FREE Volume 8 Number 8 take onAuguste 1, 2015 HEIGHTS OBSERVER read local. shop local. Published by

Written by volunteers for Cleveland Heights and University Heights • Read more at www.heightsobserver.org INSIDE Harvey Pekar honored with Coventry park 9 City honors James Henke Jim Brennan with ball field More than 100 people attended the dedication dedication of Pekar Park on Saturday, July 25. The newly named park— previously the Coventry Outdoor Courtyard—is at the intersection of Coventry Road and Euclid Heights 11 Boulevard, near the Grog Shop and Venues set for the Inn on Coventry. 2015 Heights Harvey Pekar, well-known au- Music Hop thor, music critic and media person- ality, lived in Cleveland Heights for many years, until his death in 2010. He frequently hung out on Coventry, and loved the neighborhood.

Pekar is probably best known James H e n ke 23 Joyce Brabner, Steve Presser and Suzanne DeGaetano in front of the new Pekar Park sign. Jamey for his graphic novels, including the Christoph autobiographical American Splendor, Village Special Improvement District Harvey Pekar banners, commis- wins illustra- which was released as a film in 2003; (CVSID) to get the park re-named. sioned by Brabner, and illustrated tion award it starred Paul Giamatti as Pekar and “My purpose was to bring this corner by Joseph Remnant, now hang on Hope Davis as his wife, Joyce Brabner. back to the kids,” she said. “I saw an lampposts in front of the park, and Brabner worked with the City of opportunity to return the corner to a sign engraved with Pekar’s name is Cleveland Heights and the Coventry a youth- and arts-friendly state.” continued on page 6 28 Last chance CH’s Ewing at the helm as Cinematheque Forum to address to vote for moves to new space Best of the potential future of Heights James Henke Severance Center The Cleveland Institute of Art Cin- ematheque, which The New York Vince Reddy Times called “one of the country’s best repertory movie theaters,” has FutureHeights will host a forum on moved to a new location. On July the future of Severance Town Cen- 30, the Cinemateque screened its ter—Reimagining Severance—on final film, “The Last Picture Show,” Oct. 21. The focus of the meeting will at the Cleveland Institute of Art’s be on the future of the shopping cen- (CIA) Aitken Auditorium, its home ter located within Severance Circle,

since 1986. As of Aug. 1, the Cinema- James H e n ke but its relationship with surrounding theque’s new home is CIA’s Peter B. Cleveland Heights resident John Ewing, director properties and neighborhoods will of CIA’s Cinematheque. Lewis Theater, at 11610 Euclid Ave. also be considered. The forum will John Ewing, a Cleveland Heights Cinematheque currently offers. “We take place at 7 p.m. at the Cleveland resident, was one of the founders of will show new films that otherwise Heights Community Center, 1 Mon- the Cinematheque in 1984, and still wouldn’t come to this city, and we’ll ticello Blvd. serves as its director. show classic films,” he said. “In ad- At the event, presentations on The new theater is a state-of-the- dition, we will continue to show the history of Severance and the art venue, featuring a 15-by-36-foot second-run films that didn’t get a current status of the foreclosure screen, and equipped with both a digital fair shake at the box office, and we’ll proceedings on the retail center will cinema projector and an HD projec- also show different film series that provide context for the discussion, tor. It offers a much-improved sound are touring around the country.” and information regarding how other system and better acoustics. The new The one new addition will be digital communities have rethought and, in theater also features cushioned seats, restorations of old classic films. The some cases, redeveloped or partially which the old theater did not have. Cinematheque will continue to bring redeveloped troubled properties like

FutureHeights FutureHeights Blvd. #105 Washington 2843 Heights, OH 44118 Cleveland Ewing said the programming will filmmakers, directors, producers and Severance will be provided. not be much different from what the continued on page 5 At the June 15 meeting of the Cleveland Heights City Council, Cleveland Heights residents monitor city’s search for water solutions Mayor Dennis Wilcox noted that the city has been working closely with Deborah Van Kleef Wilcox, Vice Mayor Cheryl Stephens, structure. the court-appointed receiver for the and council members Jeff Coryell, The city is attempting to trim center toward maintaining the value Approximately 40 Cleveland Heights Kahlil Seren and Melissa Yasinow. costs and raise income by auditing its of Severance and finding solutions for residents crowded into city council Council members Mary Dunbar and billing system, reviewing delinquent its problems. “One of the things that chambers on July 13, as City Manager Jason Stein were out of town. Flank- accounts, conducting its annual leak we discovered is that the note and Tanisha Briley presented a detailed ing Briley were Utilities Commis- survey and making repairs, reducing mortgage on the center have restric- update on the city’s troubled water sioner Colette Clinkscale and other overtime and seeking ways to save tions on the type of business that can department. Most in the audience city staff members. on purchasing and inventory. The go in there—very structured restric- sported stickers reading, “Public wa- In a presentation that lasted department also may begin to repair tions on the type of retail business ter? Yes!” created by writer and activ- more than one-and-a-half hours, and resell older water meters, which that can go in there,” said Wilcox. ist Joyce Brabner, and distributed by Briley reported on both short-term would reduce purchasing costs while “So, through the foreclosure process, Cleveland Heights Citizens for Safe, measures to curb financial losses, and enabling homeowners to save money. which is going on now, that note and Affordable Water. the city’s efforts to find long-term Briley indicated, however, mortgage will be sold, and it will al- Present at the Committee of the solutions to the water department’s that there was no way to stop the low a new buyer to maybe try and do Whole meeting were Mayor Dennis looming deficit and decaying infra- continued on page 8 continued on page 7

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 1 www.heightsobserver.org Opinion

Letters Policy The Heights Observer welcomes Nominate your neighborhood’s businesses letters to the editor. They must be submitted electronically, along with the writer’s name, phone number and e-mail address, to: www.heightsobserver.org/members or e-mail: for Best of the Heights [email protected]

ways to strengthen the commercial to promote it to their customers. HEIGHTS OBSERVER Opening The Heights Observer is a citizen-based news districts that lay between them. While Businesses can make copies of the source published monthly by FutureHeights, a the Observer other communities may have places ballot to display at their stores. nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to civic engagement and quality of life. where one can walk, our pedestrian- The ballot can also be accessed 2843 Washington Blvd. #105, scale, neighborhood-serving business online at www.futureheights.org by Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 districts—with restaurants, grocery clicking the Best of the Heights 216-320-1423 Copyright 2015 FutureHeights, All rights reserved. Deanna Bremer Fisher stores, coffee shops, bookstores, icon on the right-hand side. Future- Reproduction is forbidden without written permission. hardware stores, barber shops and sa- Heights can also send businesses PUBLISHER As I read through this issue of the lons—is one of the things that makes a link to use in electronic media Deanna Bremer Fisher [email protected] Heights Observer, I’m excited by living in the Heights so enjoyable. (it is important that we send the Editor-in-Chief how many residents are working One way to support these districts business the correct link because Kim Sergio Inglis to build community in their neigh- is to recognize the businesses that are there are safeguards that prevent [email protected] borhoods. On page 5, Susie Kaeser located in them and the contribu- residents from voting more than E-NEWS EDITOR Andrea Turner writes about the July 4 parade that tion they make to our local economy. once). Contact us at 216-320-1423 [email protected] she and her neighbors on Compton To that end, I would like to remind or [email protected]. ADVERTISING Road organized. On page 6, Brenda Heights residents to nominate their Business owners can purchase Bob Rosenbaum 216-401-9342 May writes about an impromptu favorite neighborhood businesses for additional tickets for $20 in ad- [email protected] public arts project that appeared in the Best of the Heights. vance, or $25 at the door, and resi- advisory committee her neighborhood just prior to the From now until Aug. 31, residents dents can purchase tickets to join Deanna Bremer Fisher, David Budin, Patti Carlisle, Susan Noble Neighbors Community-Wide can cast their votes for businesses in in the fun, too. This year’s party Christopher Riethmiller, Greg Donley, James Henke, Eleanor Mallet, Jewel Moulthrop, Vince Reddy, Bob Rosenbaum, Kim Open House last spring. On page 7, various categories—so you are sure will be held on Wednesday, Oct. Sergio Inglis, Richard Stewart Art Roby writes about an initiative to find a category that is appropriate 7, 6:30–9 p.m. at Tucker Hall, at Editors to support senior residents aging for each of your favorites. When a St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2747 Jamison Babb, Maryann Barnes, Deanna Bremer Fisher, Christine Brucker, Daniel Budin, David Budin, Greg in place by bringing a Village in the business receives a “vote,” the busi- Fairmount Blvd. Donley, Eleanor Mallet, Jewel Moulthrop, Vince Reddy, Heights to University Heights. ness owner receives one free ticket Our local independently Bob Rosenbaum, Kim Sergio Inglis, Clare Taft These are just a few of the to the Best of the Heights awards cel- owned businesses are what give webmaster Dan Ott initiatives that residents are work- ebration on Oct. 7. The celebration, the Heights its unique character. design and PRODUCTION ing on to strengthen their neigh- hosted by FutureHeights, is a lively They give us special places to walk Temma Collins, Diane Roberto borhoods. On social media, I see party. Tickets include delicious nib- to and enjoy. They provide goods DISTRIBUTION neighborhoods organizing garage bles, wine and beer, and music. Sure, and services that we need. When Hannah Baldwin sales and block parties. Having just we’ll announce the winners—those we spend our money at these busi- The views and opinions expressed in this publiction do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of concluded the inaugural series of Fu- who receive the most votes—but nesses, instead of at a large chain the Heights Observer, its publisher and staff, or of tureHeights Community-Building all nominees will enjoy a chance to store, we know that more of our FutureHeights, its staff and board of directors. Workshops, with 14 participants, network with other business owners money will stay in our community, Seed funding for the Heights Observer gener- ously provided by the Cyrus Eaton Foundation, the and having launched a Neighbor- and be recognized by a grateful com- contributing to a stronger local Dominion Foundation, and the Katherine and Lee hood Mini-Grants Program to seed munity. economy. I hope to see you on Chilcote Foundation. Powered by the 9th Estate. fund neighborhood-based projects Voting for Best of the Heights is Oct. 7 to celebrate our local entre- About the Observer (applications due Sept. 15), I am easy. The ballot is printed on the last preneurs, and their hard work and encouraged by the ingenuity and re- page of this edition of the Heights dedication to our community. The Heights Observer is not an ordinary sourcefulness of Heights residents. Observer. Residents can help make newspaper; it is a nonprofit publication At our last Community-Building local businesses aware of the contest Deanna Bremer Fisher is executive for residents of Cleveland Heights and Workshop, several participants from by bringing a copy of the Observer director of FutureHeights and publisher University Heights. adjoining neighborhoods discussed to business owners and asking them of the Heights Observer. The Observer has no writing staff; it is written by you—the readers. Individuals throughout the com- munity decide what stories they want to write, then submit them for publication. Excerpts from Observer blogs Anyone in University Heights or Cleve- land Heights is welcome to contribute Read the whole story at blogs.heightsobserver.org regularly, occasionally or even just once. Is there something you think should Cleveland Heights nected charter school sponsors, also owes more than $3 million to the be covered in the Heights Observer? If Citizens Police Acad- resigns when exposed Cleveland Water Department, which sup- so, please write it on your own, or with emy filling 2015 class Things unraveled pretty quickly last plies water to Cleveland Heights through friends, neighbors or colleagues. Our In August 2014, the week for David Hansen, the director a “master meter” (i.e., Cleveland Heights volunteer editors will make sure it’s Cleveland Heights Po- of school choice at the Ohio Depart- pays for all the water it uses, and then ready to publish and contact you with lice Department inaugurated the ment of Education. On Tuesday, the distributes the water to residents for a fee any questions. Citizens Police Academy and accept- State Board of Education, dominated that it collects). If you’re writing a news article, it ed the first cohort of students. The by appointees of Republican Gover- With such large immediate expenses should be clear and factual. If you want Academy was part of Chief Jeffrey nor John Kasich, met and discussed the city is looking for ways to reduce the to express an opinion, submit it as a Robertson’s desire to deepen mutual why, as Ohio began to evaluate the short-term burden on residents. CH City letter to the editor or an opinion piece. understanding and regard between sponsor-authorizers of Ohio’s char- Council Member Jason Stein has kept Either way, make sure it’s about some- the department and the Cleveland ter schools, the test scores of stu- residents aware of proceedings through thing specific to our two cities. Heights community. He considered dents at online charters were quietly his blog. • To make a submission of any kind, go the Citizens Police Academy as an op- omitted—a violation of state law as Here’s the latest update, on a proposal to www.heightsobserver.org and click on portunity for citizens to learn about Republican chair of the state senate’s by the Cleveland Water Department to “Member Center” at the left. police training and police work, and education committee, Peggy Lehner, take over management of the Cleveland • For information about writing style, for the Department to hear citizens’ and Republican state auditor, Dave Heights water system: article length, etc., click on “Become perceptions about policing in Cleve- Yost, have both confirmed. . . . Cleveland Water has submitted a an Observer” at the left. For questions land Heights. proposed framework to begin direct that aren’t answered there, call the —Jan Resseger In 12 classes conducted over six service with Cleveland Heights. This FutureHeights office at 216-320-1423 or weeks, students covered nearly the is a positive first step. But, there are e-mail [email protected]. Update on CH water same material as the full-time cadets still important questions that will Articles to be considered for the system from City in the daytime Police Academy. . . . hopefully be answered sooner than September issue must be submitted by Council Member Ja- later. . . . Aug. 13. We publish some articles online —Bill Braun son Stein as they come in—and still consider them The water system in —Bob Rosenbaum [reposting a blog from for the next print issue. We also publish Ohio Regulator fa- Cleveland Heights is in need of signifi- Jason Stein, originally posted at council- an e-newsletter each Tuesday. vors politically con- cant repair, estimated at $20 million. It manstein.blogspot.com]

