Fall 2011 • Volume 11, Issue 2 Ward 2 Informer Leaf pick service Excellent schools coming discontinued to Woodland Hills building The Division of Waste Collection wants to remind resi- dents that the City of Cleveland has discontiuned its leaf Councilman Zack Reed is excited to pick up service. All City residents must bag leaves for inform the residents of Mt. Pleasant that set-out on their regular trash collection days. E Prep and Village Prep, two of Cleveland’s Councilman Reed wants you to help prevent flooded best public charter schools, will be opening streets and basements due to clogged catch basins by fol- another campus in the Woodland Hills lowing to the City’s new leaf collection guidelines: Elementary school building on East 93rd and Union August 2012.  DO bag leaves on your property including side- “My nieces attend E Prep’s Midtown campus. walks and tree lawn areas. Leaves that are loose They love it and are doing very well,” said on the ground loose will not be collected by City Vaughn Johnson, CEO of Faith Credit Union, workers. located across the street from Woodland Hills.  DO use regular trash bags for collecting leaves — “I can’t imagine a better use of this vital com- specific bags are not required. munity asset than a high-quality school serving our neighborhood.”  DO place bagged leaves on your tree lawn, along Nationally praised for their safe, structured with your regular garbage, on your trash collec- school environment, Village Prep and E Prep tion day. create clear pathways for urban students to attend and graduate from college. Village Prep school district and community leaders to help  DO NOT burn leaves — it’s prohibited by City law. will open with Kindergarten and E Prep will make that happen.” open with 6th grade. The schools are free and E Prep is rated “Excellent” by the Ohio  DO NOT rake or blow leaves into the street — this can cause sewer backups. will add a grade each year, to K-8. Department of Education. “We’re really excited to be coming to the  DO NOT pile leaves onto the sidewalk Mount Pleasant Neighborhood” said John Visit www.breakthroughschools.org for more or tree lawn. City workers will not collect loose Zitzner, E Prep founder and president of Friends information on E Prep and Village Prep. leaves. of Breakthrough. “Families on Cleveland’s For a complete list of all Effective and southeast side deserve free, high-quality school Excellent-rated public schools in Cleveland,  DO NOT dump or blow leaves in vacants lots. options, and we’re happy to be working with the go to www.greatschoolscleveland.org.

Customers 65 and older, or anyone under 65 who is Councilman Zack Reed wants Ward 2 residents informed about these important totally disabled. Household income must not exceed programs and rate changes from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD). $30,385 and applicants must own the property in To learn more about the information below, call the Sewer District’s Customer Service Department which they live. at 216-881-8247 or visit www.neorsd.org/save: NEW Programs beginning in 2012: Rates Year Rate Base Charge Wastewater Affordability Program (per MCF) The Sewer District has historically billed cus- This program is designed to assist homeowners — 2012 $49.55 $5.85 tomers based on the amount of water used each regardless of age — who have a limited income (cur- 2013 $55.45 $6.30 quarter; there is currently a minimum charge of 1MCF rently 175% of federal poverty level). These cus- 2014 $62.15 $6.60 (MCF = thousand cubic feet or 7,480 gallons). The tomers will receive a reduced rate, approximately a 2015 $69.69 $6.90 current rate is $44.75 per MCF for Cleveland resi- 40 percent discount on their consumption charge. 2016 $78.05 $7.20 dents. With the elimination of our minimum charge, many Many customers complained about the minimum Crisis Assistance Program customers — particularly those with low water usage charge and the Sewer District has decided to elimi- This program will assist those customers encounter- — will see a decrease in their average bill in 2012. nate it beginning in 2012. The Sewer District will, ing an unexpected crisis, such as a job loss or high however, implement a “Base Charge” of $5.85 for medical expenses. The Sewer District will prevent Rate Savings Programs 2012. shut-off of water and sewer services, offer a payment Homestead Rate Program Rates typically increase each year. For the next plan and pay up to six months of past sewer charges. How It Works: A reduced rate is available to elderly five years, rates will be: or disabled customers. Who May Qualify: 2 • Ward 2 Informer

