ISSUE #62 | FEBRUARY–MARCH 2020 | Submissions: PO Box 6161, Cleveland, Ohio 44101 or [email protected]

Presenting Clyde Simon,mon, Lincoln-WestL Global Studieses Reaching Lincoln Heights Land Memories of Living at Artistic Directorr of Students Helping Puerto Use Plan to be Presented to 2464 Tremont in the convergence-continuumum Rico Earthquake Victims Lincoln Heights Block Club 1940s (Part 2)

...page 4 ...page 5 ...page 10 ...page 11 INSIDE A Look into Thursday Trivia Night at Edison’s Pub

"Edison’s is just a great place to have a trivia night. Becky and Mike are the best and most responsive bartenders in town. Even when it’s packed to the gills (most Thursdays), you are never waiting long for a drink.” -Matt Mondalek, Quizmaster ...story on pages 2–3

Photo by Shawn C. Mishak Page 2 • Issue #62 • Th e Tremonster • February–March, 2020 Meeting of the Minds: by Shawn C. Mishak “…Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells fi rst. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more effi cient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.” -Cliff Clavin (from the TV show, Cheers) In the heart of downtown Tremont, as everyone knows, is the staple bar, Edison’s Pub (2373 Professor Ave.). What some might not know is that every Thursday night at around 9 pm there is a “meeting of the minds” in the long-running tradition of trivia night or pub quiz. Intellectuals, pseudointellectuals, and non-intellectuals from all backgrounds come shuffl ing in, crowding the bar, adjusting spectacles, and rubbing their bearded chins as they dig into the recesses of their public education retention to conjure up answers in order to showcase their trivia prowess. There is something cozy about a lot of sweaters, knit hats, and fl annel shirts huddling together under the historical Edison’s décor—the colored lights illuminating the crowd as they rack their brains to take a shot at the trivia brass ring. Cleveland State m University alumni can be seen scarfi ng s down pizza and beer while laughter erupts Photo by Shawn C. Mishak from tables as people pick from the silly Matt Mondalek works the room as Quizmaster of Trivia Night Thursdays at Edison's Pub. team names presented to one another. A couple I overheard of were “Doug’s Last out on a piece of paper in anticipation of SM: I feel called to task having to ask expensive back then, and my Dad bought Dance” and “Imperfect Strangers.” turning them into the host as the challenge interesting questions to someone who is an edition a week alphabetically from the Long-time Tremont resident and emcee concludes. If there is a tie, they leave it up a master...any tips? grocery store (weird, right?) After about a of the trivia ceremony is Matt Mondalek, to a friendly game of fl ip cup, where one of MM: Ask questions you think the person year, we had the complete thing. I and my a handsome guy in his early 40s, who the teams breaks into the lead. One of the you are asking would be interested in sister read the whole thing cover to cover. I paws the mic with a Cheshire grin as he sets of questions (many of which Mondalek answering. remember in the middle of that year being turns the music down and gets on with it: comes up with about an hour before the SM: How do you spell your full name? well versed on the world A through K. “Round one, question one.” Hushes break event) was what he called, “T.E.T.s,” like MM: Maroon Matthew Mondalek…Yes, SM: Are you good at Jeopardy? out from the patrons as the question is what is the mountain range in Wyoming? Maroon is my legal fi rst name. MM: I’m pretty good! Funny story—my presented; then, the music goes back up The Tetons. Or, what is a video game SM: What it the offi cial/unoffi cial title of Dad, in lieu of a set allowance, would give as the teams ruminate. When the answers consisting of pairing like-colored blocks? your Trivia Night? me and my younger sister a quarter for are fed, the crowd erupts in a cacophony Tetris, etc. When the music fades, it is time MM: Edison’s Thursday Night Trivia??? I every question we got right on Jeopardy of either celebration if they got the answer to get serious…meaning the question is honestly don’t know. (laughs) starting at about the age of 7 to 8ish. 7:30pm right or grumbles if they got it wrong, but about to be asked. “It is on the tip of my SM: Do you live in Tremont, and if so for at the Mondalek household was frigging go all is done in playful merriment. Becky and tongue!” someone yells out. “No, that’s not how long? time! I remember studying during Wheel Mike, the bar tenders, dance around one right!” I hear to my left. The smell of pizza, MM: I’ve been in Tremont for 10 years of Fortune. Why do you think me and another popping open beer bottles from the beer, and popcorn permeate the air, bottles and love this neighborhood. my sister read the encyclopedia cover to Edison’s impressive and seemingly ever- clank, spontaneous laughter erupts like SM: What is your background, where cover? (laughs) changing beer selection while occasionally geysers, and you might hear an occasional did you grow up? As Jane Scott used to SM: Question—no cheating: Who dropping hints to the sometimes stumped profanity or a fi st smack on the bar as a ask, where did you go to high school? invented trivia night or pub quiz? participants. It is a fun crowd, an engaged last-ditch effort to summon the answer up MM: I was born at Marymount and raised MM: Some cool person who wanted to crowd, and most importantly a competitive into the cerebral cortex. in Broadview Hts. until I was about 9 years incorporate the love of having tons of crowd. These are the future Cliff Clavins Edison’s Thursday Trivia Night was started old—then Parma until I was 12. My family nearly useless knowledge with pounding a of the world, even though many of them around the end of 2010, was sponsored by then moved to Dublin, Ohio, and I went to few beers. If I had to guess? Some Irish kid look too young to even know what the the beer company Magic Hat, and was not Dublin Coffman High School. I lived in came up with it. show Cheers is. very well-attended in its inception. Word Columbus until I graduated from The Ohio (The pub quiz was established in the UK in This is where the nerds and the jocks spread quickly, and now one might want to State University. After college, I came the 1970s by Burns and Porter and became come together on an even playing fi eld. get there early to get a comfortable place back to Cleveland. part of British culture. The Great British Since the questions vary categorically, it to sit as it is usually packed every week. SM: What was your best subject in Pub Quiz challenge is an annual event. might be in a team’s best interest to have Throughout the years, there have been school? In continental Europe, pub quizzes are a members from heterogeneous backgrounds a variety of hosts, sponsors, and prizes, MM: I always loved history, lunch, and staple event at Irish pubs, where they are and expertise in order to pull together their including bikes, dart boards, coffee tables, getting picked last in gym class. usually held in English –The Independent, collective insights into these questions, trips to Chicago, a guitar, and a hammock SM: Did you own an Encyclopedia 10 Dec. 2015.) which are challenging at times but certainly to name a few. The Tremonster had some Britannica? SM: How long have you hosted trivia for? within the realm of general knowledge. questions of our own, which Mondalek MM: We did have an encyclopedia (not MM: I started doing trivia at Edison’s in The answers for each team are scrawled was nice enough to answer for us. the Encyclopedia Britannica). They were September of 2015. February–March, 2020 • Th e Tremonster • Issue #62 • Page 3 A Look into Edison’s Thursday Trivia Night

