Street: FREE PERMIT 1354 a St

Standard Presorted U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHOTO BY MICHAEL OAKAR CLEVELAND, OHIO Sunday, August 18, 2019; St. Emeric Hungarian Festival, St. Emeric Parish Hall, 1860 W. 22nd Street: FREE PERMIT 1354 A St. Emeric Parish volunteer serves up Hungarian food to guests at the festival. Vol. 46, No. 9 September 2019 Plain Press Cleveland’s Near Westside Newspaper A look at Lorain Ave while traveling down memory lane by Kevin Coleman River. As soon as motorists traverse Lorain Avenue begins at the rustic Lorain Avenue is a Cleveland thor- the 256-foot-long Lorain Viaduct, the Hope Memorial Bridge, originally oughfare spanning approximately street becomes Lorain Road and named the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge. 12 miles from its beginning at the runs all the way to – you guessed The 4,490-foot-long art deco truss Hope Memorial Bridge to the Rocky it – Lorain, Ohio. viaduct was designed by engineers from Wilber J. Watson & Associates and finished construction in 1932 with a price tag of $4.75 million ($85.2 million adjusted for inflation). The most distinguishable features of the Hope Memorial Bridge are the eight massive statues named the “Guardians of Traffic.” The statues were sculpted by Henry Hering out of limestone derived from a nearby quarry in Berea and symbolize progress in transportation throughout the years. An article in the June 20 – July 24, 1983 Plain Press by David Beach titled “Merchants look forward to Lorain-Carnegie opening” anticipates the reopening of the Lorain Carnegie bridge in August of that year after being closed for repairs for three years. The article quotes three PHOTO BY CLARENCE MADISON (Plain Press Archives) area businesses talking about the July 1985; Lorain Avenue: Tina Gayer, co-chair of the Lorain Avenue hardship caused by the closing of Business Association, sees crime prevention as the highest priority. the bridge including Virginia Purvis In this photo from the Plain Press archives, Gayer is standing in front of Fridrich Bicycles at 3800 Lorain of a car lot on W 47th and Lorain Avenue. In the background behind her Avenue; Bruce Loch, owner of the you can see a sign for a 5 & 10 store and Gerst Tax Services on the Chicken and Subs at 3713 Lorain north side of Lorain Avenue, and Arrow International’s sign, a company continued on page 4 that made bingo and charity supplies, appearing on the south side. Main street WHAT IS HAPPENING TO LORAIN AVENUE

by Alix Walker For the past decade, Lorain Ave- As a result, there is a high turn- Editor’s Note: This article by Alix nue, between West 25th and W. 65th, over of new businesses, while es- Walker, from the Plain Press ar- has been experiencing transitional tablished businesses often have to PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON (Plain Press Archives) chives, first appeared in the July shock. Recession, population out- struggle to remain solvent. Vacant Tuesday, April 20, 2004; W. 48th and Lorain Avenue: The demolition 23-August 5, 1985 issue of the Plain flux, crime, and the traffic drain-off lots and closed storefronts abound. of the Laub Bakery to make way for Urban Community School has Press. The Plain Press is publishing created by the opening of I-90 ten It is also difficult to attract the uncovered the side of an adjoining building on Lorain Avenue. These a series of articles on main streets in years ago have all combined to larger chain enterprises – such two signs on the building are well preserved due to lack of exposure its circulation area as it approaches force this once-prosperous business to the weather. its 50th Anniversary in 2021. district into a state of decline. continued on page 5 MetroHealth holds open houses to share plan for campus transformation by Chuck Hoven hospital building. The virtual reality MetroHealth Medical Center in- tour showed a pediatric unit with an vited the community to a series of outdoor area for children to play and open houses in August to learn more rehab from injuries. The view that a about its one-billion-dollar Campus guest experienced with the goggles Transformation plan. was projected on a screen, so that Those visiting one of the open others not wearing goggles could houses experienced a virtual real- share in the experience. ity tour of the future main hospital Neighborhood Enhancements building; learned about community Greg Zucca, Director of Econom- programs that MetroHealth offers; ic Development and Community saw plans for construction and Transformation for MetroHealth design of the future campus; heard Medical Center, was on hand to offer more about proposed neighborhood additional information about pro- enhancements; learned of Metro- posed neighborhood enhancements Health’s EcoDistrict plans as well that will be part of the MetroHealth as its sustainability efforts; viewed Campus Transformation. Zucca said an augmented reality model of the the 72 units of affordable housing proposed campus; and obtained a and the 5,000 square foot multipur- bird’s eye view of the construction pose space, planned as part of the site for the new hospital building transformation plan, will be built on from the 7th floor of the new View what is now a MetroHealth owned Road Parking Garage. parking lot bounded by Sackett The virtual reality tour offered Avenue on the North, MetroHealth guests at the open house a view of Drive on the south, W. 25th Street on what the inside and grounds of the the west and Scranton Road on the PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN new hospital building will look like east. Thursday, August 15, 2019; Open House, MetroHealth Medical Center, 2500 MetroHealth Drive: A group of when completed. Guests put on Zucca said the affordable housing high school students and City Life Staff members involved in planning for future youth programs in the virtual reality goggles and traversed units must meet federal guidelines neighborhood, visited the MetroHealth Open House. The group especially enjoyed putting on goggles the lobby, lounge areas, patient for what is affordable. He said the to participate in a virtual reality tour of the future hospital building. (L-R) Felix Latimer, Javon Wellson, rooms, a three seasons room, and federal definition of affordability is J-Sun Martinez, Jamie Kinnett (City Life Center staff member), Joana Mendez, and Jonny Fine (City Life even the rest rooms of the future continued on page 6 Center Director). 2 Plain Press • September 2019 Plain Press 2012 W. 25th STE 500 Cleveland, OH 44113 Phone: (216) 621-3060 email: [email protected] Advertising email: [email protected] Website: www.plainpress.org Plain Press © Established in 1971 Circulation: 21,000 copies. Published monthly. Distribution area: Cuyahoga River west to W. 140, Lake Erie south to the Lower Big Creek Valley. Available free at over 500 locations. Managing Editor: Charles E. Hoven; Editor: Deborah Rose Sadlon; Copy Editor: Craig Bobby Editorial Intern: Colin Murnan Reporters: Bruce Checefsky & Victoria Shea Photo Editor: Coriana Close; Photographer: Michael Oakar Advertising Sales: Ed Tishel Graphic Artist: David Myers Distribution: Ahmed Morad Mailing: Teresa Calvo Board of Trustees: Keith Brown,Peggy Davenport, David Gamble, Dr. Leo Jef- fres, Joe Narkin, and Helen K. Smith. FAMILY OUTINGS FREE MONDAYS AT THE ZOO: On Mondays with the exception of legal hol- idays, the Zoo (not including The Rain- Forest) is FREE for residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township. To con- firm your residency, bring your driver’s license or state I.D. or a current utility bill with your Cuyahoga Cty. or Hinckley Twp. address along with a photo ID. FESTIVALS PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN ST. JOHN CANTIUS POLISH FESTI- Sunday, August 4, 2019; Puerto Rican Parade, 2955 W. 38th Street: The Arroyo Family celebrates while watching the parade go past their house. VAL: August 31 and September 1. Free polka band beginning at 7 p.m. Free ARTS/MUSIC/THEATRE contributions made by the artists who church office, 216-781-8232. schedule an appointment: CWilliams@ admission. ART HOUSE FREE EVENTS IN SEP- have worked with Art House to enrich CLEVELAND HISTORY collegenowgc.org 216.635.0182. OHIO CITY STREET FESTIVAL: On W. TEMBER at 3119 Denison Avenue: the lives of residents in the Greater CANAL BASIN PARK TOUR: Free. Ev- HISPANIC ROUNDTABLE ESSAY 25th Street in Ohio City on Sunday, Sep- Family Open Studio – Origami: Sep- Cleveland area. These artists continue ery Sunday at 10 a.m. until September CONTEST for high school and college tember 29, Noon – 8p.m. Food, drink, th tember 21, 1-3 p.m.: Family Clay Day, to inspire. Their dedication to give back 15 , 2019. Meet at Flat iron Café, 1114 students. Scholarships up to $2,500 will retail, arts & entertainment. Kid zone with Ceramic Experience: September 28, 10 to the community has impacted count- Center Street. For more information be awarded to winning essays. For more family friendly fun. Free and open to all. a.m. Noon. less individuals. Through their skills and call 216-771-1994 or visit: www.takea- information call 440-570-0448. FOOD CELEBRATE AN EVENING WITH passion, art teaches. FREE hikecle.com SAY YES TO EDUCATION: Students FREE PRODUCE DISTRIBUTION: TOMMY ORANGE, St. John Episcopal CHURCHES COMMUNITY that are residents of the Cleveland MetroHealth and Cleveland Food Bank Church, Church Ave., 5 p.m on Septem- FRANKLIN CIRCLE CHRISTIAN HISPANIC ROUNDTABLE invites the Metropolitan School District and plan to will continue free produce distribution th ber 27 . Native American Author Tommy CHURCH TO ORDAIN NEW MINIS- entire community to Convención His- graduate from a CMSD school or part- through the end of this year. Patients, Orange is this year’s Anisfield-Wolf Book TER: On Sunday, September 15 at 3:00 pania on Saturday, October 5 from 9 nering charter school may be eligible for community members or anyone in need Award winner for fiction for his book, PM, Franklin Circle Christian Church in am. – 4 p.m. at Max Hayes High School, a scholarship to pursue postsecondary of fresh food can stop by for a bag of th There, There. Entertainment including Ohio City will celebrate the ordination 2211 W. 65 . Free event includes free educational opportunities. For more produce. Just bring your ID (driver’s Native American music and dance. of Pastor Richard James Hinkelman health screenings, civic and educational information visit: SayYesCleveland.org. license, state ID card, etc.) and your own MUSIC NEAR THE MARKET: Featur- into the Christian Church (Disciples of issues, food, music, activities for chil- SEEDS OF LITERACY: Free Adult Basic bags. Distribution will occur from 10 a.m. ing Cleveland’s world-famous Becker- Christ). Pastor Hinkelman has recently dren and fun for entire family. Keynote Education and GED Classes. Call 216- – Noon on Tuesdays September 17, Oc- ath Organ. Every Wednesday, 12:15- completed his Master of Divinity from speaker will be Puerto Rican singer, tober 15, November 19 and December 12:45 p.m. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Methodist Theological School of Ohio 17 at the Outpatient Pavilion (first floor, th Church, W. 30 and Lorain Avenue. and has completed all denominational near pharmacy) at MetroHealth Medical WALKABOUT TREMONT is held every requirements for the process of ordina- Center, 2500 MetroHealth Drive second Friday from 6 to 10 pm. For more tion set forth by the Christian Church GREATER CLEVELAND FOOD BANK: information, visit walkabouttremont.com (Disciples of Christ). Presiding over the Call 216-738-7239, or visit GreaterCleve- TH th 78 STREET STUDIOS, 1300 W. 78 service will be Reverend Eugene James, landFoodBank.org for food assistance. Street. Art Opening for over 50 studios the Regional Minister of the Michigan Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition rd and galleries every 3 Friday of every Disciples of Christ Region. Special guest Assistance Program (SNAP) if you are month, 5-9 p.m. 78streetstudios.com. At preacher will be Franklin Circle’s former under sixty (limits are higher for persons th 78 Stree Studios on Fridays September pastor, Rev. Allen Harris, Regional Min- age 60 or older or persons receiving th 20 and October 18 Artists of Art House: ister for the Capital Area Region. For disability assistance) and your monthly Art Teaches, celebrate the important further information, please contact the family income is $1,316 or less for a one-person household; $1,784 or less for a two person household; $2,252 or less for a three person household; 2,720 or less for a four person household. Add $453 for each additional household The Plain Press Community Board is a listing of a variety of free activities and resourc- member. For information about Food es for neighborhoods served by the Plain Press. The printing of the Community Board Stamps (SNAP) applications, food pan- is sponsored by Organize! Ohio through donations from readers and supporters. tries, free produce, and hot meals text musician and composer José Feliciano. 661-7950 or visit: www.seedsofliteracy. FOOD to 63566. SECOND DISTRICT POLICE COM- org. HEALTH MUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE EMPLOYMENT TRI-C PREVENTIVE CARE at Metro MEETING: Tuesday, September 10 at U.S. CENSUS BUREAU employ- Campus will reopen for Fall Semester rd 6:30 p.m. at Applewood Centers, 3518 ment recruiter will be at the Carnegie on September 3 . The center provides W. 25th (In the gym on Daisey.) West Branch Library, 1900 Fulton, low-cost health care services to unin- COMMUNITY ACTION on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. sured or underinsured adults while giving students valuable learning opportunities. PEACE AT THE PUB: September 10 to 12:00 p.m. Recruiting Assistant John Open 2-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Market Garden Brewery, W. Wagner will provide information and an- th swer questions about current, local, part- through November 21. Located in Room 25 next to the West Side Market. Guest 105 of the Health Careers and Sciences speaker: Professor Jafar Mahallati, Chair time job opportunities with the Census Bureau. The Census Bureau offers great building at Metro Campus, 2900 Com- of Middle East and North Africa Studies pay and hours to fit your schedule. munity College Ave. Services include at Oberlin College, “A Dialog Against War ENVIRONMENT blood pressure readings; glucose and Lobby Ideologues: Is US-Iran Encounter JOIN A SOLAR UNITED NEIGHBORS cholesterol screenings; physical thera- Real or Artificial?” SOLAR CO-OP: A vendor neutral py and occupational therapy; physical NEIGHBORHOOD ACHIEVEMENT non-profit organization. Experts to guide rehabilitation for daily living; pain man- HUB: Creating Paths from Poverty to you through each step of the process. agement; bone density screenings; nu- Possibility: Tuesdays, Fridays and Satur- Co-ops leverage the power of bulk pur- tritional coaching; stress management; days, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.at Denison Avenue chasing to help you save money. www. and exercise and education programs. United Church of Christ, 9900 Denison SolarUnitedNeighbors.org/Cuyahoga No physician referral is needed for an appointment. To schedule a visit or find out Avenue. General Outreach – coffee, NATIVE PLANTS: Take up some of about special health-related workshops, conversation, referrals, job network- your turf grass and install a native plant garden. Seeds are available at: www. call 216-987-3555. For more information ing and food and clothing assistance. visit www.tri-c.edu/carecenter. [email protected], cuyahogaswcd.org/programs/native- seed-sale DISABILITY RIGHTS OHIO: Appeal- 216-584-8339. RAIN BARRELS: Visit the Cuyahoga ing Medicaid decisions can be difficult EDUCATION Soil and Water Conservation District to navigate on your own. If you or a COLLEGE NOW Greater Cleveland on website to learn about upcoming Rain loved one needs help, contact DRO’s Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Barrel workshops: www.cuyahogaswcd. intake department and refer to our new at Carnegie West Branch Library, 1900 org/programs/rain-barrels resource, Medicaid: Appeals Overview. Fulton Road: College Now assists adults RAIN GARDENS: Download the Rain WALK N’ ROLL TO CURE ATAXIA, with student loan debt, starting a degree Garden manual from the Cuyahoga Soil September 22 at Lakewood Park. Reg- program, returning to college to finish a and Water Conservation District website istration begins at 10 a.m. Event starts degree, finding scholarships, financial at: www.cuyahogaswcd.org/programs/ at 11 a.m. No registration fee. Free and aid and much more. Contact CoLean rain-gardens-native-plants, or call 215- Williams, Adult Programs Specialist, to continued on page 7 524-6580 to have one mailed to you. September 2019 • Plain Press 3 CCH Development Corporation focuses on economic and community development along a stretch of the W. 25th Street Corridor by Chuck Hoven ment Board. Its Treasurer is Gareth developments built by the NRP There is a new development cor- Vaughan, President and CEO, Group, the 306 apartment units in poration specifically charged with AM Higley. The Board Secretary The Edison at Gordon Square on development around MetroHealth is Michael Phillips. Other Board Father Caruso Drive in the Detroit along the W. 25th Street Corridor. members listed are current or former Shoreway neighborhood. CCH Development Corporation, a corporate executives. They include In a related article in the August development corporation formed in Fran Dacek, retired Vice President 2019 issue of the Plain Press by August of 2017, says in its mission of Corporate Communications Bruce Checefsky titled MetroHealth statement that it will “accelerate for Swagelok Company; Thomas seeks input from community on its the pace of revitalization of the McDonald, President McDonald Campus Transformation Plan, CCH West 25th Street Corridor and its Partners; Terry Monnolly, Co-found- Development Project Coordinator neighborhoods by developing real er, DiGioa-Suburban Excavating; Greg Zucca, who introduced himself estate and working collaboratively Marc Moresky, Retired Senior Vice at the community meeting as Di- with public, private, non-profit and President Eaton Corporation and rector of Economic and Community civic partners on planned and future Partner in Earnst & Young; and Joe Transformation for MetroHealth, of- projects, public transportation, road- Roman, President and Chief Execu- fered a breakdown of the proposed way infrastructure improvements tive Officer of the Greater Cleveland 250 units of housing. In that article, and ‘place making’ enhancements Partnership. Zucca reveals that the plan calls that will improve the quality of life On July 23rd, the NRP Group, for building 72 units of affordable for those who live, work, visit, shop a company that develops and housing on the corner of W. 25th and and play in our neighborhood.” manages apartments nationally, Sackett on what is now a parking lot. CCH Development Corporation announced that it is partnering with Elsewhere on W. 25th Street, plans says it “will focus its primary eco- MetroHealth and CCH Development call for up to 100 units of housing for nomic and community development to create 250 affordable and market MetroHealth medical residents and activities along W. 25th Street from rate apartments in the Clark-Futon 80 units of workforce housing that Clark Avenue on the north to I-71 to neighborhood. The NRP Group would be affordable to households the south and West 25th to I-71 on press release also states that “a with income at $70,000 or more. the east.” workforce training and Economic Chief Executive Officer and In a March 9, 2018 update to Opportunity Center will also be in- co-founder of The NRP Group