CCOUNCILMANOUNCILMAN RREEDEED SSPEAKSPEAKS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY

Dear neighbors and friends of Ward 2: • Drafting legislation aimed to empower police and officials to crack down on organizers and participants of criminal flash Thank you again for giving me the privilege to represent you mobs executed via social media within Cleveland City Council. This past summer was one of the more violent in Cleveland in recent memory. • Working with local community organi- The senseless shootings taking place across zations, leaders and the media to keep a this city are not centered around just one If we see something wrong, spotlight on these senseless tragedies and neighborhood, but are taking a toll on us we must take steps to work together on solutions citywide. This epidemic of violence must end. And we must work together to break report or correct it. We can no As a community we must keep our eyes the cycle. longer turn a blind eye... and ears open for one another. If we see We must not let the foolish, ignorant and something is wrong, we must take steps to violent acts of one dictate who we are. All This is OUR neighborhood. report or correct it. We can no longer turn a of us need to fully recognize that violence blind eye, or retreat inside of our homes. robs us the ability to live peaceful lives, to This is OUR neighborhood. Not a territory allow our children to walk or ride their bikes, to allow families to sit to be controlled by a handful of ignorant and misguided youth. We on their porches or in their backyards, and to allow our seniors the must show them enough is enough. Silence and fear will not solve freedom they so richly deserve. We can only do this if we demand this injustice. Speak up. Take back your neighborhood and put an end that lawless individuals are arrested and taken off the streets. to the few who are terrorizing Cleveland. I have called for a number of actions to address the growing issue of gun related violence, especially among our youth. Among the Sincerely, action steps I am taking are:

• Enacting legislation as part of the Healthy Cleveland Initiative to ensure our partners see violence as much as a threat to public Zack Reed health as smoking and trans fat Councilman, Ward 2

— WARD 2 — Utility & Weatherization COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Assistance Programs CORPORATIONS Councilman Zack Reed wants Ward 2 residents to know about these helpful programs: Mt. Pleasant Community Zone GAS & ELECTRIC Bill Assistance: WATER Bill 11019 Kinsman Road PIPP Plus Size of Your Maximum Household Assistance: Household Income Per Year for Tel: 752-3492 PIPP Plus is a year round payment plan that reduces Water Affordability Water Affordability www.mpcz.org your monthly bill to 6% of your gross household income Program 1 person $19,058 for each utility. In addition, if you pay your PIPP Plus You can receive a 2 persons $25,743 20% discount on 3 persons $32,428 intallment on-time and in-full some of your old utility 4 persons $39,113 Mt. Pleasant NOW your water bill if you debt will be forgiven. 5 persons $45,798 Development Corporation meet income guide- 13815 Kinsman Road E-HEAP lines, you are a Add $6,685 for each additional member Tel: 751-0023 ext. 228 Emergency Heap (E-HEAP) is a special program that homeowner, and you www.MtPleasantNow.org occurs twice a year during summer months and winter receive a water bill from City of Cleveland, Division of months for residents who have a threat of disconnect, Water. Qualifying homeowners also will have a water are disconnected or have less than a ten-day supply of conservation kit installed in the home to further reduce Union Miles Development Corporation bulk fuel. water bills. Call 664-3130 for more information. 9250 Miles Park Avenue Tel: 341-0757 HEAP www.UnionMiles.org To access an additional, one-time, non-emergency Additional Available Services credit on your heating bill apply for HEAP. This program Go to these websites for more information: is designed to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet Major Water Repair Slavic Village Development the high costs of home heating. HEAP pays a one-time www.chnnet.com/water-repair-conservation.aspx 5620 Broadway Avenue payment for most regulated utility customers reflecting Tel: 429-1182 their usage for the current winter heating season. Energy Conservation (e.g., lighting, refrigerator replacements, etc.) www.SlavicVillage.org www.chnnet.com/electric-conservation.aspx To reverify or enroll in these programs, call the Cleveland Housing Network at 216-518-4014 to Free Year Round Tax Preparation schedule an appointment. If you are a homebound www.chnnet.com/tax-preparation.aspx senior 60 years and older or a disabled person, call 216-774-2351 to schedule an in-home GED Prep & Other Education www.chnnet.com/training-education.aspx appointment. Ward 2 Informer • 3 Senior News Great news Ward 2 Senior Coordinator is available! for seniors... Councilman Reed has added new staffer, Pam Thomas, to directly address the needs and ______concerns of seniors. To connect with the coordinator, Ward 2 seniors should call 664-4945. Waste Collection Fees Reduced Councilman Reed wants Ward 2’s Beginning in January 2012, waste collec- tion fees will be increased to $8.50 per house- golden aged residents to be healthy and active! hold unit per month. However, residential OUTSTANDING WARD 2 SENIOR OF THE YEAR property owned and occupied by senior citizens age 65 or older and/or disabled home- Frances Smith owners who meet income guidelines may be eli- Mrs. Frances Smith is a lifelong resident of gible to receive a discounted rate of 50% or $4.25 per month. Cleveland and has resided in her current neigh- To request a waste collection fee or water borhood since 1967. rate reduction through the City’s Homestead Frances is dedicated to her family and very Exemption Program call 664-3130 and ask for active in her community. She works closely with customer service. the Cleveland Police and Councilman in her neighborhood to address crime and drug issues. Property Tax Reduction She assists with the Substance Abuse Initiative Homestead Exemption applications are available beginning January 2, 2012 through (SAI), posts ‘Drug Free Zone’ signs, and attends June 4, 2012. Cuyahoga County owner occu- drug vigils. She previously worked at the pants who are at least age 65 or permanently Benjamin Rose Institute as a Home Health Aide disabled are eligible. The program reduces real and retired as a Case Manager Assistant. property taxes for seniors and disabled home- owners regardless of their income. For details Councilman Reed thanks Mrs. Frances Smith Mrs. Frances Smith was chosen by Councilman Zack Reed as Ward 2’s call 443-7050. Outstanding Senior for 2011. She was honored in May at the City of for her steadfast dedication to the Cleveland’s Annual Senior Day event. Mt. Pleasant community.