SM: What are some of the differences you see in people’s answers/behavior from the time the trivia night begins to when it ends? Do people become more competitive? More intoxicated? How does this infl uence their answers/ behavior? MM: Some teams hold it together all three rounds, and some go deep and lose a few I.Q. points at the end. It goes week to week. (laughs) SM: What’s the most competitive thing you have witnessed at trivia night? MM: The most competitive part of trivia is the fl ip cup tiebreakers. Anytime at the end of round 1 to 3 there is a tie score, we settle it with fl ip cup. Sometimes we have 4 teams competing for the overall prize of $50 with one fl ip. Then we take the teams that took 2nd through 7th, and they compete in a fl ip cup for $25 in the merit roll round. It gets crazy. SM: What were some of your favorite questions from last trivia night? MM: Which Cleveland radio station gave Rush its big break when they started playing “Working man”? Who won the Jeopardy Ultimate Champions edition this week? SM: Can you give me some examples of some of your favorite trivia questions? MM: I love this question a friend wrote for Photo by Shawn C. Mishak There is something cozy about a lot of sweaters, knit hats, and fl annel shirts huddling together under the historical Edison’s décor me a couple years ago: “2017 and before... —the colored lights illuminating the crowd as they rack their brains to take a shot at the trivia brass ring. Name one of the 3 Tom Cruise movies that SM: Did you host anywhere else before SM: How is Edison’s trivia setup, and SM: Are a lot of your questions mired don’t feature him running?” this one? what are the prizes? in Cleveland history? What percentage SM: What do you think has been the MM: Never. MM: Every team gets an answer sheet of your questions are Cleveland-based? most challenging questions you have SM: How did you fi rst get into the trivia and makes up a team name. We have MM: I try to throw about 2 or 3 Cleveland- asked? game? three rounds of 10 questions plus a bonus based questions on the sheet. I’ve had some MM: If I ask a question that no one gets, I MM: I was playing trivia at Edison’s on question. At the end of every round, the real smart people play from out of town feel like I failed. Who want to go to trivia Thursdays for about a year with the team teams turn in their answer sheets and I that hate the local stuff (it pays to be local). night and feel stupid? I like to ask basic Imperfect Strangers, and I was also co- grade the papers like a teacher for buzzed SM: Why do you think your trivia night bitch questions every week to keep it fun. I hosting an open mic comedy night at adults. The winner of each round gets a is so popular and has continued to be? try to ask questions that if you don’t know Rowley Inn on Wednesday nights. When pitcher of craft beer. The overall winner MM: Edison’s is just a great place to have you probably should have or did know at a spot opened up to host the trivia night, gets a $50 Edison’s gift card. The top 7 a trivia night. Becky and Mike are the best one time. Mike Arbusta offered me the gig with the below that get an entry to the merit roll and most responsive bartenders in town. SM: What is example of trivia etiquette, lure of free drinks. He had me right there. fl ip cup round. Winner gets $25. We also Even when it’s packed to the gills (most and how do some people break this? (laughs) have different breweries that sponsor us Thursdays), you are never waiting long MM: At our trivia night, there are really SM: Do you go to other trivia nights? Do and have swag giveaway every couple of for a drink. The bar has at least 10 rotating only 2 hard rules: 1. Don’t Google 2. Don’t you kill it when you are not hosting your weeks. craft beers on tap. Edison’s has what I think scream out the answer. own? SM: How long has the trivia night at is the best ‘drunk pizza’ in Cleveland—bar SM: Any advice for people who might be MM: I rarely go to other trivia nights, but Edison’s been going on? none. I would take the Pepsi challenge with preparing to get in the trivia game? when I do I’m pretty damn good. I’m am MM: At least 10 years. I always say, “I any of that Little Italy pizza. Also, the type MM: Don’t try to stump the crowd. It’s a not the best, but I can hold my own. The didn’t start Edison’s trivia, but I haven’t of people that enjoy pub trivia are smart, dick move. one thing about running a trivia night this fucked it up.” cool, and fun to be around. We have the long is you meet trivia players who are SM: How did it start? best regulars in town. *Answers insanely good. MM: No clue. SM: What would you tell someone who is x The capital of Ecuador is Quito SM: What drinks were on your last bar SM: I’ve heard you come up with all of attending your trivia night for the fi rst time? x The Cleveland Radio station that tab from hosting? your own questions. What is this process MM: Read the headlines. broke Rush is WMMS 100.7 MM: I’m a Miller Lite drinker. Every like? Are you just thinking of this stuff SM: What is the best trivia group name x now and again whiskey will appear out and jot it down? Do you research things? you have heard? The Ultimate Jeopardy Champion is Ken Jennings of nowhere. That screwball peanut butter Where do you get your inspiration? MM: Epstein Didn’t Kill Himself. whiskey is the new black. MM: I usually have about 1 to 3 questions SM: What is the raunchiest? x The three pre 2017 movies in SM: If your trivia night was a cocktail, that hit me during the week. Thursday MM: We have a regular team named which Tom Cruise does not run what would it be? at about 6pm I start making the rest. By Herbert’s Perverts. are Top Gun, Tropic Thunder, and MM: It would be an Edison’s Professor… 8:50 pm, I need 33 questions ready to go. SM: What is the most ridiculous? Valkyrie. the ingredients would have 1 part Pabst I just buckle down and get ‘internetting’ MM: Every couple of months some team Blue Ribbon, 1 part Jameson, and 1 part for things that have defi nite answers— goes by The Guy Holding This Microphone superiority over your peers because you were empirical stuff. I usually rip about 6 to 9 of Loves Cock or something to that effect. It’s the only one that knew the capital of Ecuador. the questions from current events. hilarious. Photos by Shawn C. Mishak Page 4 • Issue #62 • Th e Tremonster • February–March, 2020 Presenting Mr. Clyde Simon Artistic Director of convergence-continuum