J. Cuyahoga County Council, CCH cluded in the development as part David Heller says in a released PHOTO COURTESY OF WAVERLY WILLIS Development Corporation says it of a holistic, sustainable approach statement, “We are very pleased to Monday, August 12, 2019; Urban Kutz Barber Shop, 11106 Detroit Ave- plans to have its office in the Lin- to strengthen and revitalize the partner with MetroHealth and CCH nue: Logan Cavins, age 17, gets his hair cut by Waverly Willis. The hair coln Building at 3374 W. 25th. The neighborhood.” Plain Press read- to create high -quality, mixed-use, was donated to Wigs for Kids on Center Ridge Road in Westlake. “He site is across from MetroHealth ers may be familiar with one of the continued on page 6 (Logan Cavins) grew his hair for years with the sole purpose of cutting Medical Center on W. 25th between it to donate it to Wigs for Kids,” says Willis. Wigs for Kids provides Sackett and Trowbridge. The report Ohio Department of Education grant to fund after school and wigs for children who have lost their hair during cancer treatment. says once the building is completely summer programs at CMSD’s Louis Agassiz School rehabbed, it will also house the and places in our community. Horizon is a nonprofit organization headquarters for the MetroHealth The Ohio Department of To ensure the objectives to According to David Smith, providing after school programs Police Department, serve as home- Education announced on August improve grades, behavioral Executive Director, Horizon since 1978. Our afterschool base for the MetroHealth Flight unit, 19th that Westown Community problems and poor attendance Education Center, “Horizon is faculty will provide high quality and house a business incubator for Development Corporation (WCDC) are met, the leadership team excited to team-up with WCDC and 21st Century Learning Centers MetroHealth entrepreneurs. and its partner Horizon Education includes a fulltime site coordinator, Louis Agassiz School, which are programs focusing on reading The new development corporation strong and experienced partners. says it will “embrace the EcoDistricts Center have been selected to literacy and math tutors that use continued on page 5 approach to building and rehabilitat- receive a 21st Century Community assessments and grade card data ing neighborhoods.” On its website, Learning Centers (CCLC) grant to to track individual student progress PLAIN PRESS: TO ADVERTISE CONTACT ED TISHEL AT: CCH Development Corporation benefit a Cleveland Metropolitan monthly and quarterly. [email protected] describes the EcoDistricts approach School District (CMSD) school, Rose Zitiello, Executive Director as “a more integrated, diverse and Louis Agassiz located at 3595 of WCDC states that “an important holistic pathway to development. Bosworth Road. component of the community EcoDistrict neighborhoods are peo- The Department received 244 engagement work with the students ple-centered, resilient, economically applications and awarded 34 grants and families will include community vibrant and environmentally sustainable. Public-private-civic part- of which two are in Cuyahoga partners such as the City of nerships are essential, and multiple County. The grant amount is Cleveland, First District Police stakeholders are empowered via $850,000 and is the only grant Community Engagement Officers, collaboration and governance. Prog- that will benefit a CMSD school. Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s ress and performance are guided Programming will cover a five-year Hogar Consuelo Program, the and measured by a comprehensive period to support an after school Cleveland Public Library and arts & roadmap, with transparency at every and summer programs from 2019 culture organizations.” step.” -2024. The two improvement focus Personal safety programming will In a March 9, 2018 update to areas are student achievement include specialized age appropriate Cuyahoga County Council’s Eco- education on topics related to nomic Development Committee, and school climate. The evidence- MetroHealth Senior Vice President based programming uses common prevention of rape, sexual abuse, of Campus Transformation Walter core aligned lessons in math, healthy relationships and where Jones and MetroHealth’s Director language and literacy skills to seek help. The grant provides of Economic and Community Devel- delivered in a positive learning an opportunity to offer field trips opment Jim Haviland said, “EcoDis- environment with individualized that inspire and support global tricts are the new gold standard for small group tutoring and homework education, explore diversity, culture community development across the assistance. and connections between people country. And ours will be the first certified district in the world to be anchored by a health system.” CCH Development lists its staff as Executive Director James Haviland and Project Coordinator Greg Zuc- ca. Board members include Metro- Health Chief Executive Officer Proudly serving the Ohio City community Akram Boutros, M.D. who serves featuring: as President of the CCH Develop- • Private Rehabilitation Suites • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies • Short-Term Rehabilitation Services • Complex Wound Care • Hospice Care • Respite Stays

3600 Franklin Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44113 216-651-1600

www.lhshealth.com 4 Plain Press • September 2019 Press by Chris Dickey of Near West factory later was run by Hugo Boss Neighbors in Action titled “What’s and then closed. Today the building Pick-N-Pay up to now?” describes has been rehabbed and serves as the issues of concern at the time. home of Menlo Park Academy – a Unique Thrift store was also located school for gifted children. in the building for many years prior The riders of the #22 bus also to the current tenant, Planet Fitness. enjoyed a treat as they road by the The stretch of Lorain Avenue from Laub Bakery in the 4900 block of W. 25th to W. 45th contains has a rich Lorain Avenue where the air was history of social service and non- filled with the odor of freshly baked profit organizations. Organizations goods. Today the site is the home of along this stretch include Ohio City Urban Community School. Inc., West Side Catholic Center, The Zone Recreation Center at W. th Providence House, McCafferty 65 and Lorain Avenue has its own origin Health Center, Catholic Worker, and story, some of which is chronicled in the pages of the Plain Press. A December the Spanish American Committee. 21, 1977 article by Larry Bresler titled Also located on this stretch of Lo- “$1.5 million set for NWS Rec. Center” rain Avenue is Trinity Evangelical reported that City of Cleveland Com- th Lutheran Church on W. 30 and its munity Development Director Norm various ministries and St. Ignatius Krumholz committed to $1.5 million in the High School’s Arupe Center, also 1978 city budget to build a new near west on W. 30th south of Lorain Avenue. side recreation center. Bresler, today the The front page of the November 4, director of Organize Ohio remembers the organizing efforts that led to the commit- 1986 Plain Press has stories about ment. (See SIDE BAR below) events on Lorain Avenue. A photo on Lorain Avenue also has a scattering the page features Chris Dickie, Paul of antique stores in its midsection. Suite Hurst and Hope Searight of Near Lorain at 7105 Lorain Road is also called West Neighbors in Action holding a “vintage department store,” stocked with all sorts of items for some 28 years. PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN up a sign that say, “Honk for Traffic The largest collection of antique stores Sunday, August 4, 2019; Puerto Rican Festival, Roberto Clemente Park, Seymour Avenue & W. 38th, Home Light.” They are standing on the corner of W. 32nd and Lorain Avenue on the street is found inside the Bijou Depot Booth: Aleyshka Feliciano, age 6, builds a picture frame with the help of her Grandmother Maria Antique Gallery at 7806 Lorain or nearby. in front of the Miller Building where Roman, her mom Keyshla Perez, and Home Depot staff member Samone Starling. While many historical buildings along the office of Near West Neighbors in Park project to be a community Side Market to buy and sell some of Lorain Avenue have been lost to time, Action was located at the time. The some of that loss can be attributed to MEMORY LANE effort” by Richard Thomas in the the most decadent foods in Cleve- group was not successful in getting construction of Interstate 90, which tore continued from page one October 23, 1984 Plain Press de- land. Just a few blocks west on W. a path through the neighborhood and th the traffic light at that time, but the scribes one such effort. The article th Avenue who closed his business as 30 and Lorain Avenue, 1,500 of busy intersection which has a fire under Lorain Avenue at about W. 89 describes the winning design cho- a result of loss of traffic due to the Cleveland’s brightest young people station and the West Side Catholic Street and Clark Avenue. From the sen out of nine finalists competing bridge closing; and J. Atkin, manag- attend the esteemed St. Ignatius Center has a traffic light now. mid-1960s to 1978, the part of Interstate to design the park. The design, by 90 running from the Ohio Turnpike in er of Stork Baby Furniture at W. 32nd High School, rated the best Catholic The November 4, 1986 front page Environmental sculptor Carl Floyd, Lorain County to Interstate 71 was built, and Lorain Avenue, who recalled the High School in the Cleveland area of the Plain Press also contained called for all parts of the design to be for the 2019 school year. opening on Nov. 4 of 1978 and reducing when the Lorain Carnegie Bridge an article titled “New center helps the east-west traffic on Lorain Avenue. covered with ceramic tiles. Neigh- A photo on the front page of first opened in the 1930s. women support women.” The arti- Before the automobile came to dominate borhood residents and community Across W. 25th Street from the the September 25 – October 8, cle by Claire Farnsworth describes transportation in Cleveland, Lorain Ave- organizations were to contribute the West Side Market is Market Square 1984 issue of the Plain Press cel- the opening of the new West Side nue provided a street car route, with a creation of the tiles. Park which has experienced several ebrates the ribbon cutting for the Women’s Center at 4209 Lorain turnaround at the Cleveland Railway Co. On the Northeast corner of W. th redesigns over the years. A front- rehabilitation of the Miller Building Avenue across the street from the W. 98 Street, then called Wellington. 