Get your These groups are at a higher risk for complications: Cleveland • Pregnant women • People who have a • People who live with or long-term illness take care of someone FREE Flu Shot • Children ages 6 months (high blood pressure, liver, who is 0-5 years old, or a Foodbank to 5 years heart or lung disease, person at a higher risk for From the Cleveland diabetes, asthma, cancer health Department of Public Health • People 50 years and older or a weakened immune complications due to the flu. Programs in Ward 2 system) WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! If you are in need, Councilman Reed Closest location to Ward 2: urges you to seek assistance from any For more information call Miles Health Center, 9127 Miles Ave. | Wednesdays, 8:30 am -11:30 am | 216-664-3609 of these neighborhood foodbank locations: 216-664-4621 or (Call 664-4621 for all locations.) visit www.clevelandhealth.org *** TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY, please bring your Medicare or private insurance card.*** Avon Avenue Baptist Church Pantry 10902 Avon Avenue (Union-Miles neighborhood)

Bethany Christian Church Hot Meal & Summer Feeding Site 3940 MLK Jr Drive (Union-Miles neighborhood)

Christian Hope Church of God Pantry 12300 Miles Avenue (Corlett neighborhood)

Confirmed Word Faith Center Pantry 4130 E. 131st Street (Corlett neighborhood) SEE BELOW FOR LOCATIONS IN OUR COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE Youth Program 9250 Miles Park (Union-Miles neighborhood)

Open Doors Academy - Miles Park Kids Café Site 4090 E. 93rd Street (Union-Miles neighborhood)

Project ACT - A.J. Rickoff BackPack Site 3500 E. 147th Street (Mt. Pleasant neighborhood)

Project ACT - Miles Park Recreaction Address Phone Meal Serving BackPack Site 4090 E. 93rd Street (Union-Miles neighborhood) Centers Times (MON. - FRI.) Earle B. Turner 11300 Miles Avenue 420-8358 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm Project ACT - Paul Revere BackPack Site Recreation Center 10706 Sandusky Avenue (Union-Miles neighborhood)

