into your time schedule. cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits Don’t forget to include your family. If your children are school age in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. chances are there are many opportunities to volunteer at their Once you have chosen an area of interest, how should you go school, or even in their classroom. That is a great way to meet other about involving yourself? See what the Web can do for you. 1-(800) parents with children the same age. Clean up a neighborhood park Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & with your children. Spend a morning at a homeless shelter with your Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and children. You’ll find that volunteering is not only a fun family-bonding virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer experience but a great way to teach children the importance of Centers across the nation. Open the classified section of your local giving back to the community. paper. Check out the bulletin boards in your office. Or just start How you get involved with your community depends on your calling the local agencies you’re interested in. interests, skills and time. Choose something that fits well in to your One of the best ways to make these contacts is to walk right into schedule and makes you excited about working together to help the organization—a library, a shelter, training facility, or a political make a difference. Every person has that capability. Each of us can office—and find out who organizes volunteers. You can tell a lot by right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park, and that meeting the volunteer coordinator and any volunteers who happen does make the world a better place. to be on duty. While you won’t earn a paycheck for volunteering, There are several things to consider when choosing in what to you will earn valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and involve yourself. First of all be selective, think about what matters to the satisfaction that only comes from personally making the world a you, and where you wish to spend your time. If you have certain better place to live. social issues that you feel passionate about, it’s a great place to put your energy. You may have particular skills that will steer you toward a certain organization. Are you willing to explore new opportunities? Volunteering can teach you valuable new skills that you may use in other parts of your life. "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." - Winston Churchill

44 ] Cleveland Information Guide Cleveland Information Guide [ 45 HOUSING

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE...

Rent or Buy? The decision to rent or buy in your new location is dependent upon many considerations unique to your personal situation. Some of the potential factors involve the tax implications, down payment, other investment vehicles, the length of time you are anticipating being in your new location and whether or not your current home has sold. If you decide to buy, should you purchase an existing home or build a new one? Again, many factors have to be considered. Will an existing home need a lot of repair or remodeling to bring it to your standards? What about the difference in the cost of operation and maintenance between new and an existing structure? How should you finance a renovation? Which home will appreciate faster? Will it be difficult to get a construction loan? Is it better to rent for a while to become familiar with neighborhoods in your new city? What about capital gains tax if you don’t close in time? We suggest you seek the advice of a certified financial planner and a realtor to thoroughly clarify your options. These choices can become quite complex. Some Advantages to Renting Whether you’re in your first apartment or a longtime resident, there are many advantages you are afforded by choosing apartment living. Mobility: You enjoy the freedom to move, to accept that better job, to take the vacation you’ve dreamed of. No maintenance: Just relax and delight in the grounds and facilities maintenance technicians keeps attractive for you. Flexibility: You have the ability to increase or decrease your living space without the burden of sales pitches, closing costs, interest rates or the high cost of maintaining a home and property. Location: The choice is yours! Recreation: Chances are, you’ve chosen an apartment community with a swimming pool, tennis court, weight room or sauna. Apartments have the equipment and people to maintain them, which is no small task for the homeowner. No waiting: If you’re like most apartment residents, moving into your apartment was easy and fast. You settled into your new home without lengthy paperwork, a loan approval period or a large financial investment. Your Current Residence As you prepare to move, a big decision may include whether to sell or rent your current property. Ask yourself the following questions as you make this decision. You may also want to ask advice from a real estate agent.

46 ] Cleveland Information Guide MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Market Inspect kitchen appliances. Check the stove to see if all burners Is it a seller’s market? Signs include low interest rates and work. Does the range have a hood with a fan? Is the oven self- shortage of homes for sale. How long have similar homes been on cleaning? Is the stove gas or electric? If it is gas, you may have an the market and how long are you willing to let your home be on the extra monthly charge for cooking gas. This would also be true if you market? Or is it a good rental market and do rental units have tenant had a gas clothes dryer in your unit. Check out the waiting lists? Is your property in a trendy area? Desirable areas refrigerator/freezer for storage space. Is there enough counter and typically garner higher rents and seldom have vacancies. cabinet space? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs, especially Financial in a high-rise building. Is this property good for rental income? Can you charge more for Inspect the central air conditioning and heating systems. Ask rent than you pay for mortgage, taxes and upkeep? How will selling other tenants if there is enough heat in the winter. It can be costly if affect your federal and state tax situation? Furthermore, if your you have to buy or rent window air conditioning units. property does not sell quickly, can you afford to keep the home Is there enough storage space? Do you have enough closets for vacant while it’s on the market? If not, do you feel you will be able clothes, linens and general items. Are there built-in shelves and to find a renter on a short-term basis? Are you likely to want to move bookcases for books and DVDs? Do you also get a storage space back into the home some day? that is not adjacent to the unit? Rental Tips Does the building have special amenities such as a swimming Apartment experts say that some detective work is needed to pool, game room, barbecue area, and exercise room or tennis conduct a search that finds the most livable rental residence for the courts? Keep in mind that recreational amenities generally will money. After you have weeded out a good apartment complex from increase your rent. You should consider what features you will really many rent signs and/or listings, scanned the neighborhood you like use. for the best rental possibilities, you will be ready to scrutinize each How is the noise level in the complex? Have neighbors been property and landlord for shortcomings. It is easy for a prospective playing music louder than you prefer? Are you located by a major tenant to gather quick clues about the general care, maintenance of airport, freeway or train tracks? the building, and cleanliness of the area overall. Try to talk to the Do you need an apartment that takes pets? If not, do you want tenant who is vacating the apartment you are planning to rent. He to live in an area that does? Do tenants appear to be cleaning up or she can tell you a great deal about the pluses and minuses of after their pets? What is the management policy for pet size and living there. Here are some tips for inspecting the inside of the maintenance? apartment: Rental experts suggest that tenants should tour several Is it clean? Carpet should be cleaned and walls/ceilings should apartment complexes before placing a deposit on a unit. The be freshly painted. Does the apartment have a bad odor? It could minimum deposit to hold a unit is usually $100. Prospective renters be a tip that the prior tenant had a pet or cooked spicy foods. still need to fill out an application and pay an application fee. This Check room sizes with a floor plan. Make sure the furniture that will hold your unit while your employment, credit and rental histories you will be moving will fit. Is the bedroom near the bathroom? Does are being checked out. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days to the dining room adjoin the kitchen? complete.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 47 CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an Property taxes may vary from one neighborhood to another. This offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made can sometimes affect whether you view a community as a desirable rationally and not guided by emotion. You most likely won’t have the place to live. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community pursue. However, since it is such a major decision you would like to services. base it on factual information. Some broad categories to consider Schools are: If you have school-aged children and plan to send them to public Appreciation school, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the Ask your real estate agent to retrieve sales of homes in the neighborhood school. If you plan on sending your child to a private neighborhood over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows school, how long is the commute? You will likely spend a lot of time an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing driving your child not only during the school day but for extra- at 15 percent, you may have your decision made. curricular events outside the daily school schedule. Which ever Crime school you decide, you can usually find general district information Go to the local police or sheriff department and ask about crime and state standardized test results online. Always plan a visit to the in your specific neighborhood. You might find theft or vandalism to school and receive the information first-hand from school be more prevalent in one area than another. Also please the administrators. You should also talk to teachers and parents. website, www.familywatchdog.us. When you visit this site you can Sellers’ Situations enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the If you don’t know already, ask your real estate agent how long the small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your house has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than person will appear with an address and the description of the crime asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for he or she had committed. just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if Drawbacks you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also Rarely will you be lucky enough to find a perfect place. Think be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why about the cons associated with each house and determine to they’re selling. If it’s a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely correct them or how much of a negative impact each will have. want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better Neighborhoods shot at them accepting a lower price. If you have kids or pets and being close to a park is important, Style and Substance you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the churches, and other services? Are the streets maintained? How do location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor your prospective neighbors keep up their property? How long will plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like your commute to work be? carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with The House good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to Make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house match your tastes. to have. Be specific. Prioritize that list. Then, rate how each house measures up to each need on your list. Property Taxes