25th and Lorain Avenue shoppers nd page article titled “Market Square at W. 32 and Lorain Avenue. The McCafferty Health Center. The One resident of the area recalls playing softball in the fields of the “construction and vendors convene at the West rehabilitation carried out by Near Women’s Recovery Center, now West Housing Partners and Near site” that was to become I-90 near at W. located on Storer Avenue, has its th West Housing Corporation was to 80 and Grace Avenue. roots in this center which opened in Going west from Zone Recreation provide apartments for low income 1986 on Lorain Avenue. Center, Lorain Avenue has a number of residents and a center for Hispanic In the 1970s, individuals riding the long-established businesses including Senior Citizens. Near West Housing #22 Lorain Avenue bus eastbound in Loraine Surgical Supply in a building th Corporation later was merged with the early morning included women on the Northwest corner of W. 65 and Ohio City Development Corporation who worked sewing clothing for the Lorain that has a long history and housed doctor’s offices in its upstairs in the to form what today is Ohio City Inc. Joseph & Feis factory just south Where Lorain Avenue intersects rd of Lorain Avenue at W. 53 . The continued on page 8 with Fulton Avenue, a former bank building at 3500 Lorain Avenue sits Community effort led to creation of Zone Recreation Center across from a Marathon gas station The Zone Recreation Center at and his people to discuss the rec- and a Planet Fitness. The building at W. 65th and Lorain Avenue has its reation center and where it would 3500 Lorain in addition to originally own origin story, some of which is be located. An old private gym at serving as a bank, for many years chronicled in the pages of the Plain between 30th and 32nd and Lorain served as an antique shop called Press. A December 21, 1977 article on the South side of the street Antiques at the Bank. More recently by Larry Bresler titled “$1.5 million was one site proposed. It was the building became the Green Bank set for NWS Rec. Center” reported determined to be too expensive to Building with a number of environ- that City of Cleveland Community rehabilitate. Another site proposed mental groups being housed in the Development Director Norm Krum- was the Kentucky Garden on W. building which offered many green holz committed to $1.5 million in the 38th between Bridge and Franklin – features including use of geother- 1978 city budget to build a new near residents resisted the idea of giving mal heat on the first floor. While the west side recreation center. Bresler, up the garden. Bresler said finally environmental groups have moved today the director of Organize Ohio, organizers came up with a plan for on, several nonprofit organizations remembers the organizing efforts what they believed was the ideal still call the building home, including that led to the commitment. site – a site at W. 65th and Lorain Organize Ohio. While you would Bresler says in the early 1970s Avenue that had been cleared for not know it by looking, there was a group called the Near West Side freeway construction that the com- once a theater sitting where the Recreation Coalition was heavily munity opposed. They proposed the Planet Fitness is located today. The involved in trying to get a recreation site to the Kucinich administration Lorain-Fulton Theater was built by center for the neighborhood. He said as serving two purposes – first – it Thomas Urbansky and his family the Ralph Perk Administration had had a lot of land for the recreation and was known as a theater free stonewalled them. In 1977, Perk center and second -- building on the of gaudy decorations which were lost in the primary and Ed Feighan site would forever block efforts to common at the time. Being located and Dennis Kucinich were facing off extend I-71 from Denison Avenue to in what was known to be the busi- in the general election. Bresler, who the Shoreway. Bresler recalled that ness district, the theater with rose was a VISTA (Volunteers in Service Kucinich loved the idea. and gold carpets on the inside was to America) Supervisor at the time, Bresler said, George Voinovich, often thought to be a bank from its said mostly VISTA workers helped who was Lieutenant Governor at the outward appearance. organize a meeting at St. Stephen’s time, supported the idea and helped The theater’s first showing, Wid Church on W. 54th to get both candi- to get the State of Ohio to set aside Gunning’s “What Do Men Want?” dates to answer questions from the part of the land for the recreation was played on Christmas Day of community about getting a recre- center. Bresler said residents then 1921 and the theater continued ation center. Bresler, who remem- met with architect Robert Madison operating into the late 1940’s before bers the event like it was yesterday, and he put together a plan for the eventually being demolished. says 300 to 400 people showed up recreation center people wanted. For many years, the site was at the event. He said, Feighan, who The recreation center eventually home to a Pick-N-Pay grocery store. was from the neighborhood said he opened in 1982 when Voinovich was After the grocery decided to close in would like to see the recreation cen- mayor and was named after the late 1985, there was an organizing effort ter happen, but due to the financial Councilman Michael Zone. Bresler by Near West Neighbors in Action to condition of the city, he could not speaks of the ten years of meetings, try to get the building owner to lease make a commitment. Kucinich said organizing and the work of residents the store to another full-service to thundering applause, “You want committed to getting a recreation grocery. Organizers also expressed your recreation center, you’ll get center for the neighborhood saying, concern that the Pick-N-Pay at W. your recreation center.” “there never would have been a th 98 and Lorain would also close. An A week after Kucinich was elect- recreation center without that kind article in the October 7, 1986 Plain ed, organizers met with Kucinich of effort.” September 2019 • Plain Press 5

growth. “Antique shops were the LABA was started two years ago LORAIN main attraction in the 1970s. Now when the job coordinator at the West continued from page one Lorain needs an entertainment area Side Multi-Service Center sought to to attract a bigger draw from the help local businesses provide more as McDonald’s and Woolworth’s – surrounding suburbs,” he said. jobs. Under the leadership of Edda because Lorain Avenue is looked The two approaches do not nec- Incarnacion, who pounded the pave- upon as a bad investment area. The essarily conflict, since there is room ment and did much outreach work vacant “Chuckie’s Chicken” building for both kinds of development. But to merchants, LABA at first did well, near West 50th and Lorain, which for the problem remains in attracting bringing 10-15 people into its weekly two years has sported an “opening businesses and keeping them afloat meetings. soon” sign, has almost become a once they move in. Unfortunately, LABA was a social symbol for the area. The area could be made more at- service virtually programmed to fail. The reputation is not a very fair tractive by cleaning up the litter and Only enough block grant money was one, however, because Lorain is vandalism evident along the street. provided to make the job coordinator still a major traffic route and it has Grassroots efforts can do the job position a part-time job, and only half enormous potential. The question is, there, according to Councilwoman of that time was spent coordinating how to develop it? Helen K. Smith. “The lot on W. 41st LABA. After two years, the funding One school of thought is to bring and Randall used to be an eyesore. ran out. LABA is currently in limbo, in small businesses that can serve But the neighbors in the area joined without an organizer. the local population. “We’ve got to efforts and put in shrubbery and It takes a lot more to pull together get more practical concerns,” said landscaped it,” she said. a successful business coalition. Brad Shimp, who until recently was Furthermore, there are govern- Both OCRA and the Tremont Area the commercial coordinator of the ment programs available to small Business Association (TABA) have Ohio City Redevelopment Associa- businesses for renovation, Smith full time staff coordinators. They tion (OCRA). “Because most people said. Up to $7,500 in low interest became such active organizations around Lorain rely on low and fixed loans are available for painting because they were spearheaded incomes, Lorain should have more and window replacement. “Lorain by a few merchants who devoted grocery stores, laundromats, and between West 25th and West 45th is energy and enthusiasm. They offer clothing stores. Something big like part of an OCRA target area,” she crime prevention and storefront K-Mart could never make it here said. “Money is available for anyone renovation programs, organize fes- because this area hasn’t the money who needs it.” tivals, and act as advocacy groups to offset constructions costs.” for the merchants. The other school of thought is Councilwoman Smith