Heights Observer August1, 2015 2 www.heightsobserver.org Opinion East Cleveland’s challenges provide opportunities for a regional approach Goldilocks Evaluates Density Vince Reddy vested in municipalities by the Ohio Constitution or by general law.” 44118 OH Hts Cleveland 18530 Box P0 Times Funny from Reprinted SINGER BY ANDY CARTOON The daunting financial problems of Of course, Cuyahoga County is the City of East Cleveland are well not set up to provide many of the known. Mayor Gary Norton states services—such as fire protection or that the city has an annual budget garbage pickup—that are typically shortfall of $7 million, and State assigned to municipalities, but it Auditor David Yost sees the city’s fi- could contract for those services to nancial situation as the worst among be provided by other municipalities Ohio’s 251 cities. According to Yost, or private entities, and there are the city’s only options are bankrupt- some services, such as law enforce- cy, cutting deals with its creditors, or ment, that the county could perhaps merging with another city. provide directly. WWW.FUNNYTIMES.COM Because it borders only two It is realistic to approach East Provided by the funny Times, a cleveland heights-based business. other municipalities, Cleveland Cleveland’s difficult situation as a and Cleveland Heights, those cities regional rather than a local issue, not would be its only possible merger only out of fairness to East Cleveland partners, and, while East Cleveland citizens, whose municipal income Heights Observer 2015 local City Council President Barbara and property tax rates are among Thomas is on record as favoring the highest in the State of Ohio, but elections candidate policy bankruptcy, prevailing opinion— also because the problems stemming though not necessarily in East from one ailing municipality’s in- With the November election • During this pre-election pe- Cleveland itself—seems to be that ability to provide adequate levels of approaching, the Heights Ob- riod, all candidate contribu- annexation to the City of Cleveland services to its citizens are likely to server is publishing its policy for tions of news or opinion will is the most viable way to address spread beyond that one municipal- contributions by candidates for continue to be accepted for East Cleveland’s problems. In April, ity’s borders. local office. publication online at www. Norton began to lay the groundwork Cleveland is in a far better po- As a community newspa- heightsobserver.org. for annexation, a process that he sition financially than East Cleve- per staffed by volunteers and • Candidates seeking to place said could take up to two years—and land, but it has many problems committed to equal access for information in the August– considerable political effort—to and beleaguered neighborhoods of everyone, the Observer is unique November printed editions of complete. its own to deal with, and, in most among publications in providing the Observer may do so through Perhaps there are other possible ways, it already does the region’s opportunity for any member of advertising space purchased solutions to consider, some of which heavy lifting. Cleveland Heights, the Cleveland Heights and Uni- from the Observer. have not yet been widely discussed, East Cleveland’s other neighboring versity Heights communities to The Heights Observer and including having the responsibility for city, provides a much higher level of raise and discuss issues of local its parent organization, Future- providing municipal services to East services to its citizens but is facing interest. Heights, do not endorse candi- Cleveland taken over by Cuyahoga financial challenges of its own. The At election time, however, dates. County—an approach that could be possibility of having either of East this commitment creates a chal- more beneficial to East Cleveland, Cleveland’s neighbors provide it lenge in managing the finite less burdensome to Cleveland, and with certain municipal services is space that is available for com- could provide an opportunity to ex- certainly worth study and consider- munity members who are run- amine and improve, from a regional ation, but neither neighboring city ning for public office. perspective, our overall approach to would be well-positioned to pick up The policy, approved by the 216-371-5944 local government. the tab for providing those services, FutureHeights Board of Direc- • Slate and tile repairs & replacement The county taking responsibil- Uston• Custom copper flashings installed nor should either be expected to. tors, is designed to address that ity for providing a wider array of Many of the public ventures challenge. It states the following: • Gutters and downspouts installed services to local communities is • Chimney and step tuck-pointing that are successful in Greater Cleve- • The August-November issues • Flat roof specialists one of the possibilities that accom- land—Metroparks, RTA, CLEV- of the printed publication will MASTERCARD/VISA panied county voters’ decision to NET, for example—are regional in not carry any editorial contri- adopt a charter government in 2009. nature, and Cuyahoga County’s still- butions from known candidates Cuyahoga County was only the sec- nascent charter government pro- for office. ond of Ohio’s 88 counties to adopt vides us with another opportunity • During this pre-election pe- a charter government; the first was to work together as a region. The riod, Observer contributors who neighboring Summit County—home challenges facing East Cleveland, as are not running for office will to Akron—in 1979. well as numerous other communities produce any coverage of elec- Charter counties are different in Cuyahoga County and elsewhere tion issues. Uston Roof Restoration Inc. from the state’s other counties in in Northeast Ohio, are often too [email protected] that they have home rule powers, immense for those communities to much like a city, while non-charter address on their own. Help from counties are limited to the activi- Columbus is not to be counted on, ties specifically set out for them in so a regional approach to addressing the Ohio Constitution. Though these challenges is likely to be the Cuyahoga County’s charter pre- most effective and the most likely cludes it from imposing its municipal to benefit the entire region. powers on unwilling municipalities or townships, it explicitly notes that Vince Reddy is a FutureHeights board Cuyahoga County government has member and an 18-year resident of Cleve- NEW the power to exercise “any powers land Heights. STUDENTS First Week Unlimited Yoga $20

www.yogaroots.com 3459 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland Hts, OH (behind Paysage)