Bruce: Was moving back to the theatrical blooming bush. I really United States a jarring experience like working with people. Doing a play for you? can become a really intimate process. Clyde: In the Peace Corp, they always This year, I was very proud of Homos, warn you that when you come back its or Everyone in America which I going to be a shock. Well, it wasn’t a directed ,and the cast and crew were all shock. The United States is a pretty behind the project. The interpersonal nice place but we do some pretty weird connection was very strong. stuff, too. When I came back, it wasn’t Bruce: You work out of a storefront like now with the impeachment hearing space on Scranton Avenue in and trial, for example. Tremont. When inside the theater, Bruce: How do you decide which you can see the bones of the plays to produce? storefront. I was there recently Clyde: I read a lot. When I was in New during a windstorm, and you could York, I met a lot of new playwrights. feel the breeze blowing through the I follow what they’re doing. I’m cracks in the building, and the lights interested in plays that raise questions were fl icking. I couldn’t tell whether Photo courtesy of Clyde Simon in novel theatrical ways. We don’t do it was part of the theatrical piece or Clyde Simon, : I’m interested in the human connection standard realism at the company. We’re not. How does the storefront inform not only with the actors but with the audience. not interested in TV sitcoms. We only the type of theater you produce? do living playwrights because we want Clyde: Excellent! Occasionally, an by Bruce Checefsky to focus on what’s happening in our ambulance drives by at just the right Clyde Simon, artistic director of abroad. I received my MFA from there. current culture. There’s so many good time with their siren blowing! The convergence-continuum, co-founded Bruce: What happened next? playwrights that need to be produced. intimacy is something that I especially the alternative theater company along Clyde: I moved to New York City. I All the old classics were new plays wanted to pursue. I’m interested in the with Brian Berth in 2000. The Liminis interviewed with an off-off Broadway at one time. We try not to tell the human connection not only with the Theater in which the convergence- theater company called The Flea audience what to believe or what to do. actors but with the audience. In a large continuum company performs is located Theater, founded by Jim Simpson and We defi nitely have a point of view but theater, you end up sitting in the dark. at 2438 Scranton Rd in Tremont. playwright Mac Wellman. I wanted to we don’t preach to the audience. We Smaller theaters like off-off Broadway convergence-continuum’s mission is to get involved with the theater because like to say, ‘Look at this; now, what put audience members in the position produce contemporary, cutting-edge of Wellman. He was very avant-garde. you think?’ of being in the world of the play not plays by living playwrights that confront, As a member of that company I was Bruce: Who makes the fi nal decision? looking at it. engage, and challenge audiences to assistant director for a hip hop kabuki Clyde: I make the fi nal decisions. Bruce: What excites you about the share in creative thinking about today’s production called Benten Kozo, which Months and months in advance I ask 2020 season? cultural issues. Check out their website won an Obie Award in 1999. people in the company to suggest plays. Clyde: 2020 is a critical year for our at convergence-continuum.org for the Bruce: How long were you in New I get a lot of good suggestions plus what culture. Our next season is called Fight upcoming 2020 season. York City? I fi nd in my own digging around. I read Back and it’s all about speaking truth Bruce: Where were you born? Clyde: I saved enough money to stay everything and talk to our directors to to power. Clyde: I was born in Hiram, Ohio. in New York City for a year without see what they’re excited about. I try to Bruce: Do you see your theater as a I did my undergraduate work in working a day job. I was an unpaid put together a cohesive season based kind of aquaculture pond? biology and chemistry. I have an MS volunteer at The Flea Theater. I was also on that process. Clyde: I guess so. I never thought in oceanography from University of in the New York premier of The Lesser Bruce: Do you direct any plays? of that analogy. Ponds have a lot of Hawaii. I joined the Peace Corp and Magoo, written by Mac Wellman and Clyde: In the beginning, I used to different characteristics. They could worked in Asia for fi fteen years in premiered in 1999 at another theater. direct everything. Along the way I’ve be life sustaining or they could get aquaculture. I specialized in shrimp Bruce: What was The Lesser Magoo mentored some of our company and murky and contaminated. They’re breading. I worked in Costa Rica about? we have a lot of other directors as well both processes that require a lot of and Hawaii and ended up in the Clyde: The Lesser Magoo was the third now. I’m down to one show a year. I nurturing, starting from the seed to Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. and fi nal play of Wellman’s trilogy both direct and act. fruition, as does creating a theater and I managed projects for the Asian about a character named Suzanna who Bruce: What do you like about production. Development Bank and World Bank. I confronts corporations and politics directing? started out being a biologist and ended in a way only he could. The fi rst act Clyde: You up managing projects that were tens of was very much like a job interview. can really take millions of dollars. That’s why I left. I The second act was a musical—very what’s on paper got very good at bribing public offi cials avant-garde with onstage musician/ and turn it into and giving kickbacks to contractors. I actors playing the violin, ukulele, and something realized that I was turning into the kind toy piano. that ends up as of person I’ve never liked so I quit. But Bruce: Did the subject of corporations physical reality. while in Asia, I did a lot of theater in and politics interest you because of I have a lot of Indonesia and Philippines. I always your experiences abroad? other interests played the bad guy, the evil American. Clyde: Moving abroad infl uenced my like gardening. Bruce: What types of theater where outlook on culture in general. We take Directing is you involved with? things for granted in the United States. like theater Clyde: I acted, danced, and sung in We think this is the normal and right gardening Tagalog, the national language of the way to do things, but when you go to where you Philippines. After living abroad for a other places the whole sense of cultural start with a long time, I returned to Ravenna, Ohio. norms varies depending on the country. seed and if I applied to the MFA program at Kent Living abroad allowed me to look at all goes well, Photo courtesy of Liminis Theater State University and they let me in the United States like I was moving to it turns into Known as Club Juana Diaz at the time, this photo of The because of the all my acting experience a foreign culture when I returned. a really great Liminis Theater was taken between 1941 and 1959.