48 ] Cleveland Information Guide HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Finding faults in a home doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t Interior buy it. But it will help you to know the type of repair costs that The kitchen and baths are the most expensive rooms to should be anticipated, and sellers often will make adjustments in renovate, so check their condition carefully. A newly-painted interior their asking price on the basis of problems discovered in an may look nice, but it could be hiding something. inspection. Plumbing Inspectors look for the following: Turn on the bathroom sink faucet and shower and then flush the Brick and Concrete toilet. When the toilet starts to refill, does the water pressure Check pavement, driveways and horizontal brick surfaces for diminish? Fill sinks and tub with three inches of water. Do they drain cracks. Is there damage from freezing? What is the condition of the properly? Do faucets leak? Lift up the carpeting. Are there any signs mortar between the bricks? Is any pavement buckling from of flooding or decay? spreading underground tree roots? Roof Electrical Are shingles curling and lifting? Find out how old the roof is, and Open the door on the fuse box or circuit-breaker panel. Is the you will have a pretty good idea of when you will have to replace it. electrical service adequate? The average house should have 100- Termites and Carpenter Ants amp service. Is it wired for 220 volts, which is necessary for electric Look for evidence of termites and carpenter ants on basement dryers and ranges? wood framing. Is there saw dust like wood or paper debris? Can Exterior you find evidence of termite tubes or tunnels? Termites live in earth, Is the house well maintained? Does the roof sag? Are the exterior so make sure that there are no places where earth is closer than six walls out of line? What is the condition of the paint, especially on the inches to wood. Like termites, carpenter ants like wood and wood south and west sides, where sun exposure is greatest? Is there products. adequate drainage away from the house? Water Damage Heating & Cooling Look in the basement for signs of leakage. This could be a result How old is the heating/cooling system? Has it been maintained? of poor drainage around the house. Water damage also is caused Ask to see the owner’s cooling bills for the previous year. This will by seepage through porous basement walls and condensation, give you an idea of its energy efficiency. which frequently is caused by inadequate ventilation. Basement Insulation walls painted a dark color may be an effort to disguise a past Check the attic and crawl space. Is the insulation adequate and problem. Beware of chalky white water stains on foundation walls complete? Has it been properly installed? Does the insulation or partitions; stains on wood and drywall; delamination of paneling obstruct the air vents, preventing the house from “breathing” and and lifting or buckling floor tiles; or a damp, mildew odor. possibly causing wood rot? Does the home have storm windows? Windows and Doors Has the glazing putty dried and shrunk, allowing water and air seepage? Is the wood decayed? Are the window and door frames caulked and weather-stripped?

Cleveland Information Guide [ 49 HOME CARE BASICS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

You’ve finally done it—you’ve just moved into your brand new Here are some additional tips for properly maintaining specific home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You’re likely systems in your new home. consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, Appliances decorating—energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. Remember to read the instruction manual for every appliance in But once you’ve signed the thick pile of closing documents, the your new home. The manuals provide recommended cleaning and moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do maintenance schedules and sometimes your warranty will become you do next? It’s time to get a handle on the routine maintenance void if you don’t follow these recommendations. you’ll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family Driveways live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here’s some If you have an asphalt driveway, remove oil, gasoline and similar advice to get you started and help save money while you’re at it: substances immediately with soapy water. Maintaining a clean home ensures it will last longer and works To avoid holes in your asphalt driveway, refrain from resting patio better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes furniture or bicycle stands on it. on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, Do not burn anything on your driveway. tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it When winter weather produces ice and snow, remove it promptly with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. and avoid gouging your pavement while chipping away at ice. On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and Use kitty litter or sand for traction on tough patches of ice. downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The Thawing and freezing agents using salt and chemicals can damage exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the concrete, brick, mortar and asphalt. Salt will kill grass, shrubs and elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, trees as well—and wreaks havoc on leather—soled shoes. in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior Gutters and Downspouts products. Clear away leaves, tree limbs and other debris from gutters and When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty downspouts. from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty Downspouts should be turned away from your home’s applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it foundation. does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after Every four to six years, paint gutters that not are made of six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would aluminum or vinyl to help prevent rust. cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in Heating and Cooling Systems clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not Late summer or early fall are the ideal time to do an annual responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may inspection and cleaning of these systems. be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the Make sure you change the filters every three months. responsibility of the builder. Keeping your pilot light burning during the summer will help keep You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your the furnace dry and prevent corrosion. warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the Registers help regulate the flow of air and maintain the desired excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have temperature in your home. Keeping registers closed in rooms you little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal don’t use will save on cooling/heating costs. document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty Using heat generating appliances in the evening and reducing the until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights number of lights on will help keep the temperature down and save and responsibilities are from the outset. on costs during the summer. Plumbing Every member of your family should know where the intake valves are located. Label each one. If any of your appliances develops a leak, inspect your drain trap. A partially clogged drain can cause overflow. Use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to unclog the drain. If you need to, use boiling water to help unclog a partially opened drain. Call a plumber if these techniques don’t work. A worn washer, a loose part in a faucet or steam in a hot water pipe generally causes a noisy pipe. Do not hesitate to repair the noise because vibrations can follow the noise and lead to leaks.