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 3 www.heightsobserver.org Opinion Geraci’s Restaurant Many tensions surround As seen on 2266 Warrensville Center Road University Heights, Ohio 44118 intradistrict school transfers Diners, 216 371-5643 Drive-ins 216 382-5333 award winning pizza and Dives www.geracisrestaurant.net sarah west school year to 70.4 percent in 2013– 14. Roxboro Elementary School’s, Every year, according to state law, however, dropped from 51.8 percent HeigHts frame & art parents may apply to their local to 44.7 percent in the same time pe- Custom Picture Framing school districts to secure their riod. Fairfax earned a D on last year’s children a place at a building in the performance index while Roxboro 2252 Warrensville Center Road district other than the one to which University Heights, Ohio 44118 earned a B. they would normally be assigned. 216-371-3711 Despite Fairfax having a lower Districts generally make an at- rate of gifted-identified students [email protected] tempt to accommodate requests. than other schools in past years, Enrollment at the requested school the district is developing a self- is but one factor to consider; the contained highly-abled program at Ohio Department of Education also that site for 2015–16. Fairfax families requires, for example, that districts with qualified students can now re- consider the racial imbalances that main in their home school instead could result from large-scale move- of requesting transfers to one of the ment into or out of a particular other programs at Boulevard or Rox- Picnic school. boro elementary schools. Whether Districts are not, however, Fairfax will see a positive return on Pickup! required to address other consider- that curricular investment won’t be ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ations, such as socioeconomic status known for some time. Make your next picnic a walk or gender. In Cleveland Heights- Ultimately, the root causes of in the park with Luna. Call in University Heights, the yearly in- your order & Luna will have why people seek intradistrict trans- your feast ready for pick-up. tradistrict transfer game can create fers must be frankly discussed. It • New! Cheese & Cracker tension that negatively affects every cannot merely be that parents who Baskets featuring locally- school’s climate. sourced artisanal cheese request them are selfish or disinter- from FarmShare. In this district, as in others, the ested in their neighborhood school. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ need to consolidate certain types of There is a problematic perception— 2482 Fairmount Blvd • 44106 services in one building is adminis- intentional or not, advanced formally lunabakerycafe.com tratively efficient. Phone: 216. 231. 8 5 8 5 or not—that privileges some schools But what about children who over others. No one wins with this are typically developing—for whom unspoken competition. there is no “special” educational Perhaps a new marketing strat- reason to transfer; no differentiated egy that highlights the features of learning needs? Should parents of each school building—its history in these children feel socially obligated the district, its unique school cli- to remain in their home school? In mate, its programming and its chil- doing so, they would appease a va- dren—would be a worthy campaign riety of stakeholders: other parents before the start of the term. SUITES AVAILABLE who feel betrayed by their peers Ultimately, some families may Shaker Heights for taking advantage of an “unfair” still opt to leave one school for an- Cleveland Heights policy, buildings that can be dramati- other, no doubt a highly considered cally impacted with a spike in free choice. They should not be shamed Lakewood and reduced lunch rates, schools or feel guilty. Modeling social em- Cleveland that have ballooning class sizes of pathy is as valuable as modeling struggling learners (or, conversely, school loyalty. Children learn from small class sizes largely comprised both. of strong learners), and school report cards that fail to meet performance Sarah West is Ph.D. candidate in urban • Large 1, 2 and 3 Bedrooms indices. For some parents, it can be education policy at Cleveland State • Walking distance to CWRU, difficult to decide where responsibil- Shaker Square and RTA University; a curriculum developer, • Refinished Kitchens ity to their own child ends and their instructor and programming specialist • Hardwood Floors responsibility to the community in undergraduate studies at Cleveland • Parking begins. • Laundry Facilities State University; parent of three CH- • Dishwasher and Disposal To illustrate this, Fairfax El- UH students at Canterbury Elementary ementary School’s economically School, a member of the Citizens’ Advi- disadvantaged percentage has risen sory Committee and 15-year resident of from 57 percent in the 2008–09 Noble neighborhood.

“All together sunny, spacious, superbly maintained Auto • Home • Life • Commercial Insurance and well For all your personal and located business insurance needs apartments!” An independent agent Representing multiple A rated carriers Dedicated to your unique needs CALL NOW (216) 421-8400 Rockefeller Center 12000 Fairhill Road Suite 203 3109 Mayfield Road Cleveland, OH 44120 Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 [email protected] 216-965-0646 www.montlackrealty.com www.KellerNational.com

Heights Observer August1, 2015 4 www.heightsobserver.org Opinion

ewing continued from page 1

other movie experts into the theater the Cinematheque was incorporated to discuss their movies. as a nonprofit organization and, the Ewing is also curator of film following July, started showing films at the Cleveland Museum of Art. at Case Western Reserve University. “There’s no real difference between “The Cinematheque became legiti- what I present at the art museum mate overnight,” Ewing said. and at the Cinematheque,” he said. In August 1986, the Cinema- “Sometimes at the museum the films theque teamed up with CIA. “We are programmed to complement an

S ue H i n kelma saw the Russell B. Aitken Auditorium A July 4 gathering of Compton Road paradegoers. exhibit there. Also, once I book the there, and it wasn’t really being used,” films at the museum, we are pretty Ewing said. So the Cinematheque Simple steps are significant set, while at the Cinematheque, if I took over the space. see or hear of a new film, I can always Initially, movies screened on schedule a showing.” Friday, Saturday and Sunday. That the common Ewing, 64, grew up in Canton. schedule has since expanded greatly, good Through shared experiences we At Denison University, he majored in and the Cinematheque now presents discover our commonality. We are English, and theater and film. In high about 250 movies annually, attracting no longer anonymous. school and college, he wrote movie re- about 18,000 audience members each Failure to grow these bonds views for the school papers. When he year. Susie Kaeser makes it easy to appeal to fear was a college senior, he spent the fall Ewing moved to Cleveland of the “other,” and to emphasize semester as an intern at the Museum Heights in 1983. He currently lives On the Fourth of July, my neigh- competition, privatization, getting of Modern Art in New York City. “I on Elmwood Road, and is married bors on Compton Road strength- what is mine, without worrying would stay late and watch movies at to Kathy Ewing, who teaches part ened the connections that fuel about the well-being of others. the museum,” he said. time at Cleveland State University commitment to the common good, Simple activities that build ap- When he returned to Denison, and writes book reviews for the Plain and it was nearly effortless. It took preciation for other people are he became the programmer of the Dealer. Their two children, Doug, just two phone calls, 15 minutes at the building blocks for making the college’s film series. “I decided I 33, and Margaret, 29, both attended the computer, a few text messages, common good a priority, but is it didn’t want to be a movie critic,” he Heights High. two seventh-graders delivering fly- enough to reverse today’s emphasis said. “And it was great being able to “I never considered moving to ers, two gallons of lemonade, and on private interest over the com- show movies that I loved.” any other suburb,” Ewing said. “I re- less than $20 for our street to come mon good? Public policies in many After graduating from Denison, ally appreciate Cleveland Heights’s together to celebrate. realms, including education, now Ewing took a job at the Stark County love of the arts and support of the At 9:30 a.m., car traffic ended push privatization. Civil society District Library in Canton, where he arts. I also like all of the neighbor- when the barricades delivered by is shunned in favor of profits. It is presented movies. He then moved to hoods and the different shopping the city (one of the phone calls) terrifying. the Canton Film Society and began areas, like Coventry and the Cedar made the street the domain of In a recent blog post, my showing films at the Canton Cultural Lee district. And, in addition to all bikes, dog walkers and strolling friend Jan Resseger quoted political Center. He remained there through of that, it’s convenient to University neighbors. Young people from the philosopher Benjamin Barber’s cri- 1983. Circle.” street and their friends gathered tique of privatization: “It dissolves The following year, he moved Ewing is optimistic about the in the Dooners’ backyard (second the bonds that tie us together. It north to Cleveland Heights and Cinematheque’s future. “The bottom phone call) to decorate bikes, puts us back in the state of nature took a job at the Cleveland Heights- line is that we show really good mov- strollers, wagons and dogs. At 10 where we possess a natural right to University Heights Public Library ies,” he said. “We’re pretty selective a.m., parade grand marshal Pat get whatever we can on our own, System, presenting movies at its Lee about what we show, and we are more Dooner led off on his 1948 fat-tire but at the same time lose any real Road branch. of a boutique operation.” bicycle with Carole Dooner bring- ability to secure that to which we Cleveland philanthropist George ing up the rear, patriotic music have a right. Private choices rest Gund came up with the idea for the James Henke, a Cleveland Heights resi- blaring from her phone. Suddenly on individual power. Public choices Cinematheque. Ron Holloway, a writ- dent, was a writer and editor at Rolling there was magic! Kids of all ages rest on civic rights and common er for Variety magazine and an Eastern Stone magazine for 15 years. He is also the were parading down the street, responsibilities and presume equal European film expert, soon joined author of several books, including biogra- streamers flying, as adults ambled rights for all. With privatization, his team, and then Ewing came on phies of Jim Morrison, John Lennon and behind with their dogs, and enthu- what we experience in the end is board as director. In December 1984, Bob Marley. siastic neighbors along the parade an environment in which the strong route stood at the curb to applaud dominate the weak.” them and make everyone feel spe- Democracy becomes a sham cial. After the parade, kids zoomed when the powerful are the only up and down the street while small citizens with rights. A Fourth of groups gathered along the route July parade that brings together a to chat. By 11 a.m., car traffic had neighborhood in common affection 8000 square feet of daycare and boarding! resumed and participants went on and support for its children is a with their Saturdays. simple affirmation of our common A lot happened in less than civic bond and a powerful antidote two hours. New residents met their to the narrative of private rights. I neighbors, elders like me got the am glad to see a renewed interest thrill of seeing exuberant young in neighborhood organizing, part people, and children enjoyed the of the Cleveland Heights tradition bliss of owning the street. The that engages citizens in owning parade created memories, com- their community and solving its municated neighborhood interest problems. It uses citizen con- in the lives of our children and nections and power to rekindle added to the fabric of life on our commitment to one another, the street. It reinforced connections common good and the rights of all. on our street that extend beyond We need vigilant citizen en- those that exist within our separate gagement, practiced every day, to houses. reinvigorate service of the com- Like it or not, we are interde- mon good as the driving purpose pendent. While it is easy to feel of public policy. It can’t end when powerless, each individual made a the parade ends. big difference by coming together for our bike parade. It feels great Susie Kaeser is a longtime resident of to belong to a community, and it Cleveland Heights and the former di- is comforting that neighbors can rector of Reaching Heights. She serves express their interest in others on the national board of Parents for by joining a 15-minute parade! Public Schools.