Zelma Watson George 3155 MLK Jr. Drive 420-8800 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm Salvation Army - Miles Park Recreation Center Hot Meal & Pantry 4139 E. 93rd Street (Union-Miles neighborhood) PRESORT STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CLEVELAND, OH PERMIT NO. 2893 One last question: if you had to This summer you worked at the They were challenging, but real I’ve never been asked that for this in so many ways. The position is The for this in so many ways. working with youth and being part of the going media section of the program. We’re to be using social media to get the mes- Teens sage out about reproductive health. today just want someone to listen to them and understand them on the level they’re coming from. MYCOM: Thea Bowman Center with younger chil- dren. What was that like? Zavious: interesting. I never pictured myself working with little kids. People were asking me, “Why are you doing that?” I’d say, don’t You something positive.” “Because it’s African-American men see a lot of young teaching were doing that kind of thing. We things like healthy eating, life planning edu- cation, exercise. And because of my experience I’m going to go into education. MYCOM: write the headline for an article about your- self, what would it be? Zavious: before. It would be “Zavious Hawthorne can’t change every life… but he can help change one.” Because you can’t reach as But at the end of the day, everybody. long as you feel you reached somebody, you can feel good as a person. Ward 2 Informer Zack Reed Councilman, Ward 2 601 Lakeside Avenue City Hall, Room 220 Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Do you think that your previous You witnessed first-hand the vio- You about to start a new job, You’re 664-4945 And the mind-set Definitely. I saw the tension from the differ- MyCom has helped prepare me communication skills to help make kids feel comfortable in making the right decisions. MYCOM: life choices have helped give you credibility with the kids you counsel now? Zavious: “Once you’re of a lot of kids is to say, involved in a gang you can never really life.” your go back.” But I tell them, “It’s For me… even though some of them (gang members) are still my friends they have to respect my opinions and my val- ues and my morals. If they’re truly my friends they understand why I made my choice. If you make your own choice people respect that. MYCOM: What can lence at Family Unity Day. do to pro- YAN groups like the Mt. Pleasant mote safety at community gatherings? Zavious: You ent groups from the neighborhoods. just try to get the message around: you don’t have to do everything your friends are doing. ‘Cause violence is only going to get you closer to what other people are try- ing to make you be – either dead or in jail. MYCOM: working with the community in Glenville. us about that. Tell Zavious: You’ve been part of MyCom pro- You’ve It’s taught me a lot. It’s taught me It’s taught me a lot. It’s of the things I put in my letter was I’m going to try to be a better citizen to my And I think, community and to Cleveland. I’m upholding my end. so far, MYCOM: grams like the Youth Activity Network (YAN) Youth grams like the at Mt. Pleasant. How has that helped you gain the confidence to go into the commu- nity and help others? Zavious: how to take my skills — even the skills I used in a gang — and use them in a posi- I don’t know if tive way in the community. I’m a role model, or anything, but I think I’m able to use where I’ve come from and my Excerpt courtesy of www.mycom.net courtesyof www.mycom.net Excerpt

On August 20, Councilman Zack Reed joined the You were involved in some rough You residents of Prince Avenue for the dedication of the was expelled for fighting I Yeah. Prince Avenue Naturehood native plant garden in But, the realization that he was now responsible for another life helped memory of Daniel Lewis. Zavious Hawthorne has had a long relationship with the Mt. Pleasant neigh- I remember, back when I got into trouble I remember, And one with the law I had to write a letter. Zavious: in school. I was living as a gang member. Everybody had a negative outlook of me. That was the main But then I had my son. And I wanted to thing that changed me. opinion of me. So I change everybody’s had to do things that weren’t just for a gang. I had to do things to benefit me and my son. Because I wasn’t just living for me anymore. MYCOM: activity as a youth. What happened that got you to change the path you were on? An interview with Zavious Hawthorne Zavious take a closer look at his own life. And empowered him to make the big Zavious take a closer look at his own life. changes that he needed to make. borhood. Not all of it good. He got involved in gangs at an early age and got borhood. Not all of it good. He got involved in gangs at an early age and at an age when most kids into trouble with the police. He also became a father, are thinking about finishing high school and maybe going to college.