suggests to bring in businesses that attract Lorain Ave. is a de- that LABA was not needed so much high volumes of consumers from pressed area, yet it has because it duplicated OCRA’s work. PHOTO BY NAVY SENIOR CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST GARY WARD the suburbs with more money to enormous potential. But even OCRA’s future is now in July 24, 2019; Jacksonville, Florida: Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class La- spend. Movie theatres, restaurants, doubt, even though it just held its Sean Rice serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for processing department stores, entertainment biggest annual event, Sunday at and maintaining medical records at Naval Hospital Jacksonville and Such self-help has gradually had businesses, and imported goods the Market. Shimp quit last month Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Jacksonville. Rice its effect over the last few years. stores are examples. because future funding for his job is a 2009 graduate of James Ford Rhodes High School. “We’ve had some luck,” Shimp says. Joseph Miller, an optometrist at was in doubt, and the one other Cleveland Native Serves at Naval Hospital Jacksonville 2620 Lorain says that such draws “When I first came to OCRA there staff-person, Lois Davis, leaves July by Dusty Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach will inevitably spur local economic were one or two calls a month for 31. OCRA is in limbo because there new business entries. Now we’re are no plans to replace them. (Jacksonville, Fla.) – A 2009 Florida State College at Jacksonville having two or three a week.” It may be left up to the Lorain Ave. James Ford Rhodes High School pursing a degree in health sciences. Ideally, Lorain Avenue merchants merchants to organize themselves, graduate and Cleveland, Ohio Naval Hospital Jacksonville and would work together to keep the if any have the time and energy to native is serving at Naval Hospital Navy Medicine Readiness and street clean, form a crime watch pull the others together. Jacksonville and Navy Medicine Training Command (MNRTC) Jack- program, lobby the city government Certainly, crime is an issue to be- Readiness and Training Command sonville deliver quality health care, to address their needs (such as gin organizing around: Gayer says Jacksonville. in an integrated system of readiness more police protection), coordinate her shop was broken into 15 times Petty Officer 3rd Class LaSean and health. Naval Hospital Jack- renovation, and do special street last year. She is thankful for the po- Rice serves as a hospital corpsman sonville includes five branch health projects like holiday decorations. lice, who caught most of the thieves, that is responsible for processing clinics across Florida and Georgia. But organizing efforts have had but a preventive crime program is and maintaining medical records. It serves 163,000 active-duty and only limited success. For starters, needed. Rice credits his hometown for retired sailors, Marines, soldiers, small business entrepreneurs are “Consumer and merchant security giving opportunities he would not airmen, guardsmen, and their fami- notoriously difficult to organize. are needed if Lorain is to attract have had otherwise experienced lies, including about 83,000 patients “Most businesses are already outside traffic,” Helen Smith said. that have helped in serving with the who are enrolled with a primary care doing all they can to survive. They “People have to know their cars will Navy. manager. don’t have time to give and it’s hard be safe in Lorain’s parking lots and “Growing up in Cleveland taught “I joined the Navy because I to coordinate meetings at times that they won’t be held up.” me how to work with a diverse group wanted to do something great and when everyone can come,” said Tina In the meantime, merchants are of people and work hard,” said Rice. not be a burden on anyone,” said Gayer, who runs Gayer’s Flower mixed in their feelings on Lorain “You can take the skills from there Rice. “I wanted to take care of my Emporium and who is also co-chair Avenue’s future. Some express and apply them in the Navy and responsibilities and make them my of the Lorain Avenue Business As- satisfaction with the way things are: that’s been very useful in my ser- own.” sociation (LABA) along with Paul “We’re making a living, and we’re vice.” Rice is currently enrolled at Fridrich of Fridrich’s Bicycle Shop. happy with the area. It doesn’t need Federal grant awarded to shore up Cuyahoga River at Irishtown Bend th any changes,” one told the Plain On July 25 , United States would close Irishtown Bend to ship Press. “I don’t care if a whorehouse Secretary of Transportation Elaine and barge traffic. The project supports moves in across the street as long L. Chao announced the award economic vitality by rehabilitating aged and failing infrastructure and thereby as I make money,” said another. A of a $9.02 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) preserving shipping access to the longtime merchant, who has seen grant to the Northeast Ohio Cuyahoga River’s channel. prosperity come and go, comment- The project generates regional safety ed, “When you’ve been here 50 Areawide Coordinating Agency benefits by preventing future hillside years there’s no way you run away. (NOACA) to rehabilitate aged and failures at Irishtown Bend and economic You’ve got to roll with the punches.” failing riverbank infrastructure benefits from avoided business loss in along the Cuyahoga River. The the event of a hillside failure. The project project includes the installation of demonstrates innovation through Support Our Advertisers! approximately 2,600 linear feet of sheet the implementation of a design-build They Support the Plain Press! steel bulkheads along the shoreline method for project delivery in addition to of the Cuyahoga Ship channel. This employing a competitive procurement stretch of deteriorating shoreline, which process to secure partners to execute is referred to as the Irishtown Bend, is the innovative financing strategy of a at risk of failure due to the existence of private crowdfunding platform. aged and damaged bulkheads, which LOUIS AGASSIZ about the efforts recognizing the need and potential improvement continued from page 3 to the health and education of our and math, youth development and students.”” parent engagement. The Louis ”I want to personally thank WCDC Agassiz School will also have and Horizon Education Center program support from our recently for partnering to create this new opened Horizon Education Center opportunity for our Louis Agassiz at the Triskett Rapid Station.” scholars”, said CEO Eric Gordon. Councilwoman Dona Brady, who “These partnerships are critical represents ward 11 states that parts of our students’ education “this is a welcomed opportunity for and I know they will benefit greatly the families and students of Louis from these new opportunities.” Agassiz. I can’t stress enough how For additional Information contact important this type of collaboration 216-941-9262 or Info@westowncdc. is to the neighborhood. I’m excited org. Plain Press: To Advertise contact Ed Tishel at [email protected] 6 Plain Press • September 2019 and the NRP Group plan to build Barber, Vega area just north of I-90 construction is underway for the 100 units of market rate housing along W. 25th Street.” new eleven floor hospital building for medical students working at Zucca says he heard that the which he said should be ready to MetroHealth and 80 units of market CCH Development Corporation ap- serve its first patient in the fall of rate housing available to the gen- plication for FHAct50 tax credits had 2022. The site for the new hospital eral public. Zucca anticipates the been selected to move forward in an building will front on Scranton Road 100 units of housing for medical early stage of the selection process. with Southpoint Drive to the north students will be filled by some of the It has not received final approval, and Eglindale Avenue and the Elis- 400 medical students working at the he said. An article in the August abeth Severance Prentiss Center for hospital on an annual basis. Zucca 2019 issue of the Plain Press by Skilled Nursing Care to the South. says sites for the market rate units Bruce Checefsky titled “MetroHealth Next to the hospital building on have not yet been finalized. holds Campus Transformation Plan the east, Abke said there will be a Zucca says that MetroHealth community meetings” indicates that central utility plant which will have transferred the ownership of the the total cost of the neighborhood emergency generators, boilers for development site for the affordable development projects will be $60 steam and hot water and cooling apartments (its parking lot) to CCH million. towers. The plant contains wells to Development Corporation. Zucca In addition to the housing and store diesel fuel. He said if the power says he is on loan from MetroHealth the multipurpose space, Zucca goes out automatic feeder switches to CCH Development Corporation noted some other amenities that will kick in the backup system. where he is serving as project MetroHealth plans for the neigh- Abke pointed out the new View coordinator. CCH Development borhood including wifi service for Road east of the central utility build- Corporation is a new development the neighborhood surrounding the ing site. The private hospital road corporation (see accompanying arti- hospital and parks planned for the was built by Turner Construction cle for more information about CCH MetroHealth campus. Long term and allows delivery vehicles, am- Development and the NRP Group) planning, he said, envisions a 12- bulances and employees to enter which Zucca described as more of a acre park just south of the new the hospital from the rear on View holding company rather than a fully affordable apartments on the site Road while the public will use the functioning neighborhood develop- of the current outpatient clinics. The front door on Scranton. View Road ment corporation. Zucca says CCH site lies between MetroHealth Drive stretches from Valentine Avenue to has a board of trustees that meets and Southpoint Drive between W. the south, goes behind the hospital regularly. 