50 ] Cleveland Information Guide SECURITY

Each year more than six million residential burglaries occur Computer Security throughout the United States. That’s one every ten seconds! In Computer security is the process of preventing unauthorized use addition to the worry of home burglaries, we now also need to of your computer. concern ourselves with computer hackers and personal identity • Use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers. theft . Listed below are some things that you can do to reduce your Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. chances of becoming a victim. • Use of some type of firewall product, such as a network Home Security Checklist appliance or a personal firewall software package. • Have home security system professionally installed that offers a • Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when 24 hour monitoring system. Make sure to post the home system you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it stickers and window decals: this should alert and deter would be is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the intruders. network. • Never stop mail or newspaper deliveries, it signals that you are • Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup away. Have a neighbor pick up all deliveries if possible. disks somewhere away from the computer. • When recording your answering machine message, do not state Identity Theft that you are not home or out of town. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal • When leaving for an extended period, put lights and stereo information without your permission to commit fraud or other /television on a timer to give the appearance that someone is crimes. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a home. victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Exterior/Interior Security • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal • Replace all locks immediately upon moving into your new home information before you discard them. and install deadbolts on all outside doors. • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social • Secure your sliding glass doors with pins to prevent all horizontal Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number and vertical movement. Also install security film over the glass on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use panes for additional protection. another identifier. • Remember to lock all doors and windows. • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the • Provide remote panic buttons for children and/or elderly mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing residents. with. • Never keep garage door openers in cars that are parked outside • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a of your home. web address you know. Keep Your Valuables Safe • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your • Keep your important papers, heirloom jewelry and large amounts mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social of cash in a safe deposit box. Security number. • Engrave your valuables with your social security number or drivers license number. • Store jewelry, firearms, furs and like in a small closet with a non- hinged solid core door that has a deadbolt. • When purchasing new electronic equipment, breakdown cartons before discarding them. This way you avoid advertising your new purchase to the entire neighborhood and drive-by observers.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 51 HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

As you start shopping for a new home, you may encounter some Contingency Condition that must be met before a contract is unfamiliar words and terms. The following glossary will help get you binding. through the maze of buying a home. Convertibility Ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan with an interest rate schedule to a fixed-rate schedule. adjusted according to movements in the financial market. Many Covenant Agreement between seller and buyer on a piece of offer lower-than-market initial interest rates that rise only gradually property, restricting the use of that property. (Also called deed for the first few years. restriction.) Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Annual cost of credit over the life of Deed Legal document representing property ownership. a loan including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, Default When a borrower fails to make the required payments of mortgage insurance and other items. a mortgage contract. Appraisal Unbiased, professional opinion of a property’s value Density The number of homes built on a particular acre of land. based on its style and appearance, construction quality, usefulness Allowable densities are determined by local jurisdictions. and the value of comparable properties. Debt-To-Income Ratio Long-Term debt expenses as a percentage Assessment Tax levied on a property or a value placed on the of monthly income; used by lenders to qualify borrowers for worth of a property by a taxing authority. mortgage loans. Assumption Transaction allowing a buyer to assume responsibility Due-on-Sale Clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the Broker (Real Estate) Person who receives a commission or fee for property. bringing buyer and seller together and assisting in the negotiation of Earnest Money Sum paid to the seller to show that a potential contracts between them. A license is required in most states. purchaser is serious about buying. Building Code Local regulations controlling design, construction Easement Right-of-Way granted to a person or company and materials used in construction. Building Codes are based on authorizing access to the owner’s land. For example, a utility safety and health standards. company may be granted easement to install pipes or wires. An Buydown Subsidy, usually paid by a builder or developer, to reduce owner may voluntarily grant an easement or can be ordered to grant the monthly payments on a mortgage loan. one by a local jurisdiction. Buyer’s Agent A real estate agent who represents only the buyer Equity Difference between the value of a home and what is owed in a real estate transaction. on it. Callback Request by a homeowner for a builder to handle a service Escrow Handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf request. of the buyer and/or seller. Cap Limit to the amount an interest rate or monthly payment can Escrow Amount Amount set up by a lender into which periodic, increase for an adjustable-rate loan either during an adjustment usually monthly, payments for taxes, hazard insurance, period or over the life of the loan. assessments and mortgage insurance premiums are made. Funds Certificate of Occupancy Document from an official agency stating are held in trust by the lender who pays the sums as they become the property meets the requirements of local codes, ordinances and due. regulations. Fair Market Value Price at which property is transferred between Chain of Title History of all documents transferring title to a parcel willing buyer and willing seller, each of whom has reasonable of real property, starting with the earliest existing document and knowledge of all pertinent facts and neither being under compulsion ending with the most recent. to buy or sell. Change Order Homebuyer’s written authorization to add, delete or Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Federal agency that insures change an item specified in a contract. mortgages with lower down payment requirements than Closing Meeting to sign documents that transfer from a seller to a conventional loans. buyer. (Also referred to as settlement.) Fixed-Rate Mortgage Mortgage with an interest rate that remains Closing Costs Charges paid at settlement for obtaining a mortgage constant over the life of the loan. loan and transferring a real estate title. Hazard Insurance Protection against damage caused by fire, wind Commission Agent’s fee for negotiating a real estate or loan storms or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers transaction, often expressed as the percentage of the sales price or to carry it in an amount at least to the mortgage. mortgage amount. HVAC Common building industry abbreviation for heating, Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC and Rs) Standards that ventilation and air conditioning systems. define how a property may be used and the protections the Index Interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision. changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan.

52 ] Cleveland Information Guide HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

Infrastructure Public facilities and services needed to support PITI Principal, interest, taxes and insurance: the four major residential development, including highways, bridges, schools and components of monthly housing payments. sewer and water systems. Point One-Time charge assessed by the lender at closing to Inspection Examination of work completed on a structure to increase the interest yield on a mortgage loan. determine compliance with building code and other code Presettlement Walk-Through Final inspection of house prior to requirements. closing, conducted by builder and buyer. Joint Tenancy Form of ownership in which the tenants own a Principal Amount borrowed, excluding interest and other charges. property equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the Property Survey Survey to determine the boundaries of a piece of entire property. property. Cost depends on the complexity of the survey. Loan Origination Fee Lender will charge a fee for the cost of Recording Fee Charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid processing the loan, usually calculated as a percentage of the loan to a city, county or other appropriate branch of government. amount. Specifications Contractual document describing in detail the work Loan-To-Value-Ratio Relationship between the amount of a home to be performed; method of construction; standards of loan and the total value of a property. workmanship; quality, type and manufacturer of materials and Lock-In Rate Commitment from a lender to make a loan at a pre- equipment for a particular project. set interest rate at some future date, usually for not more than 90 Tenancy in Common Form of ownership in which the tenants own days. A fee may be charged to “lock-in” a rate. separate but equal parts. To inherit the property, a surviving tenant Mortgage Commitment Formal written communication by a lender would either have to be mentioned in the will or, in the absence of agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property, specifying a will, be eligible through state inheritance laws. the loan amount, length of time and conditions. Title Evidence, usually in the form of a certificate or deed, of a Mortgage Origination Fee Charge for the work involved in preparing person’s legal right to ownership of a property. and servicing a mortgage application. Title Insurance Insurance against any title defects that may exist Permit Document issued by a local government agency allowing prior to the time the title is passed from one owner to the next, and construction work to be performed in conformance with local which may come to light in a future transaction. codes. Work may not commence until permits have been obtained, Veterans Administration (VA) Federal agency that insures mortgage and each permit issuing agency must inspect the work at certain loans with very liberal down payment requirements for honorably specified points during construction. discharged veterans and their surviving spouses.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 53 TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS

The cost of cooling your house continues to rise . There are a • Close doors to rooms that are not being used. number of ways you can save a significant amount of money on • Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use “solar drying” your energy bills. In fact, it’s possible to save up to 25 percent on (clotheslines). your power bill by using the following tips. While your results might • Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to vary, you’re guaranteed to find at least a few ways to save money. air dry. The idea behind all our advice, and in fact our entire conservation • If you A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and effort, is to give you the information you need to make the right free of obstructions to maintain air flow. decisions. • Unplug your televisions/VCR when you’re on vacation. Most new These simple steps don’t cost a thing, but can potentially save sets draw power even when they’re turned off. you 10-25% on your monthly energy bill. • Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let computer - it can use as much energy as a refrigerator. Most new lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs computers have “sleep” settings. with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage • In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb. home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you • If your dishwasher has a filter clean it. are not home more than four hours. • Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops. • In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you’re not There are plenty of low cost, easy to do projects or steps you can home. do to save another 10-25% on your energy bill. • Do not turn your air conditioning off in the hot months when • Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. you’re not home. Your house will store up the heat and you’re This will typically save $1 per bulb changed out (for bulbs running likely to make the air conditioning run for hours to feel 4-6 hours per day) and reduce heat in your home. Regular bulbs comfortable. use most of the electricity to generate heat so use care when • In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your changing bulbs. home to take advantage of “free heat from the sun” Close the • Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets. outside air out and the inside air in. • In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to • Install a hot water heater blanket but be careful not to cover vents keep heat out. or temperature settings. • Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook • Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six as late in the evening as possible. inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters. • Barbecue outside if practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect • Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your of sun on your body. By reducing the heat coming into your home residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides from any source, will reduce the load on your air conditioning. shading, reducing thermal gain in a building. • Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump • Fix leaky faucets Install low flow showerheads. runs on—eight to twelve hours a day is plenty in the summer • Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of months, less in the winter months. heat in your home. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. • Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a • Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work. spray to help trap dirt in the filter. • Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean. • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. • Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or • Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats. plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces. • Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the refrigerator.

54 ] Cleveland Information Guide WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING

Architect Lender Building design professional who has completed all required The financial institution that provides construction loan financing university training in architecture and passed state licensing exams; during construction and permanent financing for the home buyer initials A.I.A. and F.A.I.A. indicate membership in a professional after the home is built and there is a property settlement, referred to organization, but not licensed status. in our area as closing. Most lenders make what is referred to as Builder or General Contractor “end loans” which is the loan made to the buyer of a new home, and The buck stops with him or her in construction projects. The others make both the “end loan” and “construction loan financing” general contractor secures bids for all work and materials; hires, which provides funds to pay for costs incurred during construction. coordinates and oversees subcontractors; files for permits and Owner Builder arranges for inspections; and generally makes the final decisions in An individual or family who finances and manages a home all construction-related matters. building project (usually with the assistance of a builder or general Building Inspector contractor who is hired to manage all or a particular phase of the One or more local officials who oversee and regulate every phase construction of the home) with the intention of retaining ownership of residential construction. Regulations vary widely. In most states and residing in the home after completion. area home construction meets standards contained in the Uniform Subcontractor Building Code. In addition, applicable provisions of the Uniform Fire A specialist who undertakes responsibility for one phase or trade & Plumbing/Mechanical & Electrical codes are enforced. Typically, within the project and reports to the general contractor. In a typical permits are issued and inspections are made at key stages of home building project, subcontractors generally include: an construction by County and City building code enforcement excavation contractor who digs foundations and grades the site; a departments. masonry contractor who handles all concrete, block, brickwork and Building Designer paving; a framing contractor who constructs the shell and interior Generally unlicensed professionals (license not required for partitions; a roofing contractor; a heating, ventilation and air- practice) who, by experience, are competent to design homes, conditioning (HVAC) contractor; a plumbing contractor; an electrical prepare drawings and write specifications; they often work in contractor; drywall installers; insulation contractors; finish association with licensed architects. carpenters who generally handle wood flooring, trim work, and Construction Manager/Foreman cabinet installation; and a painting contractor. The general contractor’s right-hand man. A construction Surveyor manager can be on site when the general contractor is not. A professional with the training and equipment to establish or Design/Build Firms verify property lines. The surveyor also plots and marks the An organization that provides both architectural planning and topography of the site, which is crucial in preparing the site plan. He general contracting services, and offers a different approach to the or she may also be employed to stake out the building site, setting conventional arrangement in which the designer and builder are reference marks for foundation excavation, establishing grades for separate entities. roads or driveways and marking the locations for a septic system Interior Designer and water well, if necessary. Specialist in decoration and furnishing; special training and Title Insurance Company licensing not required. Initials A.S.I.D. following individual’s name The entity that conducts a comprehensive search of the public indicate membership in a professional association, for which records to make sure that the title received by a buyer of a new training and passing tests are required. home is “free and clear of any liens and encumbrances”. This Kitchen /Bath Designer assures the issuance of a clear or “merchant able” title in favor of Specialist in designing these rooms; initials C.K.D. and C.B.D. the buyer of a new home at the closing of the sale of the property. indicate certification by a professional association, for which training and passing tests are required. License is not required for practice. Landscape Architect Specialist in landscape and garden planning; primary concerns include site selection, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing plant material. License required for practice.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 55 SELECTING A BUILDER

Are you shopping for a new home? Start by shopping for a Service After the Sale and Home Warranty professional builder first. Whether you are buying a townhouse, a While you are shopping, ask about the builder’s service after the detached home in a subdivision, or a custom-built house, the sale. Most builders offer some form of warranty. Many builders back construction quality of your new home will be determined by the their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for quality of your builder. one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance Start your builder-search process by calling your local home program. One of the most important criteria for selecting a builder builders association. They can give you the names of reputable is the warranty protection provided on the home. Ask for a copy of builders in your area. Ask friends and relatives about builders they the builder’s warranty. Read the document thoroughly and be sure have dealt with directly, or ask them for the names of acquaintances you understand what protection is provided. If you have any who have recently built a new home. questions about the coverage, talk to the builder prior to finalizing The Interview Process your purchase. Once you have developed a list of builders who are building the Be Thorough type and price range of home you are interested in, research their When selecting a builder, be thorough and ask a lot of questions. reputations and the quality of their work. The best way is to visit Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers homes that they have built and talk to the owners. Ask the builders verbally, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question because you on your list for the addresses of their recently completed houses, are afraid of sounding “stupid” or uninformed. What seems like a subdivisions, or townhouse communities. At the very least, drive by “stupid” question may yield a very important answer. and see if the homes are visually appealing. Buying a new home is probably the biggest and most important Look at homes that are the same style as you plan to buy. A good purchase you will make in your lifetime. By doing your new “home” time to visit is on a weekend morning when people are outside work to select a builder, you will instill in yourself and your family a doing chores. Introduce yourself and explain that you are sense of confidence and knowledge that you have made the right considering buying a home from the same builder who built their choice. home. If you have additional questions about selecting a builder, contact Ask about their satisfaction with the home and whether the your area’s Builders Association. Ask for a builder list that identifies builder delivered what was promised in a timely manner. Ask if they the price categories and subdivisions in which they build. Be sure to would buy another home from this builder. People will generally tell tour the Parade of Homes in the Fall and Spring. It is an excellent you if they are happy with their purchase. way to get familiar with the housing market in this area as well as Quality and Value individual builder’s products. When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features: the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. In viewing a home, you must determine whether it lends itself to the type of lifestyle you want to lead. Look at the amount of interior living space and how efficiently the space is used. Find out if the builder is incorporating state-of-the-art energy efficiency features, both in appliances and insulation.