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 5 www.heightsobserver.org Opinion

pekar continued from page 1 like a Renaissance man. He supported mounted on one of the stone walls the arts, and I really respected him.” near the edge of the park. Three large At one point in their relationship, planters were removed from the side- Pekar told Presser he wanted to do a walks, to open up the space. “I wanted graphic novel about Big Fun and Dot- to roll back this courtyard to a golden tie’s Diner, which Presser also owned. era when people hung out here and The diner, located on Lee Road in read books and played music,” Brabner the space now occupied by the Katz said. “Harvey always hung out here and Club, was about to go out of business, practiced his stories here.” and Presser was trying to save it. “We The ceremony featured com- had breakfast together many times ments from Brabner; Suzanne De- at Tommy’s,” Presser said. “It was an da H . M ay Bre n da courtesy Gaetano, owner of Mac’s Backs incredible experience.” The book, bookstore; Steve Presser, owner of Big called Huntington, West Virginia: “On Fun toy store; and others. Cleveland the Fly,” came out in 2011. The section Heights Mayor Dennis Wilcox said, about Presser is called “Neighbor- Noble Neighbors: We are Home “This is a special and unique area, and hood Spark Plug.” Brenda H. May author, Reuben’s mom appreciated it’s appropriate to honor a person who Tommy Fello, who owns Tommy’s the power of a single word and would was special and unique. I’m proud that restaurant, said Pekar was a regular: In mid-April, an artistic message use this disappointment to help her Harvey was part of our community.” “He came into Tommy’s a lot. Some- suddenly appeared woven into the son learn a critical lesson about com- After the dedication ceremony, the times he would argue with other chain-link fence opposite the Oxford munication. Heights Jazz Group performed. Later, customers about politics and other elementay School driveway: “You Are Reuben came home from school a several people—including Cleveland- subjects. He would always order a Noble.” Our Noble communitywide few days later announcing that he had based cartoonist Derf; Carol Wal- plain falafel sandwich with a chocolate home and yard sale was coming up solved the mystery of the art vandals. lencheck, a librarian at the Lee Road malt. And he was really into jazz and soon and it certainly seemed that this They were fourth- and fifth-graders Library; and Cindy Barber, owner of old records. If you gave him a good display anticipated our April 26 event, who also attended Oxford elementary the Beachland Ballroom—told stories 78-rpm record, he’d be in heaven.” but no one from Noble Neighbors School and believed they were valiantly about Pekar. The evening ended with Rob Pryor, the general manager had considered including public art defending the Oxford neighborhood a showing of “American Splendor” at of Record Revolution, said of Pekar, in our mass communications strategy. with their misguided actions. the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park. “He bought a lot of records here. He Who knew the artists and what was Reuben still wanted to encourage Most longtime Coventry mer- really liked jazz, and he found joy in their intent? his classmates, so he and his mom chants remember Pekar from his the activity of looking at records and Early the next day, I saw that the considered a revised message. They frequent visits. “Harvey always sold buying records.” word Noble in the message had been reinstalled the perfect words: “We me his comics,” “It was an honor to dedicate this American Splendor torn to shreds and was littering the are Home.” DeGaetano said. “So when I needed space to Harvey,” said Angela Hetrick, ground. I returned home to fetch a “We are Home” proclaims the some, I’d call him, and he’d bring CVSID executive director. “We hope shovel and broom, and fielded phone sentiment we all share. This propels them by and sign them. This was his that future Harveys will find it to be a calls from city personnel and residents us to continue our efforts to improve commercial district, and it was one of warm and comforting space.” complaining about the mess, assuming this important Cleveland Heights the only bohemian neighborhoods in we were responsible for the artwork. neighborhood. Cleveland at the time.” James Henke, a Cleveland Heights resident, Remarkably, this simple public Public art has become one of Presser recalled, “He would fre- was a writer and editor at Rolling Stone art installation quickly became a focal the projects in the works. We hope quent all of the places on Coventry, magazine for 15 years. He is also the author point for the neighbors, although it to create focal points that declare and he was quite the character. He was of several books. was not yet a focus of pride or joy. our pride in our place and our joy in When I was finally able to return our journey through life together as to the damaged art, I found a young neighbors. We’re considering mu- mother picking up pieces of braided rals and sculptures, permanent and t-shirt strips that she and her second- temporary works, professional and Are your grade son, Reuben, had used to create student-led projects. the letters in the display. The family While Reuben’s installation is summer had moved here only a few years ago, nearing the end of it’s natural mate- and I asked the mom, “Are you aware rial life, it is still proudly proclaiming yard projects of the rivalry between Noble and a message worth rallying around. A Oxford schools?” I explained that, for second-grade boy and his desire to a long time, the city’s neighborhoods make his friends smile is inspiring not going had been identified by their local us to continue toward a hope-filled elementary schools. future. Come and join this project of as planned? Not only was she unaware, but “place-making” in our neighborhood. she and Reuben had also heard about It will be a truly Noble project. NOT READY FOR A YARD OR the efforts of Noble Neighbors to GARDEN MAKEOVER? Our landscape showcase our area. They had wanted Brenda H. May is one of the many Noble maintenance services give you to celebrate the efforts of the people Neighbors—residents who are finding the gradual upgrades you want, who live near Noble Road by using ways to uplift their neighborhood. Find without breaking the bank. the term, with its multiple meanings Let us show you how a few them at www.nobleneighbors.com and clever changes today will of place, character and event. As an join in our journey. enhance the way you enjoy your yard and garden tomorrow.

Lawn Lad. Passionately committed to making your yard and garden look their beautiful best.

www.lawnlad.com | (216) 371-1935

Heights Observer August1, 2015 6 www.heightsobserver.org LL_HOB_0814.indd 1 7/16/14 10:36 AM University Heights News Village in the Heights in development to serve local seniors severance continued from page 1 some new things or some things that Art Raby a healthy and active lifestyle, for as services to seniors and by provid- don’t fit into Severance right now.” long as they are able. Members have ing programming that its members Wilcox went on to state that the Aging in the year 2015 is very differ- access to a wide variety of no-cost want. The Village, as a grassroots, city, in cooperation with the receiver, ent from what it was a generation or low-cost services, transportation, member-directed, nonprofit orga- is working to expedite the process ago. Today, more people live well into home maintenance, health and well- nization, will operate with extensive of getting new ownership for Sever- their 90s, many seniors have some ness programs, information about volunteer commitment. ance, which would then allow for a form of a weekly work schedule, and numerous community services, as Village in the Heights is cur- viable plan for the center’s future. A even those who retire to their third well as local social and cultural con- rently vetting vendors and volunteers foreclosure sale of the note owed by act—the last two or three decades nections. to build its membership support Severance’s current owner is expected of their lives—strive to live fully and Villages are new to Northeast bundle. Numerous local businesses, in September or October. That sale vibrantly in their homes. Ohio, but have been in existence for community organizers and private would most likely be an interim step In Cleveland’s eastern suburbs, a more than a decade. The first one, foundations are in discussion with in the process of finding a long-term group of neighbors has been working Beacon Hill Village, started in Boston the Village’s development board to owner for the property. to establish a “virtual senior village” in 2002. With the number of Villages help create what will become the Planning for the redevelopment in University Heights. The organiza- growing nationally to 80 in just a few newest and most comprehensive Vil- of the 161-acre John L. Severance tion, to be known as Village in the years, the Village-to-Village Network lage in the United States, right here estate began in 1953, and Severance Heights, is now in high gear with was formed in 2008, as a resource for in Northeast Ohio. Mall, Ohio’s first automobile-era en- operational startup expected this fall. Villages in development and those For membership information, closed shopping center, opened there Membership for residents in Univer- already in existence. to volunteer, or for other inquiries, in 1963. The center went through sity Heights is open to anyone 65 or More than 150 Villages now op- e-mail villageintheheights@gmail. many changes and adjustments before older. erate in 42 states, with 120 currently com, or call 216-906-6240. being mostly replaced with the cur- The concept of a virtual village in development. Ohio currently has rent outward-facing strip center in is simple. Working with the idea of three other Villages, two in Columbus Art Raby is a longtime resident of Univer- 2000. aging in place, villages are member- and one in Athens. sity Heights, a member of Gesu parish, a In recent years, the center has ship groups that help older adults Village in the Heights will serve retired engineer and volunteer with Vil- lost several key tenants for vari- remain in their homes, maintaining its members as consolidator of local lage in the Heights. ous reasons, among them Borders, Walmart, Regal Cinemas and an IHOP restaurant, all of which had University Heights City Council come to Severance at the time of its most recent reconfiguration or soon meeting highlights thereafter. Notably, many viable re- tailers remain, including a Home De- JUNE 15, 2015 woman Pamela Cameron arrived after roll call able to do additional large street patching. pot, a Dave’s Market, some long-term Councilman Phil Ertel was absent. so was officially listed as excused. At least 20 streets need patches [measuring] tenants and a few recently opened at least one lane wide and 100 feet long. University Square Kollel Yad Chai Mordechai stores. Retail uses are not permitted The majority bondholders of University Council approved the planning commission’s Chagrin Valley Paving will do as much in Severance outside of Severance Square are in town, inspecting the property recommendation for the Kollel Yad Chai Mor- patching as it can until funds run out. Council and looking for ways to enhance it. dechai project final site plans. The new facility, approved adding the additional funds to Circle, a public street that surrounds the contract. the shopping center. This policy Electronic signage to be located at 2476–2492 South Green The Board of Zoning Appeals asked council Road, will be 9,400 square feet on a 4,800 LWV Observer: Wendy Deuring. has provided protection against the to review the city’s code regarding commer- square footprint. A kollel is a school and sanc- blight that has often been seen to cial signage. Dunkin’ Donuts had received tuary. This will be an institutional building but spread well beyond the boundaries designed to fit into a residential neighborhood. permission to install a sign in the current size, Look for earlier, and often expand- of other troubled shopping centers. shape and location but had changed the sign Public park ed, postings of meeting summaries Those attending the Reimagining to an electronic graphical sign at installation. Council approved the planning commission’s online at www.heightsobserver.org. Severance forum will have an oppor- The city has required the business to change recommendation for the community public park These meeting summaries are the sign to only display time and temperature final site plans. Rob Habel, from Braun & Steidl abstracted from LWV observers’ tunity to express their concerns and until the store’s appeal can be settled. Coun- Architects, presented the drawings. They are written reports. The summaries have share their thoughts about how they cilman Steven Sims will take this issue to the ready to go out to bid shortly in order to begin been edited and prepared by Anne would like to see the area improved. Building Committee of Council for a review of work in the fall. The earthwork and structures McFarland, Charlene Morse and The purpose of the event will be to the code, which was written before the advent will be completed this fall, with landscaping to Maryann Barnes. To receive e-mail start a discussion. Decisions on the of electronic graphical image signs. be completed next spring. Fenwick Road will postings of full reports, send an e- future of Severance, which will re- Issuance and sale of bonds be torn up for utilities at some point, but the mail to [email protected] quire deliberation and action on the Council heard on first reading an ordinance contractor will be responsible for managing or join through Google groups using for the issuance and sale of bonds in the prin- the disruption. “lwv-chuh observer reports” as a part of private property owners, the cipal amount of $1.8 million for paying costs Council also approved a motion to search phrase. City of Cleveland Heights and other of improving the city’s park and recreational advertise for bids for the public park project. These reports contain member interested parties, are most likely a The advertising could take five to six weeks. facilities. The ordinance, written by the bond observation and selected highlights few years off. Contractors will examine the project at a pre- of public meetings and are not offi- attorney at Squire Patton Boggs, is “on emer- For updates on the forum, visit gency” in order to preclude a referendum bid meeting. Braun & Steidl is preparing bid cial statements of the Heights Chap- to try to recall the residents’ vote. This is the drawings. ter of the League of Women Voters www.futureheights.org or the organiza- final step in the process for issuing the bonds. Bonds issued Cuyahoga Area. This disclaimer tion’s Facebook page. must accompany any redistribution Resident permit parking Council approved the issuance and sale of of these reports. Council heard on first reading legislation to bonds in the principal amount of $1.8 million Vince Reddy is a FutureHeights board amend the city code to establish a resident to pay the costs of constructing and equipping member and an 18-year resident of Cleve- a public park area and related improvements. permit-parking program on certain city streets land Heights. in the neighborhood surrounding Wiley Squire Patton Boggs is the bond council, and School, which is being converted to a tem- Huntington Bank will most likely sell [the] porary high school. Police Chief Hammett is bonds. requesting this change, which would provide Permit parking near Wiley four free permits to each household on those An ordinance amending the city code to estab- streets, and restrict parking to only those cars lish a resident permit-parking program for the with the permits. This same process is in place streets surrounding Wiley School while it is be- Brennan’s Colony for streets surrounding John Carroll University. ing used as a temporary high school remained Hammett would like to be proactive and put tabled. Mayor Susan Infeld reported that three 2299 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights these rules in place before problems occur. council members sent her e-mails expressing Councilmen Steven Sims and Mark Wiseman their strong feeling that parking will not become questioned this, asking for evidence that a an issue and that this measure is not required. problem will occur. Vice Mayor Susan Pardee Police Chief Hammett had requested the ordi- is in favor of taking proactive measures but is nance as a precautionary measure. Voted ‘Best of the Heights’ concerned that the proposal is not in line with Paving change order the current ordinances as written. [As] this was Major street paving has been substantially presented on first reading, the law director completed. Some streets required less work and council will review the current ordinances than budgeted for, leaving a remainder of brennanscolony.com and look at options before the next meeting. $75,000 in the contract with Chagrin Valley LWV Observer: Wendy Deuring. Paving Inc. Joseph Ciuni, the city’s engineer, [had] asked council to release the additional 216.371.1010 JULY 13, 2015 $23,217.75 in the budget prior to bidding, All council members were present. Council- which would mean almost $100,000 avail-