25th and Scranton. The plan calls and winds around the Elisabeth Sev- As part of the funding for the for the outpatient clinics to move erance Prentiss Center for Skilled affordable and market rate housing to the current site of the Elisabeth Nursing Care to Scranton Road. planned for the Campus Transfor- Prentiss Center for Skilled Nursing Ambulances coming from I-71 will mation, Zucca says CCH Develop- Care further south on Scranton on be able to go directly to the south ment Corporation has submitted an the east side of the street. end of View Road and follow that PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN FHAct50 target-area application to Zucca says MetroHealth is work- to Southpoint Drive where they can Thursday, August 15, 2019; Open House, MetroHealth Medical Center, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency ing closely with CCH Development access the Critical Care Pavilion. 2500 MetroHealth Drive: Jonny Fine, Director of the City Life Center, for use of $1 million in Internal Reve- Corporation, MetroWest Develop- Ambulances can also enter and exit takes a virtual reality tour of the new hospital building. nue Service federal tax credits. Zuc- ment Corporation, and Council- View Road via Valentine Avenue. ca says $1 million was the maximum woman Jasmin Santana to develop A drawing of the future hospital The first floor of the apartment amount an organization could apply a master plan for the neighborhood. mounted on the window of the park- METROHEALTH building will have a 5,000 square for in 2019 tax credits in the target He says requests for proposals to ing garage shows the new hospital continued from page one foot multipurpose space, said Zuc- area. He says the FHAct50 program help develop the master plan have building connecting with the existing affordable to families having income ca. The space will house a work- allocates $3 million dollars in federal gone out. The area for the master Critical Care Pavilion. Once the new between 30% and 80% of the area force development and economic tax credits to the target area over a plan he described as the entire Clark building is up and running plans call median income. The area is defined opportunity center. MetroHealth three-year period. Fulton statistical planning area, plus for the current Metro twin towers as the Greater Cleveland area, so plans to partner with Cuyahoga An article in the June 2019 is- part of the Brooklyn Centre statisti- to be demolished to make way for the median family income for the Community College (Tri-C) to offer sue of the Plain Press titled “Pilot cal planning area north of I-71 and green space. Abke says Turner Con- entire area is higher than that of job training on the site for potential program calls for investments to part of the Tremont statistical plan- struction Company’s part of the new Cleveland alone, said Zucca. He hospital employees, said Zucca. establish Clark Fulton as a mixed ning area west of I-71. He says one hospital construction is budgeted at said the Greater Cleveland area’s Having the Tri-C program in the income neighborhood” describes goal of the master plan is to create $430 million. He said this does not median income is about $70,000 per new building will allow State Trained the FHAct50 program as a pilot a mix of commercial enterprises to include equipment and furniture that year. So, the affordable housing is Nursing Assistants to do their train- program that will use federal tax provide service to the community. will be placed inside the hospital targeted to families making roughly ing right next to the hospital, he credits to create affordable housing Bird’s Eye View after construction is complete. Abke between $23,000 and $55,000 per noted. MetroHealth already has units that will be matched one for Guests at the Open House were of- noted Turner’s experience in build- year, said Zucca. high school students from Lincoln one by market rate housing units fered visual tour of the construction ing hospital buildings which includes The new affordable housing would West attending classes in the Ram- built at the same time in the same site of the new hospital building led several buildings for Cleveland Clin- include one, two, and three-bed- melkamp building on its campus, neighborhood. The article describes by Turner Construction Company ic. He talked about the importance of room units, said Zucca. He said says Zucca. He said 25 students the target area for the FHAct50 tax Senior Project Manager Jeffery V. incorporating backup utility capabil- rents would range from $350 a just graduated from the program and credit funding as the “Clark Fulton Abke. Viewing the construction site ity into the construction plan so that th th month for a single bedroom unit to 100% of the graduates have moved neighborhood from W. 25 to W. 44 from the seventh floor of the new it will kick in automatically if power $750 per month for a three-bedroom on to post-secondary education with most of the neighborhood lying View Road Parking Garage, Abke from the grid goes down. unit. The new apartment building is programs. South of I-90 except for the Queen, pointed out the site below where projected to open sometime in 2021, In addition to the affordable units, several overlapping community and said Zucca. MetroHealth, CCH Development CCH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION economic development districts continued from page 3 are now targeting the Clark Ful- To Advertise contact Ed Tishel neighborhood, with the goal of Plain Press: ton neighborhood. These include mixed-income housing that inte- providing economic growth for cur- at [email protected] Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson grates community development and rent residents while attracting new Administration’s Neighborhood workforce training. This is a winning citizens. This investment and the Transformation Initiative; the neigh- combination that creates pathways development of a mixed-use com- borhood is also designated as a to opportunity for the entire commu- munity aligns with my Neighborhood Federal Opportunity Zone; and the nity.” Transformation Initiative and builds Ohio Housing Finance Agency has Cleveland Mayor Frank Jack- on a shared commitment to improve designated the neighborhood as an son, also in a released statement quality of life and create more sus- FHAct50 investment zone eligible says, “The City of Cleveland and tainable neighborhoods.” for federal tax credits for a mix of MetroHealth are making significant In addition to the area targeted affordable and market rate housing. investments in the Clark-Fulton by CCH Development Corporation, The Hispanic Business Center has been working with community partners to create La Villa Hispana along the W. 25th Street Corridor north of MetroHealth. The Metro West Community Development Organization website describes the collaboration on the project thus: Metro West CDO, in partnership with the Hispanic Alliance, Inc., Hispanic Business Center and Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, MetroHealth, Ward 14 Councilwoman Jasmin Santana, Tremont West De- velopment Corporation and Cleveland Neighborhood Progress continue to develop La Villa Hispana. La Villa Hispana is an enclave of Clark-Fulton and the cultural and economic hub of the Latino community in Cleveland. Conceived by community stakeholders many years ago, the initiative has developed a comprehensive plan to celebrate the diversity of our community through community development, arts and culture, and economic development. Editor’s Note: Jim Pelikan contributed to research for this article. September 2019 • Plain Press 7 FASHION Want to Recreate the Latest Runway Fashions for Less? Shop Thrift! try something on in the aisles. Location is everything Shop in high-end neighborhoods and you won’t be disappointed by the massive amount of design- er cast-offs, vintage pieces, and expensive garments donated by people with great taste in fashion and the most stylish clothes. Go early, and take a snack. Thrift shopping is a sport and is to be treated as such. Get there early or you will be left with the picked through leftovers and declare it a fashion fail. Most stores open super by Silk Allen early in the morning, especially on Nothing excites me more than their sale days, so check the website seeing the latest fashion trends or call the store to find out. Also, hit the stores in September. The bring a bottle of water and some sort problem is, if you are anything like of granola bar, nuts or anything to fit me and the new season’s fashions in your bag because shopping can spark joy (Marie Kondo be damned make you hungry. PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN lol) fall shopping can become a very th Throw it in the cart now Thursday, August 8, 2019; Waverly Elementary School, 1805 W. 57 Street: The new Waverly School is expensive sport. So that’s where Immediately claim whatever open and ready to receive K-8 students. knowing the ins and outs of thrift catches your eye because by the shopping come in handy. With lots time you turn around to go back bright hues and prints that you can’t Home EC in high school--- then go the best) website or blog and then of patience and a loose plan, you and get it- I guarantee someone find in stores today. If you wear tons ahead and get the other one. It’s not take the time to recreate a thrifted can recreate looks straight from will have snatched it up without a of black, load up with more black, but a great deal, or look, if the items just fall runway look of your own. the