TREMONT 2258 PROFESSOR AVE • Tue-Thu: 11AM–10PM 216.583.0257 Fri-Sat: 11AM–11PM Sun: 11AM–5PM MIDTOWN ––––––––––––––––––3000 ST. CLAIR AVE • Mon-Fri: 10AM–2:30PM 216.589.9711 February—March, 2020 • Th e Tremonster • Issue #62 • Page 5 Lincoln-West Global Studies Helping Puerto Rico Earthquake Victims babies to adults, toiletries, baby a home. Cruz-Morales said she added the supplies and food are coming in second week to the previously planned trip non-stop said Cruz-Morales, whose after the earthquakes. They are still trying hometown of Juana Diza, Puerto to raise $10,000 for travel expenses. Rico sustained an earthquake on “I take my kids with the intention of them Jan. 15. The earthquake registered at putting the service learning lessons I have 5.9, according to the United States taught them throughout the year to use in Geological Survey, the federal agency Puerto Rico,” said Cruz-Morales, who that records earthquakes. has worked at Lincoln-West since 2013. This natural disaster hits close to home. “I want them to know that what they're Cruz-Morales moved from Puerto learning is going to make an impact. They Rico when she was 3 but moved back make an impact here in our community, but several times during her childhood. now they may make an impact globally.” She graduated from Lincoln-West This will be the second time Cruz-Morales High School in 2007. and LWGS students have traveled to Puerto She said the donations will go to the Rico to help with recovery. The fi rst was in 10 families who already contacted her 2018 after Hurricane Maria. and said they are coming to Cleveland, “Although I teach Spanish, I teach them but she knows there will be more. that they can help the world,” she said. “We need (non-perishable) food for "This is something that's going to help the kids, for the families, especially them throughout their whole entire life. baby food.” she said. This is not just a trip to Puerto Rico. It is Indya, a Global Studies senior, is an experience. They will get to see people helping sort all the donations. She says affected by this, and they will learn not to her grandmother lives in Puerto Rico. take things for granted.” Photo courtesy of CMSD News Bureau "She got hurt by it [an earthquake],” They are taking school supplies and gifts This natural disaster hits close to home. A Lincoln-West Global Studies student inventories said Indya. “She does not want to from Wal-Mart with them on the trip, said donations for Puerto Rican earthquake victims. leave. She loves Puerto Rico so much. Cruz-Morales, whose parents still live in She recently had heart surgery, so she Puerto Rico. by CMSD News Bureau Rico on Dec. 28, Cruz-Morales and her didn’t have all her medications, but my aunt Her parents' home sustained heavy damage In between teaching Spanish classes, students jumped into action asking for went there to help her. She's OK.” after the hurricane, and they were visiting Lincoln-West School of Global Studies donations. The school is also sending supplies of Northeast Ohio when the earthquakes teacher Rosa Cruz-Morales is reading “The power of social media, the power fl ashlights, batteries, ponchos and blankets began. She said they have not returned Facebook direct messages and accepting of being humble and reaching out to the through the Young Latino Network, a non- home yet. donations for earthquake victims who are in community and then to see their response, profi t empowering the Latino community If you would like to donate items, contact Puerto Rico or fl eeing the island after their they [the students] see that they can make in Cleveland. They sent several people to the Lincoln-West School of Global Studies homes were destroyed. a difference,” said Cruz-Morales. “It's an Puerto Rico this week. at 216-838-7050. “They are coming because they don't have amazing experience for them, but it's also In late March, Cruz-Morales and 10 anything,” said Cruz-Morales. an amazing experience as a teacher.” students will travel to southern Puerto Rico Shortly after the fi rst earthquake hit Puerto The donations of clothes and shoes for for two weeks to help build a school and