56 ] Cleveland Information Guide SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Every year hundreds of families are taken advantage of by 8. Make sure all required permits are secured and inspections are disreputable individuals or companies who represent themselves to made.The contractor should be expected to secure all necessary be reliable, reputable contractors. If you are planning to hire permits. Beware of contractors who want you to secure the someone to repair or make improvements to your property there are permit as the property owner. It is permissible to do so, but it is safeguards you can take to assure the best selection of a contractor very unusual that a reputable contractor will ask you to do this. for you. 9. Make sure you have a written contract with the contractor that Consider the Following details: 1. Hire only licensed contractors. Contractors are required to be a. A full description of all work to be done. licensed to do certain types of work. When selecting a contractor b. A firm date of completion you should make sure the contractor holds a current, valid c. Total cost of the job. license either issued by your city. d. Contractors license number. 2. All contractors do not possess the same expertise.Ask for e. All warranty information. references and check those references to assure yourself that f. Quality of materials to be used. the contractor is qualified to do the type of work you are wanting g. How and on what basis payments are to be made. done. h. How changes and payment for changes will be handled. 3. Check business references. Ask the contractor for a list of 10. Make sure complete architectural drawings are done and business references that you can call and verify that the agreed upon if you are having a room addition added, or relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are good ones extensive remodeling done. Be certain that detailed material and that the contractor pays his bills. specifications are also provided and made a part of the contract 4. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any you sign. complaints or charges pending against the contractor. 11. Monitor the work being done in accordance with the 5. Call local trade associations for information about selecting a contractual agreement with the contractor. If you have contractor. questions about what is being done or problems with the 6. Ask for proof from the contractor that he has general liability contractor, either ask questions or confront the problem head insurance and workers compensation insurance in order to on when it occurs in order to minimize any conflict and reach a protect you, as the property owner, against any claim in the event satisfactory resolve as quickly as possible. the contractor, his employees, or someone else is injured as a 12. Final payment should not be made until you are satisfied that result of work being done on your property. the job has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 7. Make sure the contractor you are contracting with will be contractual agreement between you and the contractor. personally involved in coordinating the work to be done on your property. “A house is made of walls and beams; A home is built with love and dreams.” - Author unknown

Cleveland Information Guide [ 57 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Is Your Bank Meeting Your Current Financial Needs? What Will You Do? This page offers a guide to choosing the right bank for your The fist question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your needs, and offers some ideas for starting your checklist. bank account. Do you want to put money in there periodically and With banks offering an increasing number of financial services at watch it grow? Will you move money in and out quickly? You need widely varying fees, choosing one to handle your particular financial to know what your banking behavior will be like in order to find the needs can seem like a difficult and confusing task. Although there right bank. is much to consider, it is best to select a bank the same way you Next, get an idea of how you prefer to do your banking. If your would choose any product or service—first evaluate your needs schedule doesn’t work with most bank schedules, the best bank and then compare costs. You should also consider what is most might just be the one that’s open at convenient times. important to you in a banking relationship. Do you want to develop Free checking accounts get a lot of hype. They get people in the a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank? Do you door. However, free may not always be the best thing for you. If you travel frequently and need access to branch offices while you are value certain services or conveniences, you may be willing to pay for out of town? If you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, them. Once you get ahold of fee schedules from competing banks, you'll want to explore the types of electronic services each bank has consider if it’s really going to bother you to pay a few bucks each to offer. Once you have identified your needs, evaluating and month for that “gotta have it” feature or service. Maybe it is, maybe comparing the services and fees is a much simpler task. it isn’t. But you have to do your research, because not all banks offer At first glance, fees might make you favor debit cards in the debit free checking, and if they do, they won’t always tell you about that vs credit competition. The worst fee you'll find in a typical debit card option unless you ask. is a POS fee -- charged when you use your debit card at a retailer So go online or make a few phone calls. Find out if the bank has using PIN number. While the tide is shifting away from banks a lot of ATM locations. It doesn’t do you any good to have free charging these fees, they're still around. More importantly, there are checking if you have to spend $2 a pop to use another bank’s ATM more factors than fees to the debit vs credit debate. because you bank only has one branch and it is all the way across Hidden fees are becoming increasingly popular in the banking town. industry. If you're not careful, you might end up wasting significant You may be eligible because of where you live or what type of job amounts of money each year on things that can be easily avoided. you have to join a credit union. Many people like credit unions One place that's full of hidden fees is the ATM. While it is an easy because they offer a lot of free services (like maybe free Money way of obtaining your money quickly and efficiently, ATMs are Orders). But keep in mind that credit unions are often few and far notorious for their service charges. You can end up being charged between, so you may end up with the ATM surcharge problem. every time you use the ATM, if you're not careful. Some banks will charge extra fees if you do not meet certain requirements or do your banking with them. Banks can even charge you to check your balance at the ATM. It depends on the bank. You need to understand the terms of your bank and find the best plan for you. You can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. Internet banking may also have a price. Depending on the bank, you may have to pay a service charge for this service. It also may not be available at all banks.