runway, or build a closet full of second thought. Don’t play yourself in rich textures. Scared of too much sit in the back of your closet. Email me ladysilk@thehouseoffly. with photos of your fabulous fall essentials and classic pieces by second-guessing when you can too soon? You can’t go wrong with I won’t tell you what to buy, but com thrifted fall outfits and for less than the price of a week’s always put the item back if it doesn’t a festive print scarf... I will say that you can’t go wrong you may be worth of Starbucks coffee. Read on work out. Check the garment thoroughly with blazers, jackets, print dresses, featured in the Plain Press. If you as I share my top ten thrift shopping Try on everything and Watch out for stains, rips, and jewelry, and scarves, and don’t for- are open to thrifting but if it still tips with you... think outside the box odors that may have been set for get to check out the shoe selection overwhelms you, I have a super Go with an open mind Concern yourself with fit, not size. years. Look under the arms, inside too. I challenge you to study my affordable thrift shopping service This is the one time that I will Sizing was different 5, 10, 15, and the item, check the back and inside tips, scour your favorite September that allows you to come in and suggest shopping without a list. It’s a 20 years ago and you can’t really go and see what you are working with. issue fashion magazine (Vogue, walk straight to the fitting room proven fact that when you have your with what is written on the tag. Be- Some stains can be removed using Harpaar’s Bazaar and InStyle are where a rack of pre-pulled clothes mind set on finding a black blazer, sides, you may want that cardigan a mix of solutions or dry cleaning, will be waiting for you. Interested? for you will find everything except for to hang in an over-sized way, or that many odors can be lifted with Email [email protected] BUSINESS DIRECTORY more info that blazer. Don’t limit yourself with jacket may become the perfect vest something as simple as vinegar and . a list. But, set a budget and stick to if you cut the sleeves off. If a dress sunlight, and if you are handy with Insurance it. has an elastic waist, with the right a sewing machine, or needle and Dress appropriately tailor, could potentially be a shirt thread, then a small hole or missing PLAIN PRESS TO ADVERTISE CONTACT Wear something that you can and a skirt set for the price of one. button won’t stop your flow. easily slip a shirt, dress, or skirt Also, cotton fabrics + RIT dye = all Edit down your selection ED TISHEL AT: over, preferably a tank top and new possibilities! Narrow your choices down to [email protected] pieces that you can’t live without, fit leggings or even a tee shirt and Experiment with bold prints, Accountant skirt. If it’s during the colder months patterns, colors, and fabrics you well and need no extra repairs. add a duster or light layers that can What is missing from your ward- If it comes down to two blouses that be quickly removed in case fitting robe? If you have a closet full of you love, but one has a loose but- rooms are packed and you have to solid neutrals, add pops of color with ton--- and you have not sat down at a sewing machine since they taught COMMUNITY BOARD can also connect you with free classes and programs for GED/ High School continued from page 2 Equivalency Prep, Adult Basic Literacy PLAIN PRESS CLASSIFIED: $10 open to the public. Donations accepted. and skills, technology training, and job for 12 words and 30¢ for each Rooms For Rent HOMELESS RESOURCES and career coaching. Or you can call 1-833.ASPRIE2 for information on these additional word. To advertise STREET CARD AVAILABLE ONLINE: count the words and mail a check The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the programs. SUPPORT GROUPS or money order with your ad to Homeless’s Street Card is now available th online at: www.helpinthecle.org THE GATHERING PLACE is a caring the Plain Press, 2012 W. 25 #500 IMMIGRATION community that supports, educates Cleveland, OH 44113. GLOBAL CLEVELAND in partnership and empowers individuals and families FLEA MARKETS/THRIFTS with United Church of Christ cordially currently coping with the impact of can- ST. PAUL’S THRIFT STORE: Attorneys invites all Faith Leaders, Immigrants, cer in their lives through programs and W. 45th and Franklin, Clothing, services provided free of charge. The Refugees, International Newcomers and bric-a-brac, household items and local citizens to attend an Interfaith Wel- Gathering Place East, 23300 Commerce Park, Beachwood, OH. The Gathering more. Open Wednesdays 1 to 5pm come Service and Luncheon on Monday ) September 15 at Noon at united Church Place West, 24523 Center Ridge Road, (regular prices First Saturday of of Christ Amistad Chapel, 700 Prospect Westlake, OH. For more information call Month 10 to noon store and Gym, Ave. E.. RSVP at: [email protected]. 216-595-9546 or visit www.touchedby- Bargain Prices, Clothes $1.00 a NEED IMMIGRATION HELP? Call 216- caner.org. bag. Third Saturday of Month 10 YOUTH 939-3769. Immigration legal services to Noon Store only, All unmarked Real Estate are available through Catholic Charities CLARK FULTON MYCOM COALITON racked clothes $1.00 a bag. at St. Augustine Towers at 7800 Detroit is a network of youth ages 5-24 committed to creating an environment to FOR RENT Avenue. Catholic Charities provides low PROPERTY OWNERS NEEDED: cost immigration assistance for appli- support and foster youth success in the cations filed with U.S. Citizenship and neighborhood. If you would like to join, If you are a property owner with Immigration Services and representation contact the Regional MyCom Coordina- nice, clean, reasonably priced apart- in Immigration Court. tor at 216-961-9073. ments, and are looking for tenants, MONEY MATTERS VOLUNTEERS please call Care Alliance at (216) WATER AND SEWER BILLS TOO GIRLTREK: a public health movement 372-2348 and ask for Jim Schlecht. HIGH? SEE IF YOU QUALFY FOR A for Black women and girls, is training FOR SALE LOWER RATE. CHN HOUSING PART- 3000 neighborhood captains to hold 1,000 walks in neighborhoods around the FOR SALE ALL NEW IN BOXES: NERS administers affordability programs Elkay stainless lifetime single and for Cleveland Division of Water and the country in 2019. To sign up to participate Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer System. email [email protected]. double sink, Thomas florescent To find out more call 574-7100. CASA of Cuyahoga County, a program of lighting, Gerber elongated toilet SERVICES Child and Family Advocates of Cuyahoga bowl, tank and cover, LED flush Auto Body DO YOU NEED HELP ACCESSING County, needs volunteers to advocate for mount light nickel and frosted shade. SOCAIL SERVICES AND WORK children who have been neglected and For more information call 216-939- SUPPORT? Cleveland Public Library abused. CASAs are everyday citizens 0100 and leave a message and staff are trained Benefits Navigators who who are appointed by the Court to advocate for the safety and well-being of phone number to call you back. can help you apply for food assistance, SERVICES medical assistance and cash assistance. children and represent the children’s best Library staff can help you navigate Ohio interests. CASAs are trained to investi- SLOT MACHINE REPAIR: Cleve- benefits viawww.benefits.ohio.gov . They gate, facilitate, advocate, and monitor land West. Call for details. 216- can assist you preparing to call The one or two cases at a time to help the 303-4789. Contact Center at 1-844-640-6446 for Court make the best decision for a safe, SUBSCRIPTION TV real-time eligibility and case changes caring, and permanent home for children STREETS MOS SUBSCRIBE: on Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 involved in the juvenile justice and child STREETSMOSTV: YOUTUBE. p.m. The library staff can also help you to welfare systems. Those interested in COM/STREETSMOSTV ¥ Inter- fax benefit applications and documents becoming a CASA, please visit cfadvo- views • HoodNews • Music • Life- Free to any Cuyahoga County neighbor- cates.org or call 216.443.3377 for more hood family service center. Library staff information. style • 216-633-1078. 8 Plain Press • Septembr 2019 West Side Catholic Center’s Ohio City Pizzeria offers second chances by Colin Murnan “Because it’s new, because we’re is the kind of success the West The West Side Catholic Center not in the restaurant business, we’ve Side Catholic Center is looking to has partnered with EDWINS Leader- sought out a partner who knew what replicate, as they are bringing those ship and Restaurant Institute to take they were doing. We partnered with from the Center over to the Pizzeria over and run Ohio City Pizzeria. The EDWINS to do the training, to be our to help them get jump started back Catholic Center had been in talks consultants for the first year.” into the work force. about buying the restaurant for eight The institute, run by CEO Bran- “It would be difficult to get that next to ten years, but the opportunity don Chrostowski, trains formerly job for various reasons,” Frank Jo- never came to fruition until now. On incarcerated individuals and helps hanek said, “and so this gives them July 19th, the restaurant opened at them hone their skills and get jobs a chance to work, to feel good about 3223 Lorain Avenue, displaying a re- in restaurants all over Cleveland. themselves, make some money, im- vamped menu and interior, complete Their website states (https://edwin- prove their resume, and gain some with mellow light and a darker, more srestaurant.org), “We give formerly valuable skills.” inviting atmosphere that embodied incarcerated adults a foundation in Even though the work is tempo- a classier look rather than the more the culinary and hospitality industry rary, Johanek knows how important original, old fashioned pizzeria. De- while providing a support