ADVERTISEMENT CMSD NEWS BUREAU Neighborhood Cork Board

Read each full story at clevelandmetroschools.org

5 Schools Honored for Diversity in Computer Science AP tests exceeds the school’s level of female enrollment. According to the College Board, 20,000 institutions worldwide offer Advanceded Halle is State Program's Placement courses.s. e Only 818 schools in MusicM Program Helps Improve 350th Green Building the in the world – and CMSD NEWS BUREAU just 17 in Ohio -- Students' Grades, Emotions The Ohio Facilities Construction earned the award. CMSD NEWS BUREAU Commission has saluted Cleveland The Lincoln-West Students at Luis Muñoz Marin Dual CMSDCM NEWS BUREAU Language Academy are learning to play Metropolitan School District’s Halle School of Global Studies has a "very School for becoming the 350th school the classical guitar, thanks to the Cleveland TheTh College Board has honored fi ve intentional strategy" for recruiting built under a state program to gain green Classical Guitar Society's mastery program. CCleveland Metroopolitan School District and retaining students in AP classes, friendly LEED certifi cation. Students recently performed a musical Halle, which opened in February 2019, hihigh schools for their efforts to involve Principal Irene Javier said. recital of some of the songs they learned on is among 11 schools in the District that mmore female students in the study of "We believe in access for everyone and the classical guitar. But some of the songs have received the international Leadership cocomputer science, a fi eld where women in supporting students as they make are far from classical. in Energy and Environmental Design arare severely underrepresented. academic programming choices that One song they play is “Old Town Road” by designation. William Rainey Harper SSchools receiving the AP Computer will lead them to career success," she Lil Nas X, which spent 17 weeks at No. 1 and Mound schools hold the second SScience Female Diversity Award for said. on the Billboard Hot 100 list. highest certifi cation -- gold -- of four ththe 2018-19 academic year include the The John Marshall School of Information Brian Gaudino, director of education for levels, followed by Halle and and eight CCleveland School of Architecture and Technology and the Cleveland School the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society, says other schools with silver. Ratings on fi ve DDesign, Cleveland School of Science and of Science and Medicine won the award fi nding music that can transcend genres is a buildings are pending. MMedicine, Cleveland High School for for the 2017-18 school year. way to get students interested. The OFCC helps fund the District's DDigital Arts, Garrett Morgan and Lincoln- The College Board is a nonprofi t “Then they become really interested in the ongoing construction and renovation WWest School of Global Studies. group that seeks to prepare students for guitar,” said Gaudino. “Then later on down program and requires that the projects it TThe award recognizes private, traditional success. the road, they will be like, OK, what else is supports receive at least silver certifi cation ppublic and charter schools where female For a complete list of 2019 winners, there?” "I congratulate Cleveland Metropolitan ststudents make up at least half of the apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ Gaudino says it is extremely important School District’s Halle PK-8 School for go to eenrollment in Advanced Placement ap-cs-female-diversity-award-2019- that every student have a chance to learn being the state’s 350th LEED-certifi ed a musical instrument. “And, unfortunately, building," said OFCC Executive Director CComputer Science Principles or AP school.pdf. not all students do,” he said. Cheryl J. Lyman, who helped celebrate CComputer Science A, or where the The Cleveland Classical Guitar Society is the milestone at a commission meeting ppercentage of female students taking ...read more: clevelandmetroschools.org trying to change that through its education Thursday. "Ohio has more LEED-certifi ed schools than any other state in the country." program, which is funded by the Cleveland Foundation's Art Mastery initiative, the ...read more: clevelandmetroschools.org Gund Foundation andclevelandmetroschools.org other contributors. ...read more: Page 6 • Issue #62 • Th e Tremonster • February–March, 2020

Teach For America Greater Cleveland Recruiting for Associate Board February 3rd Through 26th Become a part of a group of emerging in Cleveland by supporting system level Cleveland is recruiting a diverse group leaders who have an interest in helping efforts of change. of emerging leaders to our founding to shape the future of educational equity Teach For America (TFA) Greater Associate Board who are dedicated to promoting the mission of Teach For America to achieve educational equity in Cleveland. We are seeking individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who believe in the limitless potential of students, share a conviction to change currentcurrent systems of inequity,inequity, and who will supportsupport effortsef to ensure allall ststudentsude have the opportunityopportunit to attain an eexcellentxcell education. Members will support TFA’sTFA’s effortsef through theirtheir ininvolvementvo in our communitycommunit outreach, appreciationappreciati of our teachers, and event planning.planning. As a memberme of the associateassociate board you willwill be abable to leverage youryour skills,sk broaden youryour professional network,network, and develop youryour leadershiplea skills whilewhile gagaining deeper understandingunderstand of the educationaleducation landscape in Cleveland.Cleveland AboutAbout Teach For AmericaAmerica TeachTeach fofor America is committedcommitted to expanding opportunityopportunit for children byby affecaffectingt profound systemicsystemic change. TFA fi nds, ddevelops, and supportssupports a diverse networknetwork oof leaders from classrooms,classroom schools, and everyevery sesectorc and fi eld in order to shape the broader sysystem in which schoolsschools opoperate. If youyou area interested inin beinbeingg a part of our foundingfounding Associate Board,Board, pleasepl complete the aapplicationpp by visitingvisiting tthish site https:// bit.ly/2Rwr6jcbit.ly/2Rw or via the QR code.co If youyou haveh questions oror concerns,conc reach outo ut to Jaclynn Garry,Garry, Manager of DevelopmentDevelop and PartnershipsPartnersh at TFA GreaterGreater Cleveland, at Jaclynn.Garry@Jacly teachforamerica.org.teachfora

Photos courtesyco of Teach for America February–March, 2020 • Th e Tremonster • Issue #62 • Page 7

Home for Rent:

Bienvenidos A Cleveland–Puerto Rico Relief Project

Bienvenidos a Cleveland began through a “Cleveland is a welcoming community,” said Alex collaboration between Cuyahoga Community Johnson, president of the College. “We are coming College, Esperanza Inc., the Spanish American together to provide whatever these families need to Committee and Cleveland Metropolitan School bring a sense of normalcy back to their lives.” District. Hundreds of families have arrived in Cleveland Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) launched since late September and reached out for support a website supporting Bienvenidos a Cleveland, from community-based agencies such as the a collaboration project designed to assist Puerto Spanish American Committee, Cleveland’s oldest Rican families relocating to Cleveland following and largest Hispanic social service agency. the devastation of Hurricane Maria. The biggest challenge has been securing housing, The website — tri-c.edu/bienvenidosacle — as many of the displaced families have little or provides an online directory of agencies and no income. Resources also are being sought for organizations offering resources to arriving employment, transportation, medical needs, food, families. The goal is to ease their transition to household items and other needs. Northeast Ohio. Hurricane Maria ranks as one of the worst natural disasters on record after killing 55 people and causing more than $95 billion in damage to the 2835 West 11th St. 3 Bed Rm 1 Bath. Furnishings United States territory. An estimated 200,000 available. $800 + Deposit. families expect to leave the island to escape the Contact Erich Hooper. 216 861 5224 ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Lava Lounge 1307 Auburn Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 216-589-9112

OPENING FEBRUARY 2020. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EVENT RESERVATION, EMAIL US AT [email protected] 2258 PROFESSOR AVENUE CLEVELAND, OH 44113