58 ] Cleveland Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

You may have a difficult time deciding which type of home feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for mortgage is the best for your needs. The world of home finance veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership offers so many variables and options that it’s often hard to keep became a reality for millions of veterans. VA will guarantee a them straight. The following may help you better understand the maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, differences and find a home loan that’s right for you. which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the Fixed-Rate Mortgages are very popular because the interest rate reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever and monthly payments are constant. Fixed loans are generally is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must amortized over ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years. Property taxes qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program. and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your Interest-Only Mortgage is really an interest-only option that works monthly payments will be very stable. During the early amortization with various mortgage types. This option has regular payments, period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for typically monthly, for a fixed period of time; however, payments paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly consist of one hundred percent interest. No principal is paid during payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate the interest-only period. When that period ends, the borrower is mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the obligated to make payments of principal and interest. Because the original loan amount. You may also opt for “biweekly” mortgages, time remaining in the loan term to repay the principal is shorter than which shorten the loan by making a payment every two weeks. it would have been, payments will adjust upward, sometimes (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 substantially. The appeal of interest-only payments is savings. When “months” worth, every year.) principal is not being paid, monthly payments are dramatically Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a loan which allows for the lower. On the risk side is potential for loss. If the need to sell arises adjustment of its interest rate according to the terms of the note and and the property value has stayed flat or declined, a borrower might as market interest rates change. With this type of mortgage loan be in a position where the mortgage loan balance is higher than the program the interest rate and payments may be adjusted as market value of the property. frequently as every month. The purpose of the program is to allow Balloon Mortgage Loan generally has a short term, commonly mortgage interest rates to fluctuate with market conditions. The anywhere from 3-7 years. During that term, borrowers make regular initial interest rate for an ARM is usually lower than that of a fixed equal payments of principal – the amount of money borrowed – plus rate mortgage, where the interest rate remains the same during the interest. At the end of the loan term, a “balloon” payment is due for life of the loan. A lower rate means lower payments, which might the entire loan balance. Options for handling the balloon payment help you qualify for a larger loan. Also if you do not plan to keep your include paying off the balance when due or refinancing before the home for more than a few years, the possibility of rate increases payment comes due. Balloon mortgages are usually offered at isn’t as much of a factor. But no one has a crystal ball to predict the lower interest rates than other fixed-rate loans. In addition, fluctuation of interest rates, so it is somewhat of a gamble. payments are calculated using a period longer than the term of the FHA Mortgage Loan is insured by the Federal Housing loan. As a result, balloon loans offer affordability for short-term Administration. FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and circumstances. Borrowers do need to plan ahead so they are not Urban Development (HUD), one of its chief purposes is to help caught unprepared when the balloon payment is due. people obtain financing to buy their homes. The FHA doesn’t make Choosing a type of mortgage is not the only decision you must the loans, but insures loans made by banks, savings and loans, face. Several other criteria are listed below. mortgage companies, credit unions and other approved institutions. Hybrid Mortgage combines features of both fixed-rate and FHA does not originate loans. FHA insures the mortgage and pays adjustable-rate mortgages. A hybrid mortgage loan may start with the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the a rate that is fixed for a period of time. When that fixed-rate period loan. Almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough expires, the loan then converts to an ARM. The initial rate for a cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make hybrid mortgage loan is typically lower than prevailing fixed rates. monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured The lower rate enables more buying power up front. On the risk side mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level is the uncertainty of how high interest rates will be when the fixed- required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. rate period expires. VA Mortgage Loan is similar to the FHA mortgage. The U.S. Lending Institution are used When you’re looking for a home loan, Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans made by you might work with an officer at a bank or other lending institution, institutional lenders to eligible veterans. The guarantee helps protect or you might choose to work with a mortgage broker. The loan the lender in the event of the borrower’s default. The VA Loan was officers at a bank, credit union or other lending institution are initiated in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more employees who work to sell and process mortgages originated by commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into their employer. They often have a wide variety of loans types to law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with draw from, but all originate from that specific lender. a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. This continued on page 60

Cleveland Information Guide [ 59 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Brokers are professionals who are paid a fee to bring Appreciation is the increase in the property’s value, either by together lenders and borrowers. The mortgage broker working to improvement in the market or improvements made by the owner. secure your loan is earning a fee for that transaction—and the Balloon Mortgage is a loan that acts like a fixed rate but is due in better deal they achieve for a lender, the more they are paid. Don’t three, five or ten years. At that point you must pay the outstanding be too anxious to disclose the interest rate you would be willing to balance in one lump sum. accept, let them tell you what terms they can secure. Shop around Buydown is the process of buying a lower interest rate by paying to make sure the terms are reasonable. more points at closing. There should be little difference between obtaining a loan from a Conventional Mortgage is a loan that is under $ 240,000 and meets broker or a local lending institution. Maybe none, but you should be Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, the largest purchasers of aware of the differences between the two positions. A mortgage home mortgages on the secondary market. broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. The loan Convertible Mortgage is an ARM with the option to convert to a office will likely be able to offer more personal service while your loan fixed rate mortgage as specified in the contract. is being processed and once you are an established customer. FHA Loans are issued by FHA approved lenders. The FHA insures Discount Points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to its loans so that borrowers can get them with only 3 to 5% down lower your mortgage interest rate. While buying points is sometimes payment. The FHA has certain criteria to qualify for these loans. a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it Fixed-rate Mortgages are self amortizing loans with a constant rate saves. The cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan of interest. These loans are commonly for 10, 15. 20 or 30 year amount. For instance, for a $100,000 loan one discount point periods. equals $1,000. Each discount point paid on a 30-year loan typically lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. That means a 5.5 percent Interest Rate is what the lender charges for the use of their money. rate would be lowered to 5.375 percent if you purchase one point. Expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed before Paying for points lowers your interest rate, because the lender financing expenses. receives the income in a lump sum at closing rather than collecting Initial Interest Rate is what lenders charge on an ARM until the first the interest as you make payments on your loan. Whether or not adjustment is made. This rate is usually much lower than fixed rate paying points makes sense for you depends in part on how long mortgages. you plan to keep the loan. Jumbo Mortgages are loans greater than $ 227,150 with an interest rate that is a quarter percentage higher than conventional Helpful Mortgage Terms loans. Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a loan with a rate that adjusts to Lifetime Cap is the same as an annual cap except there is limit on market conditions. The rate of adjustment will be stated in the how high the interest rate can increase over the entire life of the contract. mortgage. Adjustment Index is a guide lenders use to change ARM interest Loan Commitment is a promise by the lender to provide the agreed rates during the life of a mortgage. The specific index to which your amount of money stated on the mortgage to close on a home. The ARM is tied to will be listed in the mortgage contract. commitment also states the interest rate, term of loan, and usually Annual Cap is a limit on how high the interest rate on an ARM can expires within 60 days. rise in a single year. Annual caps are specified in the better ARM Loan Servicing is the institution that handles the administrative programs. processing of your loan such as billing and collecting payments. Annual Percentage Rate Equals the true cost of a loan including Loan-to-Value Ratio is the proportional relationship of the financing charges and fees. mortgage loan to the value of a home, expressed as a percentage. Amortization is the process that reduces the amount owned in a loan. It can be made in a lump sum or periodic installments. Appraisal Value is estimating the property’s worth which is based on comparable properties. Appraisals that are completed by certified professionals, and are used by lenders to verify the home’s value and justify the mortgage commitment.

60 ] Cleveland Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Calculator You can obtain your property taxes from the local township office How much do you qualify for based on typical lender and you can contact your insurance agent for homeowner rates. requirements? Generally, the lender will require that your monthly Now, while shopping for your mortgage, you probably have payments not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Lets take discovered the current interest rate. Use the chart below; find the a look at how a lender would typically determine your ability to meet column, which applies to that rate. Follow the number down until monthly house payments. you find the number that is closest to your principal and interest First, determine your gross monthly income from all sources. payment. To the left of that you will find the loan amount for which Then multiply that amount by 28% to determine an approximate you probably qualify. If you intend to apply for a 90% loan, divide the allowable monthly payment. This payment includes principal, loan amount by .90 to calculate the price of the house that would interest, taxes and insurance. From this amount subtract taxes and require this monthly payment. insurance to arrive at your allowable principal and interest payment.