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 7 www.heightsobserver.org Cleveland Heights News water continued from page 1 $200,000 monthly loss without a million. pay monthly beginning Aug. 1 (Op- charges. rate increase. The following week, The city has also received an tion 3). The document also projects Cleveland Heights Citizens at the July 20 city council meeting, initial proposal, referred to as a water bills under two other short- for Safe, Affordable Water can be she announced that, effective Aug. “framework,” from the Cleveland term scenarios considered by the reached through its Facebook page 1, rates would rise from $70.04 per Water Department. The framework city (Options 1 and 2). In addition, it www.facebook.com/chsafeaffordable- MCF (thousand cubic feet of water) lays out a process by which Cleveland includes projected bills during a five- water or by contacting Jim Miller to $88.04 per MCF. Briley said that Heights would convert from a mas- year transitional period proposed at [email protected] or 216-321-9983. the average residential water bill will ter meter community, buying water by the Cleveland Division of Water, rise from $53.79 to $65.04, including from Cleveland and distributing it and after that period (based on Deborah Van Kleef is a musician and the current $10 monthly service fee, to residents, to a direct service com- Cleveland’s current rates). As with writer. She grew up in Cleveland but not including landfill and local munity, in which residents become Briley’s projection, these numbers Heights, and has lived here as an adult sewer charges. customers of the Cleveland Division do not include landfill or local sewer for 30 years. Briley also proposed that the city of water and the Cleveland Heights begin charging a $6 service fee to Water Department ceases to exist as low-income and elderly residents, who a separate entity. Cleveland Heights have paid no such fixed fee to date. At The framework sets a target date the suggestion of Council Member Jeff of Jan. 1, 2017. Cleveland Heights’s Coryell, the other council members, 15,000 water customers (including City Council and Briley, reduced that fee to $3. about 700 households in University In searching for long-term solu- Heights and a small number in East meeting highlights tions, the city is still considering the Cleveland and South Euclid) would JUNE 15, 2015 JULY 6, 2015 options laid out in a January report by pay a “transition rate” plus a “recovery Council Member Jeff Coryell was absent. Council Member Mary Dunbar was absent. the consulting firm Energy Systems fee” for five years, to enable Cleveland Public comments Parks and recreation department Group (ESG): (1) To borrow funds for to recoup its costs. Briley stressed that Resident Diane Hallum expressed concerns Council approved the establishment of a repairs and improvements, overseen the framework is a starting point for about budget shortfalls, water department Parks and Recreation Department and the by an outside firm such as ESG itself; negotiations and that she expects to problems, failing schools, the sale of a loan creation of a director position. In keeping (2) to transfer its water utility to the continue discussions with Cleveland. to address a defaulted loan for a Taylor with the findings of the city’s 2014 strategic Road building, and the possibility of two operations review, this initiative will enhance Cleveland Division of Water; or (3) to Briley hopes to present city coun- tax issues being placed on the November efficiency and effectiveness, and is made enter a public-private partnership. cil with a “side-by-side comparison” ballot. She described council’s solutions as possible through the repurposing of existing Since tabling the proposed letter of the three options within approxi- “frantic” and felt that the issues she brought parks and recreation funds, which are cur- of intent with the private firm Aqua mately one month. up had not been faced directly at the outset. rently within the budget of the Community Ohio on May 27, the city has actively Cleveland Heights Citizens for She mentioned the city’s recently lowered Services Department. bond rating and announced a fundraising pursued information on the first two Safe, Affordable Water continues Master Planning Steering Committee meeting of her organization, the Citizen’s options. A proposal from ESG is, in to gather and evaluate information, appointments Leadership PAC, on June 24. Council approved the appointment of the fol- Briley’s words, “essentially ready,” drawing on the expertise of local CDBG funding lowing city residents to the Master Planning with the recommended amount to be legal and engineering professionals. Council approved the following agree- Steering Committee: Michael Ungar, chair borrowed whittled from the original Volunteers have created a spread- ments for Community Development Block of the Planning Commission; Howard Maier $20 million to $10 million. This ap- sheet, accessible at bit.ly/1tkooso, Grant (CDBG) Year 41 funding for the of the Transportation Advisory Committee; proach would require a four-year rate which enables Cleveland Heights period July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016: Jeanne Diamond of the Commission on increase, the amount as yet undeter- residential water customers to see • Start Right Community Development Aging; Ken Dowell of the Recreation Board; Corporation - $5,000 for the payment Allison McCallum of the Citizens Advisory mined, to cover costs beyond the $10 approximately how much they will of operating expenses for its food bank Committee; Bill Mitchell, representing city program. merchants; Saroya Queen-Tabor, represent- • Heights Youth Club, Inc. - $35,000 to ing the schools; Julia Kious Zabell of Future- provide funding for assistance with its Heights; and Kristin Hopkins, Yovan “Lou” are you serious? Project Learn: The Educational Enhance- Radivovitch and Chuck Miller. ment Program, which serves approxi- Bonds issued august! – how can it be august, mately 500 young clients. the summer just started? Council provided for the issuance of bonds in • Lake Erie Ink - $6,780 to provide fund- an amount not to exceed $1.925 million for you're panicked? ing for assistance with the organization’s the following purposes: yeah, me too! after-school writing program at Noble • Reconstructing, resurfacing, and otherwise Elementary School. improving city streets • Heights Community Congress - $3,500 • Rebuilding Monticello Boulevard and it's time to take control – for assistance with its educational pro- of your life. Taylor Road, including engineering and grams on Diversity in our Community. planning costs make some new friends, • Gesher - $5,000 for operating expens- • Acquiring motorized equipment the old ones are getting tired and boring. es. Gesher’s mission is to help eliminate • Acquiring computer hardware and related cultural barriers to applying for benefits equipment in the service area of Cleveland Heights, • Improving the city’s water system by con- or maybe it's you. University Heights and South Euclid. maybe you're the one that's lame. structing and installing water lines, togeth- • Open Doors Academy - $8,000 for er with the necessary related equipment you need a new audience. assistance with the organization’s year- don't have any new stories or ideas? round enrichment program for 80 young Municipal income tax proposal people living at risk. Council heard a first reading of legislation to just find new schmegegges to laugh, pour wine submit to the voters an income tax increase in and pick up the check. Severance Town Center the fall 2015 General Election. If approved, Mayor Dennis Wilcox reported that the city the clerk of council would file the resolution is meeting with the court-appointed receiver with the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections the hardest part is getting started. for Severance Town Center. The note and How? Where, When? on Aug. 5. The proposal is to increase the mortgage of the center restricts the type of municipal income tax rate from 2 percent to businesses that can occupy the center but 2.25 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Lopez, Lopez, Lopez. new ownership may be able to expand the mayor Wilcox outlined the city’s posi- types that can be established. tion and explained the rationale for the tax we remain available for consultation Council members defend city proposal. The details of his comments can be without aggravation. efforts found in the online version of this report. Council members Cheryl Stephens, Melissa In the coming weeks, council will be skip lunch and bring a lot of money. Yasinow and Mayor Wilcox commented requesting feedback from residents. Council It’s august!! about council and staff efforts to address has directed the city manager to create an the city’s financial issues. They noted that independent task force of residents with love, there have been no raises for most city staff, financial management expertise to review craig and staff small raises for safety forces, positions left and analyze the city’s budget projections. empty, and equipment stretched beyond Residents will have many opportunities to un- its expected life. Wilcox also pointed out derstand the situation and be fully informed lopez southwest kitchen – tequila saloon the $6.7 million loss of state funding over before voting in November. the last 10 years. He said many cities have LWV Observer: Katherine Solender. 2196 lee road sought income and property tax increases to fill the gaps, [and] there would have to beautiful downtown cleveland heights Look for earlier and often ex- be a decision between cutting city services 216.932.9000 panded postings of meeting and raising taxes. summaries online at www.height- www.lopezonlee.com LWV Observer: Blanche Valancy. sobserver.org. See disclaimer on page 7.