Proof serves up a curated selection of artful cocktails, local brews & scratch-made tender meats smoked low and slow. Below street level, but not under the radar, this cozy craft Bar-BQ honors an American culinary staple while playing with tradition. Page 8 • Issue #62 • Th e Tremonster • February–March, 2020 Lincoln Heights Block Club January 13th, 2020 Meeting Narrative Franko, and Henry Senyak will complete West 17th Street. This lot will be designated and sent to The Cleveland Board of Zoning the fi ve-member subcommittee. by Henry Senyak more so for TAC patrons and the current Appeals. Nominations and elections took place for Eighteen members and six guests were in lower Fairmont Creamery lot will be An update was given on the “Reaching Block Club Offi cers. Henry Senyak was attendance at the January 13th Block Club designated for overfl ow and guests from Lincoln Heights” Development Plan. The nominated for another term, and was voted meeting at St. Augustine’s Walsh Hall. both the Fairmont and Lincoln buildings. third and fi nal public meeting will take in, and re-elected. The offi ce of Secretary Lieutenant Betley from the Second SCA is open to work with and provide off- place on January 21st at the South Branch was tabled to February. Two members are District was in attendance and gave us street parking for nights when the Liminis Library. This will be the only forum that going to think about the commitments several updates, the most notable several Theater operates for their patrons. SCA any objections can be made to the plan, needed to be made. Chairperson Senyak individuals were arrested involved with would like to start excavation in March or portions thereof. Chairperson Senyak added it is imperative moving forward to many robberies including the ones at the APL. on the underground parking lot and would made it clear that if there is not a clear have a Secretary. Sustainable Community Associates be complete with the project in June of breakdown of the Lincoln Developers In old business members discussed presented their new development project, 2021. SCA has committed annually to pay Fund written into the plan, we must object. the Neighborhood Survey created in The Lincoln which is on Scranton Rd. at into the Lincoln Developers Fund, as they The plan will then be brought to our next November. Many would like to see the Willey Ave. This project will be a four-story have last year with annual commitments Block Club meeting on February 10th survey’s distributed to every residence in building, that will include between 80 and from the Tappan Project. These funds for support. The project will eventually the Block Club. We will discuss moving 85 apartments. Two units of commercial would eventually be allocated to help be presented to the Cleveland Planning forward on distribution of surveys once space on the fi rst fl oor totaling 6,250 with longtime lower income property Commission for ratifi cation. Spring arrives. square foot. Underground parking for the owners for repairs or violations so they Chairperson Senyak requested the creation In new business several additional new residential units with 95 parking spaces. can stay within Tremont and not be forced of a Bylaw Subcommittee that would housing projects will be in front of the There will be a 35-car surface parking lot out. A motion to support this project as meet over the next two months to discuss membership soon. The redevelopment of for the commercial operations. In addition, proposed was made, seconded, and passed changes to our regulations. Steven Duirk the Pizza Pan site, and a new Town home SCA will build a 44-car surface parking unanimously by the 13 members that were agreed to chair the committee. Members development project at the dead-end of lot opposite the Fairmont Creamery on qualifi ed to vote. A letter will be crafted Jennifer Tyner, Cory Molner, Georgiann West 16th St. north of Kenilworth. There was a brief discussion on the City Council reduction that will be on the ballot on March 17th. We will see if Councilman McCormack would attend our March 9th Block Club meeting. Our next Block Club meeting will take place on Monday February 10th at 6:00PM. We will meet at St. Augustine’s Walsh Hall, in the basement of the old school building. If you should have any questions, please contact Chairperson Henry Senyak at [email protected] or 216-798-6620.

TheT Tremonster is a newspaper by and forf the neighborhood of Tremont in Cleveland,C Ohio. A Tremonster is anyone whow loves our shared neighborhood of Tremont.T Any Tremonster may submit materialsm for consideration by the end of eache month to: [email protected] PO Box 6161, Cleveland, OH 44101 @TheTremonster Office: 216-772-0664 Advertising/Marketing: [email protected] The Tremonster © Established 2011 Circulation: 7,500 copies Published Monthly Distribution area: two-mile radius around Tremont Rich Weiss Amanda Lloyd Publisher Managing Editor Content Contributors: Bruce Checefsky, Shawn C. Mishak, Erich Hooper, Henry Senyak, David Witzke, and Ken Scigulinsky

Thanks to Scott Radke, for the contribution of The Tremonster character. scottradke.com Mascot: Abbey Our ongoing thanks to the below Tremonsters for their constant help, advice and support: Ricardo Sandoval, Bob & Nancy Holcepl, Sherman DeLozier, Mike Griffi n, Megan Griffi n, Heather Haviland, Becca Riker, Bernie Sokolowski, Michael Sokolowski, Mary Lou Balbier, Ernie Lubinsky, Cory Riordan, Michelle Davis, Michelle Curry, Rocky Melendez, Rob Whitbred, John Jirik, Ed Horowitz, Anup Kumar, John Ban, Rick Pitchford, Mark Rosenberger, Alan Ashby, Roseann Canfora, Bernadette Repko, Tom Ott, M. Lynn Schroeder, Eileen Simmons, Jessie Schoonover, Leo Jeff res, and Chuck Hoven. February–March, 2020 • The Tremonster • Issue #62 • Page 9

Free College Tuition

For Eligible MONDAY - FRIDAY * 11:00am - 2:00am SATURDAY * 11:30am - 2am CMSD Grads SUNDAY * 10:30am - 2am | BRUNCH * 10:30am - 3pm PRIVATE PARTIES - Reserve an area for your private party or event INDOOR/PATIO DINING - Dine in our restuarant or by our patio fireplace HAPPY HOUR - Food and drink specials MON-FRI 4:30pm-7:30p 9 HDTVs - Including 3 on the patio to cheer on your favorite team