The example below illustrates this procedure: Gross Monthly Income $2,500 X 28% = $700 Less: Monthly Taxes & Insurance (100) = $600 12% Interest Rate for 30 years for $600= $60,000 $60,000/.90 (Loan to Value) =$66,667 = Estimated Maximum Home Price For Qualification

$ 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7% 7.5% 8% 8.5% 9%

100,000 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 150,000 750 825 900 975 1050 1125 1200 1275 1350 200,000 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 250,000 1250 1375 1500 1625 1750 1875 2000 2125 2250 300,000 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100 2250 2400 2550 2700 350,000 1750 1925 2100 2275 2450 2625 2800 2975 3150 400,000 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 3600 450,000 2250 2475 2700 2925 3150 3375 3600 3825 4050 500,000 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500 550,000 2750 3025 3300 3575 3850 4125 4400 4675 4950 600,000 3000 3300 3600 3900 4200 4500 4800 5100 5400 650,000 3250 3575 3900 4225 4550 4875 5200 5525 5850

700,000 3500 3850 4200 4550 4900 5250 5600 5950 6300 750,000 3750 4125 4500 4875 5250 5625 6000 6375 6750 800,000 4000 4400 4800 5200 5600 6000 6400 6800 7200 850,000 4250 4675 5100 5525 5950 6375 6800 7225 7650 900,000 4500 4950 5400 5850 6300 6750 7200 7650 8100 950,000 4750 5225 5700 6175 6650 7125 7600 8075 8550 1,000,000 5000 5500 6000 6500 7000 7500 8000 8500 9000

Cleveland Information Guide [ 61 AIRLINES EDUCATION

Airlines a highly innovative and progressive Budget Rent a Truck financial service organization. Ranked Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 American Airlines among the nation’s leading financial Right now, Budget has some great rates Reservations call (800) 433-7300 institutions for our strength and safety, we on some equally great cars and trucks. So Flights at your fingertips. For passenger are one of the fastest growing and most don’t let them pass you by. reservations and information call us or your profitable financial institutions across the travel agent. Hertz Car Rental country. Reservations call (800) 654-3131 Continental Airlines Ohio Savings Bank Still the biggest, still the best We care Reservations call (800) 523-3273 6016 Turney Road about you. Customer service is the most Want to be treated with respect, fly the Cleveland, OH important thing we do. Biggest selection of safe and courteous sky’s with Continental (216) 475-3010 low-mileage cars. Airlines. Founded in 1889, AmTrust stands out United Airlines as a highly innovative and progressive Education PreK-8 Reservations call (800) 241-6522 financial service organization. Ranked The Ratner School Serving more of the nations top 100 among the nation’s leading financial 4900 Anderson Rd business centers than any other airline. institutions for our strength and safety, we Lyndhurst, OH 44124 Small package dispatch, same-day airport are one of the fastest growing and most (216) 291-0033 to airport. profitable financial institutions across the www.theratnerschool.org country. Banks/Finance The Ratner School, through its AmTrust Montessori and its day school programs, AmTrust 15001 Snow Road provides an outstanding education in an 1801 East Ninth Street Brook Park, OH innovative and nurturing environment Cleveland, OH (216) 267-6996 enriched by Jewish values and traditions. (216) 736-3480 Founded in 1889, AmTrust stands out The School welcomes students across the Founded in 1889, AmTrust stands out as a highly innovative and progressive learning spectrum from average to gifted, as a highly innovative and progressive financial service organization. Ranked including students with learning financial service organization. Ranked among the nation’s leading financial differences. among the nation’s leading financial institutions for our strength and safety, we Old Trail School institutions for our strength and safety, we are one of the fastest growing and most 2315 Ira Road, P.O. Box 827 are one of the fastest growing and most profitable financial institutions across the Bath, OH 44210-0827 profitable financial institutions across the country. (330) 666-1118 country. AmTrust www.oldtrail.org AmTrust 20133 Farnsleigh Road Founded in 1920, Old Trail School is a 1866 West 25th Street Shaker Heights, OH private, independent, coeducational school Cleveland, OH (216) 752-9093 enrolling 526 children in Preschool through (216) 696-3050 Founded in 1889, AmTruststands out as Grade Eight. Located in the Cuyahoga Founded in 1889, AmTrust stands out a highly innovative and progressive Valley National Park, near Akron, Ohio, the as a highly innovative and progressive financial service organization. Ranked school serves families from a tri-county financial service organization. Ranked among the nation’s leading financial area. These families choose Old Trail among the nation’s leading financial institutions for our strength and safety, we because it provides an environment rich in institutions for our strength and safety, we are one of the fastest growing and most learning and opportunities for character are one of the fastest growing and most profitable financial institutions across the development. Small classes, selective profitable financial institutions across the country. admissions, a caring and creative faculty, country. and a modern and well equipped physical AmTrust Car/Truck Rental plant have all contributed to the quality 3300 Warren Road Avis Rent a Car education received by thousands of Old Cleveland, OH Reservations call (800) 331-1212 Trail students for over eighty years. (216) 941-3000 Offers low-mileage quality maintained Education K-12 Founded in 1889, AmTrust stands out GM and other cars. Computerized for fast I as a highly innovative and progressive service and low rates for day, week, or Hathaway Brown School financial service organization. Ranked long term mini lease. 19600 North Park Boulevard Shaker Heights, OH 44122 among the nation’s leading financial Budget Rent a Car (216) 932-4214 institutions for our strength and safety, we Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 are one of the fastest growing and most www.hb.edu Right now, Budget has some great rates Welcome to Hathaway Brown—An profitable financial institutions across the on some equally great cars and trucks. So country. Uncommonly Good Place for Girls to Learn don’t let them pass you by. For your local and Grow As Ohio’s oldest independent AmTrust or one-way rental choose from Budget’s preparatory school for girls, Hathaway 2066 Lee Road World Class Fleet at the airport, or in your Brown’s commitment to excellence in girls’ Cleveland, OH neighborhood. education prepares young women for (216) 923-0095 productive lives of high achievement, Founded in 1889, AmTruststands out as