network a job, even 18-35 hours a week, can spite all of the elegant changes, an necessary for their long-term suc- be for future employers. even bigger, more central part of the cess.” “We look at it as a transitional business has changed. It’s clear to see how motivated point, but roughly speaking a year, The West Side Catholic Center Chrostowski is by simply having a six months to a year, and if they’re taking over the business means conversation with him. While helping doing well, we can look at other that the pizzeria will not only be a out in the back kitchen of Ohio City options. Meanwhile, we’re right next place to serve great pizza, but also Pizza, cutting up vegetables and door, and they can check us out . . a place of second chances. Since dressing pizzas, he talked about his . we have a lot of leads here.” 1977, according to their website humble beginnings, being charged Johanek stressed the importance (https://www.wsccenter.org), “the with a crime in his teens that could of the Center’s mission, particularly West Side Catholic Center has of- have imprisoned him for years. He in Ohio City. fered hot meals, hospitality, clothing got off with a light sentence and “Our mission [is] really to lift those and household goods, emergency a new outlook on life, deciding to people up in the community that can services, advocacy, a family shelter, become a chef and earning de- often be disregarded. Especially in and a housing solutions program grees in both the culinary arts and an area now, that has undergone to those in need at no charge, business and restaurant manage- such redevelopment, it’s really im- regardless of religious affiliation.” ment from The Culinary Institute of portant that the whole community The Center was started in an act of America. From there he travelled to be involved.” compassion for those struggling in Europe where he gained valuable Even though Ohio City Pizzeria PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON poverty in the community. Several experience in French kitchens. He will bring people in for the food, it rd Thursday, August 15, 2019; Ohio City Pizzeria, W. 33 and Lorain churches came together with a plan returned to the United States and is also a place that practices com- Avenue: Ohio City Pizzeria General Manager Sean Paul brings pizzas to help these people get back on finally settled on Cleveland to start passion and responsibility for the from the kitchen out to guests. their feet. This is the first time the EDWINS. citizens its serving. also large and its teams at one time so Center will be running a restaurant Since its inception, the Institute Johanek summed it up best. dominated the Catholic Youth Organiza- for their nonprofit. Manager of Eco- has done impressively well at getting MEMORY LANE tion competitions that they were asked “Folks deserve a second chance, continued from page 4 to start a league of their own. For many nomic Opportunities Frank Johanek jobs for students of the program, and [Ohio City Pizzeria] really does rd understands the challenge of run- with at least ninety-five percent give people a second chance.” 1950s. At W. 73 and Lorain Avenue the years the parish ran a football and bas- ning a restaurant. employment after graduation. This site of the Social Security office was once ketball program open to children through- home to West End Lumber Company. out the area. The basketball program still Across Lorain Avenue a little further west exists today. The parish sold land on the is Ripcho Studio at 7630 Lorain which Southeast corner of West Boulevard and has been taking class pictures for gener- Lorain to make way for an A & P Store ations of Clevelanders. Ripcho sponsors but retained parking rights on the site for Needs Cleveland next door to its studios their parishioners in perpetuity. The site where Cleveland residents can pick up is now a CVS Pharmacy, but the parking gently used clothing. At W. 83rd and provision remains in the deed allowing Lorain Avenue is the Lorain Branch of the parish to use it for overflow parking the Cleveland Public Library which has when needed. served the surrounding community and In 2009, when former Cleveland its schools for many years. Bishop Richard Lennon tried to close Before the freeway, Lorain Avenue St. Ignatius Church, parishioners, former used to intersect with Clark Avenue at parishioners and residents throughout W. 88th Street where Tony’s Restaurant the Westside rallied to save the church sat on the triangle shaped land where from closing. The successful effort was the two streets met. The huge Watkins covered by the Plain Press. furniture store sat on the south side of Lorain Avenue has seen its variety of th th retail over the years. A Sears, Roebuck Lorain between W. 88 and W. 90 . That th site now has new housing with Clark & Co. store at W. 110 Street and Lorain Avenue addresses as Clark Avenue was was followed by a strip shopping center extended to W. 90th when the freeway with an assortment of shops, including, was built. at one time, a Finast grocery store and Other longstanding businesses in that a Blockbuster video store. The shopping area of Lorain Avenue from W. 90th to center remains with a different set of West Boulevard that have disappeared tenants today. include Fisher Fazio’s grocery store, Not far up the street, the Cleveland Michaud’s, Hollo’s Printing, Heyduk’s Christian Home for Children is one his- Flower Shop and Famous Cleaners. toric building on Lorain that still stands Rexall Drug, Cleveland Uniform and today and continues its original mission. Schindler’s Fabrics are examples of The building at 11401 Lorain Avenue was businesses that have continued serving designed by Architect J. H. MacDowell and built in 1924. The building is desig- PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON the neighborhood for many years. Thursday, August 15, 2019; Ohio City Pizzeria, W. 33rd and Lorain Avenue: Volunteers (L-R): Dan, Anne, In September of 2006 the West Side nated as a landmark by the Cleveland Community House (WSCH) moved from Landmark Commission. Terrie, Judy, Mary and Bob from West Side Catholic Center have lunch at the Ohio City Pizzeria. West W. 30th and Bridge to 9300 Lorain Ave- The home was founded by the Rev. Side Catholic Center is now operating the pizzeria as a full-service restaurant and a job training center. nue. Former WSCH Executive Director Henry Timme in 1900 when a family of To encourage business owners to make Support Our Advertisers! They support the Plain Press! Dawn Kolograf says WSCH was already children were left at the front door of his these renovations, Cleveland’s De- serving the immediate neighborhood home. Reverend Timme took the chil- partment of Community Developments through its senior center at Simpson dren in and word of his good deed soon provides financial incentives to subsidize Methodist Church at W. 86th and Clark spread around the neighborhood that his costs. Avenue which WSCH had operated house was a haven for all children. The Storefront Renovation Program since 1976. Kolograf says, “Most impor- Five years later, Timme would move has completed more than 70 projects to tantly the board and staff of the C-House from his home-turned-orphanage at date throughout Cleveland, with several felt it was important to be located where Broadway & Aetna Avenue in Cleveland projects taking place on Lorain Avenue. the agencies’ services were most need- to its current location on Lorain Avenue. In 2017, a run-down brick building was ed. Once we determined that the area The new home was originally fitted to renovated and now houses Forest City between West 65th and West 117th had house approximately 60 children before Shuffle Board. Lorain-Trickett Cycle and a growing poverty rate for both families being renovated in the early 1920’s to Fitness has also repaired the façade of and seniors and was not served by the accommodate 100. Today, the home its building in addition to new signage West Side’s other settlement house, cares for some 500 children struggling and a newly paved parking lot. Along Merrick House, we started looking for with mental illness, abuse and neglect. with six other projects on Lorain, these either an existing building or land to Before leaving West Boulevard/ improvements show Lorain Avenue’s po- Westown neighborhoods, Lorain Avenue tential to continue serving as an essential build on in that area. Then councilman th Jay Westbrook who was familiar with crosses W. 117 Street, the site of the route for Clevelanders. WSCH because of Simpson Senior Cen- Variety Theatre now being restored for Editor’s Note: As part of the lead up ter suggested we look at the site at the neighborhood use today. L o r a i n to the Plain Press’ fiftieth anniversary corner of West 93rd and Lorain. Cudell Avenue has been changing for more than in 2021, the Plain Press is publishing a Improvement had consolidated 3 parcels 100 years and will only continue in the series of articles on the main streets in and was looking for either a day care future. A driver of this future change will the Plain Press service area. The articles center or a community center to serve undoubtedly be the City of Cleveland’s were written by students in Plain Press the area, so it was a perfect match.” Storefront Renovation Program (SRP), Board Member Leo Jeffres’ journalism Prior to I-90, St. Ignatius of Antioch which began in 2015. class at Cleveland State University. Plain Catholic Parish at West Boulevard and The program aims to make Cleve- Press staff are adding information to the Lorain Avenue was the largest Roman land’s various neighborhoods and their articles from their memories, interviews, Catholic congregation on the West Side shopping districts become more aesthet- and articles and photos from the Plain of Cleveland. The parish’s school was ically appealing and economically viable Press archives. by renovating storefronts and signage.