Heights Observer August1, 2015 8 www.heightsobserver.org Cleveland Heights News CH City Council City dedicates Forest Hill Park ball field in honor of Jim Brennan appoints Master Plan Deanna Bremer Fisher a post-game celebration was held Steering Committee there, whether we won or lost.” On Saturday, July 11, the City of Cathy Murphy, who was Brennan’s Deanna Bremer Fisher Cleveland Heights dedicated Ball fiancee, thanked everyone for coming Field #5, the main field at Forest Hill to honor him. Noting that Brennan At its July 6 meeting, Cleveland Heights Park, in honor of Jim Brennan, the would have shrunk from the publicity, City Council announced the names former owner of Brennan’s Colony on Murphy said, “He really did deserve of residents appointed to serve on an Lee Road who was murdered last year. it. All of us that played softball—we 11-member committee to oversee the de- “Jim Brennan was an enthusiastic may have been foes on the field, but velopment of a master plan for the city. supporter of our recreation programs we would go back to The Colony, take The members are Michael Ungar, for over 20 years,” said Mayor Dennis a couple of beers back with us, and chair of the city’s Planning Commission; Wilcox. “He sponsored softball teams have a great old time, and everybody Howard Maier, co-chair of the city’s C ity of C le v elacourtesy n d H eights. and held many an after-game celebra- Players warm up for a co-ed softball game after got along. It was a great community.” Transportation Advisory Committee; tion at The Colony. This dedication the Brennan Field dedication ceremony. A sign above the scoreboard, Jeanne Diamond, a member of the city’s celebrates and honors the energy designating Ball Field #5 Jim Brennan Commission on Aging; Ken Dowell, and commitment Jim brought to our and a close friend of Jim Brennan, Field, will be installed later this sum- a member of the city’s Recreation Cleveland Heights community.” spoke about Brennan’s support for mer. Funds for the sign were raised Advisory Board; Allison McCallum, a A dedication ceremony was held Heights sports teams. He said that by the We Are a Colony committee, member of the city’s Citizens Advisory prior to the All-Star softball games, Brennan sponsored many softball in partnership with the Cedar Lee Committee; Bill Mitchell, owner of which are traditionally held the sec- teams—women’s, men’s and co-ed— Special Improvement District and Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates in the Ce- ond weekend in July each year. The and contributed to the Barden Ben- the City of Cleveland Heights. dar Lee Business District, representing city also declared that, from now ner Carter Memorial Youth Hockey A video of the dedication cer- city merchants; Saroya Queen-Tabor, on, the weekend will be called the Fund and the Raymond A. Robinson emony can be viewed under the 2015 a CH-UH City School District parent Brennan All-Star Weekend. In 1999, Memorial Youth Hockey Tourna- special events playlist on the city’s and chair of the district’s Strategic Plan- Brennan was inducted as a member of ment. YouTube channel at www.youtube. ning Committee, representing educa- the Cleveland Heights Softball Hall “Jim made Forest Hill Park a com/clevelandheightsoh. tion stakeholders; Julia Kious Zabell, a of Fame, because of his sponsorship destination for all who participated in member of the FutureHeights Board of of many softball teams over the years. Cleveland Heights sports in all capaci- Deanna Bremer Fisher is executive direc- Directors; and residents Kristin Hop- Larry Shaw, former commissioner ties,” Shaw said. “Jim made Brennan’s tor of FutureHeights and publisher of the kins, Yovan “Lou” Radivoyevitch and of parks and recreation for the city Colony the place to be on Lee as many Heights Observer. Chuck Miller. Hopkins is a principal planner with CT Consultants and lives on Bellfield Avenue. Radivoyevitch is vice president of sales for RAD Graph- ics Inc., a tactical marketing firm, and lives on Dartmoor Road. Chuck Miller is a principal with Doty & Miller Archi- tects and lives on Mayfield Road. A first-meeting date for the com- mittee is not yet set. Committee members will serve for the duration of the process of drafting the master plan, which is expected to take 8–12 months. All of the members will serve as vol- unteers: they will receive no financial compensation. Cleveland Heights is one of four cities the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission chose to work with this year to develop a city master plan. Ac- cording to the commission, the goals of the county program are “to bring older plans up to date, encourage regional collaboration and focus on action plans that have a strong potential for imple- mentation.” University Heights, Parma Heights and Olmsted Falls were also chosen. County planners will lead the preparation of the master plans working with the staff and leadership in each city. “I want to have a plan in place so my family

Deanna Bremer Fisher is executive direc- doesn’t have to scramble.” tor of FutureHeights and publisher of the —Dr. Louise Keating, Judson Smart Living at Home member since 2013 Heights Observer. Connecting with people is important to Dr. Louise Keating. The daughter of Italian immigrants and a retired physician, she lives with her daughter’s family in Cleveland Heights, where she savors whipping up authentic Italian meals for her grandchildren. “Living at home is important to me, but I want to have a plan in place so my family PO Box 198 Burton,Ohiodoesn’t have to scramble,” says Louise. “That’s why I decided to sign up for Judson 44021 Smart Living at Home. When the time comes, Judson will take care of everything 440-463-7379with one phone call. In the meantime, I can access services whenever I need them.” 440-632-5256Indeed. When she’s not in the kitchen, Louise is working out at Judson. As a Smart Living at Home member, she takes advantage of Judson’s health and wellness Careful, reliable and classes which offer both physical and social benefits. respectful of your yard “Exercise keeps me nimble. I’m at Judson three times a week for yoga, strength Call for a free quote training and water aerobics,” says Louise, who has had both hips replaced. “Plus, Mention this ad for 20% off I’ve made many close friends.” To learn more about how Judson can help you stay in your own home, 440-463-7379 please call (216) 791-3211. www.ripleytreeservice.com www.facebook.com/ripleyenterprises Visit www.judsonsmartliving.org and click Smart Living at Home.