62 ] Cleveland Information Guide EDUCATION HOME BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS leadership and service. Education 9-12 Majzun Construction Co. Lorain, OH 44052-5631 Western Reserve Academy Education 6-12 (440) 282-4869 College Street University School, Lower & Middle Schools Majzun Construction Co. was founded in Hudson, OH 44236 20701 Brantley Road 1974 as a building/remodeling company (330) 650-4400 Shaker Heights, OH 44122 and is operated by Chris Majzun and his www.wra.net (216) 321-8260 son, Chris Majzun, Jr. With experience, Founded in 1826 and located in historic commitment to detail and outstanding University School, Upper School Hudson, Ohio, Western Reserve Academy 2785 SOM Center Road customer service, Majzun Construction is a is a private, mid-sized coeducational company that attracts customers by its Hunting Valley, OH 44040 boarding and day school for grades 9-12. (216) 831-2200 reputation for excellent workmanship and Our 380 students, drawn from 23 states putting quality above all else. This allows www.us.edu and 15 countries, have chosen Reserve for University School is an independent Majzun Construction to keep its its fine academic, art, and athletic commitment to quality and follow their goal boys’ school in the eastern suburbs of programs, and for the school’s Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1890, the that “Quality is not everything, it is the only commitment to a set of fundamental thing.” school is chartered as a college values: excellence, integrity, compassion. preparatory school in Ohio. University Mason Builders School is accredited by the National Home Builders/Developers 1724 Lester Rd. Association of Independent Schools and The Coral Company Valley City, OH 44280 the Independent Schools Association of 13990 Cedar Road (330) 483-3479 the Central States. All of its graduates Cleveland OH 44118 We build 10 to 20 custom homes per attend institutes of higher learning and a (216) 932-8822 year. Our prices range from 190K to450K. large percentage attend significant and www.thecoralcompany.com Our oak trim and 6-panel doors are well-known institutions. The Coral Company is a leader in the standard in all our homes. Owners, Tom and Debbie Mason, treat every customer Education 6-12 development of in-fill, urban housing in first ring suburban locations. By applying its personnel from the beginning to the Florida Air Academy expert planning and redevelopment skills, completion of the home. Tom is on the job 1950 South Academy Drive The Coral Company has brought to market site every day. Melbourne, FL 32901 distinctive communities, neighborhoods, Ream Builders, Inc. (321) 723-3211 and homes offering a unique lifestyle to North Olmsted, OH 44070 www.flair.com individuals and families seeking to return to (440) 779-0400 At Florida Air Academy, Cadets at have an urban quality of life. The same principles Ream Builders, Inc. knows that the opportunity to get a first-rate education of excellence in planning and construction purchasing a new home is one of the most geared to the learning styles of young men that have served The Coral Company”s important and difficult decisions that you, and make friends from around the world. commercial projects so well are applied in as a new home buyer, can be faced with; The school accepts young men in grades the development of new urban from selecting a home site and deciding on 6 through 12. The Academy boasts a 16- neighborhoods throughout Ohio. a floor plan, to incorporating amenities and student average class size and college Kanareff Homes Inc determining a price that is economically prep curriculum taught by accredited staff, comfortable for your family. This enormous many with advanced degrees. Cadets at Westlake, OH 44145-1166 (440) 871-1395 task can be simplified greatly, if you select Florida Air Academy receive leadership the correct builder. training and an emphasis on community Come and experience why Kanareff service. Other programs include an Homes was voted 1998 Builder of the year Stile Homes excellent sports program, extensive by the Home Builders Association of Akron, OH 44305-2460 computer curriculum and optional flight Greater Cleveland. Our reputation is well (330) 762-8661 training and SCUBA certification. known for unsurpassed quality, value and For over fifty-five years, Stile Homes has services. With over sixteen years of built a reputation for delivering a well Florida Air Academy is located on experience a Kanareff Home is an designed, well built home that is virtually Florida’s Space Coast and is fully exceptional value today and a wise defect free. Stile’s commitment to accredited. Contact our Admissions investment for the future. We offer a excellence does not end with the transfer department for more information on Fall, selection of neighborhoods and of title. We built our reputation through a Spring, and Summer enrollments. communities to fit your lifestyle. Kanareff timeless dedication to customer For additional Information contact: Homes will also build in the neighborhood satisfaction - quality that stands the test of Donna Stratford Director of Communication of your choice. Our goal is to guide you time. We work with our clients to create (321) 723-3211, Extension 30028 through every step of the building process the right home environment specifically for and make building a home with Kanareff them. Homes an exciting and pleasant process.

Cleveland Information Guide [ 63 MOVING SUPPLIES NATIONWIDE TRAVEL

Moving Supplies • The Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood Pan Pacific Resort Hotels Theatre feature top name entertainment. Worldwide Reservations Dial-A-Box Toll Free (800) 327-8585 White Plains and The Bronx, NY Mirage Hotel & Casino 3400 Las Vegas Blvd South Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts. North TOLL FREE: (866) 4-DIAL-A-BOX / America, Japan, Southeast Asia. (866) 434-2522 Las Vegas, NV 89109 www.dial-a-box.com (702) 791-7111 Treasure Island Immerse yourself in this tropical South 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South Nationwide Travel Sea oasis filled with luxury and excitement! Las Vegas, NV 89109 Bellagio The Resort • Experience the elegance and (702) 792-5627 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South sophistication of our newly redesigned Enjoy the adventure and romance of this Las Vegas, NV 89109 guest rooms. engaging resort filled with new-world (702) 693-7223 • Dive into interconnected lagoon and amenities. Experience a world unto itself at “the thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage • AAA Four Diamond Award® winning most romantic hotel in the world.” pool. resort. • AAA Five Diamond Award winning resort. • Ten international restaurants including • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle • Nine world-renowned restaurants AAA Five-Diamond award winner Renoir. between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and including Aqua, Prime, and AAA Five • Exotic White Tigers, Lions and a family of the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the Diamond Award-winner Picasso. Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried middle of the Buccaneer Bay. • “O” by Cirque du Soleil, an extraordinary and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a fusion of water, dance and aerobics. Habitat. mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, • Via Bellagio- a collection of the worlds • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons circus skills and dance. most sophisticated boutiques from and tumbling waterfalls. • Eight exciting dining options including Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Tiffany, and • Dive into interconnected lagoon and Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay Hermes. thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the • The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens pool. explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. charms guests with its natural beauty. New York-New York • Dancing Fountains cavort on an eight 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and acre lake. Las Vegas, NV 89109 salon. Fairmont Hotels (702) 740-6969 Toll Free (800) 527-4727 The best of New York City meets the www.Fairmont.com best of Las Vegas in one exciting location. Boston, Las Vegas, Dallas, New Be a part of it. Orleans, New York, San Francisco & San • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and Jose America’s Grand Hotels since 1907. entertainment. Hilton Hotels • Live performances nightly from the Worldwide Reservations Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. Toll Free (800) 845-8667 • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller www.Hilton.com Coaster. Hilton Hotels, Resorts, Suites, Hilton • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon Garden Inn, Conrad International Hotel. and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at MGM Grand Times Square. 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South • New York City’s original Gallaghers Las Vegas, NV 89109 Steakhouse. (702) 891-1111 • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple Searching for non-stop action and Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The pulse-pounding excitement? “The City of Greatest City in Las Vegas.” Entertainment” awaits your arrival. • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du • La Femme-the sensual French sensation Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, direct from the original Crazy Horse in humanity and art. Paris. • Tabu - The ultra hip lounge designed to stimulate and arouse your senses. • Live the nightclub lifestyle at studio 54sm. • Sixteen masterpiece restaurants including celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak and Michelle Mina’s NOBHILL. • The king of the jungle overlooks the Lion Habitat.

64 ] Cleveland Information Guide

66 ] Cleveland Information Guide