2207 W. 11TH STREET * TREMONT * 216.937.2288 * SouthSideCleveland.com Page 10 • Issue #62 • Th e Tremonster • February–March, 2020 Reaching Lincoln Heights Land Use Plan to be Presented to Lincoln Heights Block Club David Jurca is the former associate director making sure longtime residents’ voices at Kent State University’s Cleveland are heard and their fi nancial situations Urban Design Collective (CUDC), and considered at the same time that large is the founder/principal at Seventh Hill, scale development projects increase in the urban design fi rm was hired by the neighborhood, believes a Lincoln Tremont West Development Corporation Developers’ Fund could help with home to conduct the Lincoln Heights Land Use repairs and other expenses residents on Study. Robert Brown, an independent City fi xed incomes might have trouble paying Planning Consultant and former Director of for. the Cleveland City Planning Commission, The fund is not meant to pay in full for along with Clifford B. Herring, a former projects but rather augment any costs Economist and practicing architect, are associated with home maintenance. Fees project partners of the Seventh Hill design would include $1,500 for single unit town team. homes, new single or multifamily homes “We’re moving towards winding this along with several options for apartment down,” Riordan said. “There’s a pretty complexes including a $1,000.00 per fl oor extensive draft version but it is not by of the project for a period of 10 years or any means what will be presented at based on number on units versus fl oors of the Planning Commission. This is an the project for a period of 10 years. opportunity to look at what they did with For example, apartment buildings with all of your feedback up to now.” units 1 thru 20 would pay $1,000.00 per “Our timeline is to take this to the Lincoln year for a period of 10 years; units 1 thru Heights Block Club for their review on 40 at $2,000.00 per year for a period of 10 February 10, and from there to the City of years; units 1 thru 60 - $3,000.00 per year Cleveland Planning Commission where it for a period of 10 years; units 1 thru 80 - will be a document adopted as a guideline $4,000.00 per year for a period of 10 years; This map of the Lincoln Heights Study Area was presented early in the process by Seventh Hill, for development in the neighborhood.” units 1 thru 100 - $5,000.00 per year for a the lead architectural design consultancy for the project, Reaching Lincoln Heights. Jurca opened with a summary of period of 10 years; and structures over 100b community feedback which included units would max out at $6,500.00 per yearp by Bruce Checefsky attendees that the project which began fi ve main project goals that were created for a period of 10 years. (This article was originally published nearly 18-24 months ago was coming to a by a steering committee composed of All funds will be held by Tremont West in the online edition of the Plain Press, conclusion. Reaching Lincoln Heights, part neighbors, business and property owners, Development Corporation. A committee February 2020, and is republished here of the Lincoln Heights Land Use Plan, was and City of Cleveland representatives. The composed of TWDC Staff, Block with permission) initiated by Tremont West Development goals provided an opportunity to invite all Club Chairperson, and a Developer’sp During the third and fi nal community Corporation (TWDC) and funded by voices from the community to share their representative will defi ne the direction of meeting at South Branch Public Library casino revenues allocated to the project expertise; establish a community vision the funds, and review applications made by for the Reaching Lincoln Heights proposal, by Councilman McCormack. Seventh for the character, and types of uses for property owners within the Lincoln Heights Cory Riordan, Executive Director of Hill consultants have been reportedly paid development in the area; initiate a strategy Block Club for eligibility, according Tremont West Development Corporation, $10,000 for the study which is expected to for parking needs and improve mobility to the proposal. Eligible candidatesb reminded the twenty or so neighborhood be completed this spring. connections; and prioritize goals for large would require a fi nancial hardship to dob scale and smaller development sites. minor repairs or to comply with City of Data for the study was collected through Cleveland Violation Notices. There will be several public meetings along with on-the- a maximum allotment of $7,500 each year b ground night walks and visiting, parcel of its existence. Applicants would receive a by parcel, to understand the scope of the maximum of $1,500.00 per property (pro- neighborhood. rated by the applicant’s yearly income and “We don’t want this to become like every savings). other neighborhood,” Jurca said. “We want “There’s a real the potential for a big stink,” Lincoln Heights to retain its distinctive Georgiann Franko, a longtime resident qualities.” and homeowner of Lincoln Heights said. The proposal process started in August “The community development corporation 2019 with site research and steering has their committee when it comes to committee meetings. From there, Jurca distribution of the money. They aloneW and his team hosted focus groups and shouldn’t decide how it gets used.” public events, and as the process begins Sustainable Community Associates, a to wind down, a rough draft proposal will community development fi rm responsible be presented to the Lincoln Heights Block for Tremont’s Fairmont Creamery, Wagnerp Club for their review and fi nal approval. Awning, Tappan and Lincoln (currently Strengths of the neighborhood such as under construction) reportedly supports in unique identity, local attractions, and principal a Lincoln Developers Fund. proximity to downtown were contrasted The single most crucial component in with weaknesses including mobility rejuvenating decaying urban areas isb challenges, visuals such as blight and private sector participation, accordingW repairs, and a need for better social life to a World Bank report released in 2016. amenities. Opportunities for improvement Massive fi nancial resources are often not include transit access and improving readily available; public sector funding is b connections, while threats to the rarely enough. The report stresses that no community include lack of affordability, one solution is universally acceptable but safety concerns, parking, and a desire for strong political leadership is essential. design guidelines to regulate the fl ow and The successful use of land-planning and direction of new housing and business fi nance tools depend on sound and well-b developments. enforced zoning and property tax systems. A key feature of the Reaching Lincoln “I am happy with the progress that has Heights proposal is the Lincoln Developers’ been made and Seventh Hill’s ability to Fund, a recommendation initiated by take community feedback and create a Lincoln Heights Block Club Chairperson thoughtful plan,” Riordan responded to the Henry Senyak, which is a fee or levy Plain Press by email. “The draft Reaching placed upon new development projects Lincoln Heights plan incorporates many that receive a 15-year tax abatement from of the diverse community perspectives the City of Cleveland. In an email sent and presents it in a way that is easy to to Riordan and Jurca a week prior to the understand without compromising on public meeting, Senyak explained the need key points, objectives, small details and for creating such a fund: “Many Block Club intricacies that make Lincoln Heights a members also feel that the clear defi nition unique and special part of the Tremont of the yearly contributions into the Lincoln neighborhood.” Developers Fund can mend several of the Theb 100-page document will be presented burnt bridges between our Membership, to the Lincoln Heights Block Club on Property Owners, Developers, and February 10th, where a vote is expected to TWDC.” support the proposal. Senyak, who has been a central fi gure in February–March, 2020 • Th e Tremonster • Issue #62 • Page 11