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 9 www.heightsobserver.org Cleveland Heights News Cleveland Heights proposes income tax rate increase CHPD seeking appli- cants for 2015 Citi- Vince Reddy council meeting on July 6, Vice Mayor the city has actively worked to cut ex- zens Police Academy Cheryl Stephens cited cuts in state penses in recent years, including cutting Cleveland Heights City Council is funding as the cause of the city’s bud- staff by 16 percent from its peak size—a proposing an increase in the city’s get woes. She explained that the rate reduction of about 100 full-time em- Bill Braun income tax rate. If approved by voters increase from the present 2 percent ployees. Programs have been reduced in November, the quarter-percentage- of income to 2.25 percent would not or eliminated, employee health care has The Cleveland Heights Police point increase would take effect on apply to retirement income. The cur- been restructured, and regional solu- Department (CHPD) is accepting Jan. 1, 2016. It would be the first rate rent half-percentage-point credit for tions have been sought where possible. applications for the second class increase since 1979. income earned outside of Cleveland Cleveland Heights joined the Regional of the Cleveland Heights Citizens In introducing the proposed Heights would remain in effect. Income Tax Agency a few years ago, Police Academy. increase on first reading at the city After Stephens formally intro- participates in a regional dispatch Participation is free. The brief duced the ordinance authorizing system, and is now providing waste- application process is open to anyone the tax hike, Mayor Dennis Wilcox hauling services to University Heights interested in learning more about explained why the increase is needed. and Case Western Reserve University. how police are trained and how Tommy’s is a local independently owned Cleveland Historical landmark He reiterated the effect of reductions Wilcox noted that the city has held off CHPD operates. and award winning family Restaurant in seeking an income tax increase, while In 12 classes conducted on celebrating our 40th year anniversary. in state funding of local governments, We cater to all dietary walks of life. which have included significant cuts neighboring Shaker Heights and nearby Tuesday and Wednesday evenings Stop in and see why we have become so many family’s favorite place to dine. to the Local Government Fund and Lyndhurst have recently increased their over six weeks beginning Aug. 11, Come on over, we’re open! the elimination of the inheritance municipal income-tax rates. students in the Citizens Police Sun—Thurs: 9am —9pm Fri: 9am —10pm, Sat: 7:30am —10pm tax. Wilcox also acknowledged the “It is about more than just what Academy will receive survey-level financial problems caused by the will happen to services [if the rate instruction on the same topics Great Recession and the foreclosure increase is not passed],” the mayor taught to full-time cadets who train crisis, neither of which Cleveland stated. “It is about investing in our there. Each topic is covered by an Heights has fully recovered from. He future, about understanding that academy instructor who is knowl- explained that about 80 percent of maintaining our services is critical to edgeable, highly trained and active the city’s budget goes toward person- attracting new residents and families in the field. nel costs. Forty-four percent of the and keeping Cleveland Heights one of The instructors speak from budget pays for safety forces, and 20 the best places in our region to raise substantial, personal knowledge and percent is put toward public works. families.” experience, according to members Wilcox went on to describe how Wilcox asserted that there would of the 2014 Citizens Police Academy, be a communitywide discussion and and were open to dialogue while process around the proposed tax providing straightforward answers to increase, which will include the ap- questions. pointment of an advisory panel made CHPD introduced the program up of citizens experienced in finance last year as part of Police Chief Jeffrey and management. One of the panel’s Robertson’s effort to deepen mutual tasks will be to review the revenue pro- understanding and regard between jections on which the proposed rate the department and the community it increase is based. He made assurances serves. It’s an opportunity for citizens that city taxpayers would have ample to learn about police training and opportunities to have their questions police work, and for the department answered and express their concerns. to hear citizens’ perceptions about A video of the July 6 meeting of policing in Cleveland Heights, Rob- the Cleveland Heights City Council is ertson said. viewable in its entirety at www.youtube. Topics covered include laws of com/clevelandheightsoh. arrest, use of deady force, criminal investigation and crime scene tech- Vince Reddy is a FutureHeights board niques, drug investigations and search member and an 18-year resident of Cleve- warrants, traffic enforcement, patrol land Heights. techniques and other topics. Partici- pants also get exposure to the SWAT, K-9 and other specialized units within the police force. The Heights’ #1 choice for interior and exterior The curriculum includes a self- painting defense overview and hands-on weap- ons safety training, but it does not involve shooting or require a specific level of fitness. If you are interested in applying, contact Captain Geoffrey Barnard at Serving Northeast the Cleveland Heights Police Acad- Ohio Homeowners since 1975 emy at 216-691-9751 or chacademy@ msn.com. Applications are available Quality Painting. at bit.ly/chcpa. To read blog posts from a mem- THAT’S ALL WE DO! ber of the the inaugural Citizens Po- lice Academy, visit bit.ly/chcpa-blog.

Call us at 216-529-0360 Bill Braun is a 32-year Cleveland Heights for a Free Consultation! resident and a graduate of the 2014 Cleve- neubertpainting.com land Heights Citizens Police Academy.

Heights Observer August1, 2015 10 www.heightsobserver.org Community News Heights Music Hop set for Sept. 19 on Lee Road

James Henke At press time, 16 venues, in ad- reason for the Hop occurring a bit dition to the BottleHouse, were con- earlier than in the past two years, The third annual Heights Music Hop firmed for this year’s event: Anatolia moving to September from October. will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, Café, Brennan’s Colony, the Lee Road “It’s really wonderful,” said Bill in Cleveland Heights’s Cedar Lee Library, Dewey’s Pizza, Heights Arts, Mitchell, owner of Mitchell’s Fine Business District. The event will fea- the New Heights Grill, Marotta’s, Chocolates, “People come, and they ture numerous bands and musicians Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates, Phoenix bring their families. And it brings out with a wide range of musical styles, Coffee, the Wine Spot, the Tavern people from this area and beyond. performing in shops, restaurants and Company, the Stone Oven, the Social And I think the weather should be bars along Lee Road. Room, Parnell’s Pub, the Rib Cage nicer this year. It’s a nice coda to the “It’s one of the best events in and Lopez restaurant. summer.” the Cleveland region,” said Shawn The first Music Hop, which took Paul Gustafson, owner of Shawn Paul place in 2013, drew more than 1,000 James Henke, a Cleveland Heights resident, Salon at 2265 Lee Road. “It brings a County through a public grant from people to the Cedar Lee neighbor- was a writer and editor at Rolling Stone lot of people out and shows what the Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Other hood. Last fall’s event drew more than magazine for 15 years. He is also the author Cedar Lee area has to offer. It’s really sponsors include Simply Charm- 2,000. of several books, including biographies of Jim amazing!” ing, Motorcars, New Heights Grill, Budin said the weather was one Morrison, John Lennon and Bob Marley. The music will start at 5 p.m. and Dewey’s Pizza, The Wine Spot, real- continue until 11 p.m. There will also tor Susan Delaney of Howard Hanna, be an after-party at the BottleHouse and Keller National. Brewery, at 2050 Lee Road. The Hop “The relationship between Fu- Be prepared to Bundle up... is free, but tickets will be needed for tureHeights and the businesses in the or get your Heating Tune-Up/Safety Inspection NOW the after-party. area is key to this event’s success, and and be prepared... $104 The Cedar Lee Special Improve - we are excited to have the continued Mention this discount when scheduling.Tune-up allows for ment District (SID) is once again support of the Cedar Lee SID,” said 45 minutes of labor per system, parts additional. Discount valid during normal workday hours only (M-F; 8-3:30). a presenting sponsor of the event, Dan Budin, head of FutureHeights’s Payment must be given to technician at time of service. which is a project of FutureHeights, Music Hop Committee. “One of the Must be scheduled prior to 10/31/15. the nonprofit community group that many benefits of the Music Hop is also publishes the Heights Observer. that it draws people to the area and Heights Music Hop is supported in shows the great things the Heights part by the residents of Cuyahoga has to offer.” Owned and operated by 4th generation Hann brothers. Heights business plans local events for visiting Tibetan monks 216-932-9755 Bonded • Insured • OH LIC #24462

Heating / Cooling / Plumbing / Specializing in Steam & Hot Water Systems Hannheatingcooling.com

Cleveland Institute of Art Creativity Matters j udith euge n e The monks visit Cleveland Heights, November 2014.

Bob Rosenbaum mandalas, butter sculptures and cal- ligraphy. They also perform blessings Cleveland Heights-based Loving of homes, businesses, and public build- Hands Yoga and Reiki is planning ings. There are suggested donations events for the Cleveland leg of a for each event, but no one is turned Do what national tour for a group of Tibetan away for inability to pay. All donations you love Buddhist monks. The events will be are tax-deductible. held throughout the Cleveland area The monks are refugees from Tibet, Sept. 21–26. Presentations are non- living in a monastery in southern India. religious, and are suitable for people The monastery currently houses more of all faiths and traditions. than 4,500 monks of all ages, and the Judith Eugene, a Cleveland population increases daily. All money Heights native and the founder of raised on the tour goes directly toward Loving Hands Yoga and Reiki, is building an addition onto the over- crowded monastery, providing sanitary seeking businesses, schools, churches Continuing Education and other organizations that are living and bathing accommodations, Fall classes begin Sep 21 interested in holding events at their medical needs, and teachers’ salaries. facilities. Eugene organized a similar To host an event, call Judith tour last fall. The events were well Eugene at 216-408-5578. For more CIA’s Continuing Education program includes a wide range attended, and most sold out. information and a program schedule, of courses for adults and children in art and design taught by accomplished faculty, in a dynamic, friendly and Events include lectures, debates, visit www.sacredartsoftibettour.org or well-equipped learning environment. healing rituals, and empowerment cer- www.lovinghandsyoga.com. emonies. School programs for grades View course listings and learn more at K–12 include discussions, chanting Cleveland Heights resident Bob Rosen- cia.edu/continuinged demonstrations and performance of baum is co-chairman of the Heights traditional Tibetan instruments. The Observer Advisory Committee, and is monks are also available to create responsible for its advertising sales and beautiful works of art including sand market development.

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 11 www.heightsobserver.org Community News

Renovations, Remodels and Repairs Coming “home” to make things happen

Out Of the Box

 Residential Renovations  Storage Solutions  Kitchen and Bathroom  General Home Remodels Improvement Projects

 Doors and Windows Jan Kious

Deidre McPherson is finally back Kevin Pajek, Owner where she belongs—in Cleveland Deidre McPherson Heights, where she joins other young (216) 618-2008 adults who have “boomeranged” returned to her hometown. It also back to the place where they grew positioned her as a leader in the up. LGBTQ community and led to her McPherson graduated from current job at MOCA. Cleveland Heights High School in McPherson’s passion for the 1995 and attended Miami University Where Our Paths Begin arts and creating community serve on a violin scholarship, initially ma- her well at MOCA. As curator joring in zoology and violin perfor- of public programs, she develops Connect ˑ Inspire ˑ Energize Celebrating Women… mance. She soon realized she much exhibitions, performance-based preferred marketing to zoology and experiences, and culturally relevant decided against becoming a doctor social activities that connect adult

like her father. audiences to the museum in cre- After graduation she lived in ative and compelling ways.