KEN SCIGULINSKY’S MEMORIES FROM TREMONT AVENUE

Living at 2464 Tremont in the 1940s (Part 2) Comics bought for $.10 or traded with and onto the fl oor. We’d scurry to pick up friends provided a regular part of my the popcorn off the fl oor to sample the reading. There was Bat Man, Superman, product. After the popcorn was ready to Captain Marvel, Archie, Dick Tracy, eat, we would sit in front of the radio and Mutt & Jeff, and many more. My father listen to Gangbusters. As simple as our could not read but my mom could, and lifestyle then may seem now, I can’t ever she regularly bought detective magazines recall saying I was bored. for $.25. The late 1930s and early 1940s produced many detective magazines with names like True Detective or Real Detective that profi led actual cases. My sisters and I enjoyed leafi ng through the pages as we eagerly searched for pictures of gruesome crimes. While I would only read the captions under the photographs, sometimes my mom would summarize a story that she thought would hold our interest. Of course, there were many radio

Photo courtesy of Ken Scigulinsky programs that were very entertaining, and A Toaster from the 1940s I especially enjoyed listening to the stories that were aired throughout the week. by Ken Scigulinsky Some, such as Amos and Andy, made me laugh while The Shadow always provided a Every breakfast provided a new adventure to rush to school. During the war years, sense of mystery with wrongdoers always by the rotating selections my mom the cereal boxes seemed to be designed to getting caught. On Saturday evenings, my presented. From early childhood, I drank a attract the attention of young boys. Some sisters and I were given a bath and then my cup of coffee every morning—lots of sugar box back panels were printed with pieces mom made popcorn in a black iron skillet. Photo courtesy of Ken Scigulinsky with milk from the Carnation evaporated of a warplane to be cut out and assembled. Part of her predictable routine was to lift Breakfast Cereal from the 1940s milk can. Ovaltine was popular, but we There were also cartoon stories. Others the lid off of the pan while the corn was never had it because of the cost—my mom had offers for play materials related to the popping,ng, aallowingllowing sosomeme kkernelsernels ttoo fl y ououtt preferred mixing canned Hershey’s syrup war. I responded once, sending a box top with milk as an evening treat. If we had and $.25 for cutouts of tanks, planes, and a eggs, they were usually sunny side up, tube that accepted a tiny cutout paratrooper fried in bacon fat, crisp around the edges. connected to a parachute that could be At times, eggs would be accompanied with blown into the air. I still regret not sending bacon or fried ham cut from a leftover ham $.35 for the Atomic Bomb Ring that was bone in the refrigerator. Bread was toasted offered at the end of WWII. After breakfast, in a toaster that had two hinged inclined the oilcloth covered table was cleared and metal sides that you opened to insert the wiped off with a washcloth. We never used bread. Closing the sides exposed one napkins so if our hands were sticky, we surface of the bread to the heated electrical were given the same moist washcloth used element. There was no timer, so you had to wipe down spills on the tabletop. to judge when the side was toasted to your Although we had no telephone, television, liking, then open the side doors, reverse or record player, I had many things to the sides of the bread, and close the doors keep me from boredom. The Jefferson to complete the toasting process. Toast Library was a short distance away, so I Every Friday from Feb 28 through April 3: was topped with butter (margarine during would check out books to read at home. the war) and apple butter or grape jelly. The inside back cover of each book had SOKOLOWSKI'S LENTEN FISH FRY When pancakes were on the menu (Aunt a little envelope that held a card on which Jemima mix), they were made in a black you wrote your name when you checked a *Beer battered cod and fi sh specials cast iron skillet, with the pancake fi lling book out. Overdue fi nes were either one or the entire skillet bottom. Frequently, the two cents per day, depending on the kind *Potato soup and potato pancakes! pancake was slightly burned, but we never of book. I used to lay on our couch (we complained since there were no “do overs” called it a davenport) with my legs across *Bar is open for drink specials for us. Log Cabin syrup was never on our the cushions, reading my books. My dad table since Karo Syrup was a cheaper was especially happy to hear I was reading *Try our signature drink, "The Polish Flag" substitute. A breakfast item might also Russian Fairy Tales, since he was from be oatmeal, Farina, and something called Czechoslovakia. I never really knew what *Try our new drink special, "The Clarksville" Wheatina, which is still available. But kind of material covered our davenport the best breakfasts were those when I had since it was covered with protective cloth (Closed 4/10–4/12/20 for Good Friday, Sat, & Easter Sunday) cold cereal. Milk came in one-quart glass slipcovers as soon as it was bought. That bottles, not homogenized, so my mom seemed to be a popular thing to do since the *Jimmy K Band returns on Dyngus Day, April 13! always made sure the milk bottle was homes of my friends had similar protective shaken before we could drink off the cream covers on their furniture. To me, it seemed 1201 University Rd. Cleveland, OH, 44113 that had risen to the top. All of the cereal silly to never see the original fabric. We boxes had interesting reading material on didn’t subscribe to the Cleveland Press, 216.771.9236 the back that kept me lingering over my but it was bought occasionally to keep up cereal bowl, sometimes causing me to have on events, especially movies. Page 12 • Issue #62 • Th e Tremonster • February–March, 2020

CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HIGH SCHOOL IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP YOU CAN TAKE FOR YOUR FUTURE CHOOSE NOW. CHOOSE CMSD.

FREE college and trade school tuition scholarships for four-year CMSD grads! SayYesCleveland.org

ChooseCMSD.org | 216.838.3675

A CMSD Communications Publication