Boston and then Washington, D.C., The current exhibition at where she obtained a master’s degree MOCA, titled How to Remain in business administration with a Human, features the works of 14

focus in marketing from the Uni- artists from Cleveland and the ex- versity of Maryland. Life in both of presented by: McGregor tended region whose art explores those cities is very expensive, and the complexity and intensity of the McPherson soon realized that the human experience. A central figure Saturday, September 19, 2015 ˑ 8:30 AM-2:30 PM cost of living in Cleveland is more in the show is d.a. levy, who lived affordable and that there were lots of on Hampshire Road, off Coventry info: www.mcgregoramasa.org/events/celebrating women new and exciting things happening Road, in the late 1960s. here. Another featured artist in the In 2009, McPherson signed show is Cleveland native Jae Jarrell, on as the marketing manager for one of the founders of AfriCOBRA the Cleveland Orchestra, and later (African Commune of Bad Rel- worked as a marketing manager at evant Artists), an artist collective SUPERIOR MUSIC the Council of Smaller Enterprises that began in Chicago during the (COSE). Three years later, McPher- Civil Rights Movement. The group son founded the Cleveland chapter formed in response to the lack of EDUCATION, of Sistah Sinema, a national organi- positive representation of African zation that brings people together and African-American people in CLOSE TO HOME around films by and about LGBTQ media and the arts. McPherson women of color, a community whose was deeply moved by the work stories are rarely represented in of Jae Jarrell and the goal of Af- mainstream media. riCOBRA—to produce art that A moderated discussion follows conveyed the power, pride, history each film to encourage dialogue and energy of their communities. on the topics raised by the film. She curated a program called Af- McPherson has programmed more riCOBRA: Power, Politics + Pride, than 20 Sistah Sinema events at lo- which included the screening of a cal venues, including Waterloo Arts, documentary film about the collec- Negative Space Gallery, SPACES and tive, followed by a panel discussion MOCA Cleveland. Founding the Sis- that featured Jarrell and other art- tah Sinema Cleveland chapter helped ists from the collective, moderated McPherson meet people when she by Dee Perry from ideastream.® When asked about the values Loving Hands Yoga & Reiki she admires, McPherson immedi- Voted One of the Best! ately said “kindness, hard work and beauty.” She appreciates people whose creativity inspires commu- nity. This is a common theme in her life and work—using creativity to celebrate our common human- ity. “Getting people together to discuss and explore subjects is Music instruction for all age and skill levels, taught something that comes naturally to by world-class musicians Learn how to heal me,” said McPherson. “Together Locations in University Circle, Chagrin Falls, we can accomplish anything.” Shaker Heights and Westlake yourself with Reiki Call or click for class info Jan Kious has lived in Cleveland Heights since 1974, and, with her 216.408.5578 husband, raised four children here. She is interested in people in the Heights Preparatory and Continuing Education community who fit the description of cim.edu/prep LovingHandsYoga.com living “out of the box.”

Heights Observer August1, 2015 12 www.heightsobserver.org Community News Buddhist center to open on Lee Road James H e n ke Barb Jenkins, Bibi Potts and Anne Perusek inside the new SGI-USA Buddhist Center on Lee Road

James Henke On the first Sunday of every month, it will hold world-peace prayer ses- The SGI-USA Buddhist Center is set sions, starting at 10 a.m. Also once a to open at 2255 Lee Road on Aug. 9, month, on Thursdays, it will conduct Arts & Crafts, Entertainers, Clowns, in a portion of the space previously introductory meetings, beginning at Castle Bouncer, Euclid Beach Rocket Car, occupied by Petland, which vacated 7 p.m. It will also host discussions Pony Rides, Super Heroes & Princesses, the space about six years ago. about various Buddhist topics, and Music, Food and More! SGI-USA is part of a worldwide present speakers. In addition, SGI Buddhist organization called Soka- plans to put together exhibits in the ELitE SpOnSORS: Gakkai International, which has space, and host book-club meetings Cedar Fairmount SID•Cedar Grandview Building more than 500 chapters and 100 and youth activities. The center will Cuyahoga Arts & Culture•Dave’s Supermarkets centers throughout the United States, have four chanting rooms, lobby areas Edward Jones Investments•Fifth Third Bank and more than 12 million members in in the front and the back of the space, Heights Center Building•Heights Medical Building•Future Heights 192 countries and territories around and a bookstore, which will carry the world. SGI has about 650 mem- Buddhist-related books and materials. Call: bers in northern Ohio, from Toledo Anne Perusek, SGI’s women’s di- 216-791-3172 to western Pennsylvania. Based on vision member-care advisor, said, “To or Visit: www.cedarfairmount.org core Buddhist principles, such as become a member, a person commits respecting the dignity of human life to make a sincere effort at Buddhist and the interconnectedness of self practice—which includes learning to and the environment, SGI focuses chant, studying Buddhism, setting up on various peace activities, including a Buddhist altar in one’s home, and human-rights education, abolishing participating in monthly discussion nuclear weapons and efforts to pro- meetings when possible. As a custom, mote sustainable development. new members offer $50 when joining.” “Buddhism became very popu- Perusek, 60, a longtime Cleve- lar in the 1960s and ’70s,” said Barb land Heights resident, described Located starting on the Corner of Cedar and Fairmount Rd., 2460 Fairmount Blvd. Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 Jenkins, vice-national women’s leader SGI as “significantly different from of SGI-USA. “It helps bring out the other Buddhist organizations.” She positive aspects and the strengths said most of them have priests and and power of your life, particularly temples, but SGI focuses on “indi- in the midst of adversity.” Jenkins, vidual daily practice.” According to 2015 CEDAR FAIRMOUNT SUMMER FESTIVAL ACTIVITES SCHEDULE 61, lives in Chagrin Falls. She spent Perusek, “Consistent practice can ARTS & CRAFT SALE Cleveland Animal MUSIC AND much of the 1970s and ’80s in Cleve- bring a wellspring of hope. It brings Located on Lennox, Surry Road, Protective League ENTERTAINERS Fifth Third Bank Parking Lot land Heights, and said, “It’s still my out the hopeful aspects of life.” Sidewalks & Zoss Bakery Lot Whipple the Balloon Clown Noon - 5:00 pm 12:30 - 4:30 pm Bibi Potts, SGI’s women’s divi- stomping ground.” ACTIVITIES Kid’s Fair with Games, Sponsored by Cedar Grandview Building Jenkins said that the organization sion chapter leader for the Heights, Euclid Beach Face Painting, Hair Coloring, looked at more than 100 locations University Circle, East Cleveland Rocket Car Rides Bubble Machine Musical Mark Loading in Driveway Noon - 4:00 pm before selecting the Lee Road space. and Mount Pleasant, said that SGI India Community Center by Luna Bakery & Café Noon - 5:00 pm Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank “We looked everywhere,” she said. “offers the opportunity of diversity of Noon - 4:30 pm Sponsored by Cleveland Heights Church “And we are so excited about what we thoughts and opinions to be consid- Sponsored by Dave’s Market Eclectic Vision Cupcake Decorating 1:30 - 4:30 pm have here: the diversity of the com- ered before we make any decisions.” Cleveland Heights Fire Truck Luna Bakery & Café Cake Shop Sponsored by Heights Medical Building & Firemen Noon - 5:00 pm munity, all of the things on the street, Potts, 63, has lived in Cleveland Firestone Parking Lot Heights for the past 30 years. Activities at the Alcazar The Get Back Duo including restaurants and shops. And 1:30 - 4:30 pm 12:30 - 3:30 pm the people are so wonderful.” Sponsored by the City of Cleveland Historical Lecture Heights Fire Department 1:00pm - 2:00 pm The center is planning a com- James Henke, a Cleveland Heights resident, Blue Spruce Cats Meet & Greet Your Cleveland Photo Booth with Boys & Girls 2:00 - 5:00 pm munity open house on Aug. 15 and was a writer and editor at Rolling Stone Heights Club of America 16. The center’s many free programs magazine for 15 years. He is also the author Police & Canines Firestone Parking Lot Wright Reynolds Project and activities will be open to both of several books, including biographies of Jim Firestone Parking Lot 1:30 - 4:30 Noon - 5:00 pm 3:00 - 5:00 pm Sponsored by Bridgestone Firestone SGI members and non-members. Morrison, John Lennon and Bob Marley. pm Sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings Sponsored by the City of Cleveland Face Painting for Children Heights Police Department Surry Street FOOD & DRINK Our Grandfathers’ boiler is Super Heroes & Princesses Sponsored by Open Doors Academy Restaurant Specials – Crepes, Firestone Parking Lot Kids Activities Panini’s, Gyros, Wraps, Hot Dogs, nothing like OURS today! Spyder Man & Elisa Surry Street Pizza, Fruit Kabobs, Mediterranean 1:00 - 3:00 pm Sponsored by Ten Thousands Villages Cinderella & Leo the Turtle & Indian Food, Pastries, Gelato, Verne & 3:00 - 5:00 pm Authors’ Book Signings Slushes, Frappuccinos and more! Ellsworth Sponsored by Appletree Books Edward Jones Investments Ilana Avraham of Bee, Believe, - David LaVelle Become Dave Cockley, Those Rockin’ Bill & Owned and operated by 4th Cleveland Kids, Michael Samulak, COME SEE WHAT ALL Cleveland Bouncer Chris generation Hann brothers. A Wonderful Day and A is for Africa Fifth Third Bank Parking Lot coloring book Noon - 5:00 pm Sponsored by Appletree Books THE FUN IS ABOUT! Call for Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank pre-season Cleveland Animal Blood Pressure Readings pricing now... Protective League Sidewalk in front of Heights and save! Pet Adoptions Medical Building 12:30 - 5:00 pm Noon – 5:00 pm Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank Sponsored by Cedarwood Skilled Nursing 216 I932-9755 Pony Tales Pony Rides Fifth Third Bank Parking Lot Bonded • Insured • OH LIC #24462 1:30 - 4:30 pm Sponsored by Heights Medical Building Heating / Cooling / Plumbing / Specializing in Steam & Hot Water Systems Hannheatingcooling.com

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 13 www.heightsobserver.org Community News Experience the Aug. 15 fashion event at Nighttown is Atma Center Difference! dedicated to women’s empowerment

Laura Potter tions will sell merchandise in their The event will open at 11:30 a.m. 30 DAYS UNLIMITED\YOGA pop-up shops. All items from Dress Tickets are $10 each or four group & BEGINNERS’ WORKSHOP For a second year, Ten Thousand Vil- for Success have been donated but are tickets for $35. A cash bar will be $59 lages in Cleveland Heights and Dress not able to be used in its program to available for brunch cocktails, with (NEW LOCAL STUDENTS ONLY) for Success Cleveland are partnering help women with appropriate cloth- coffee and tea provided by the two for a fun event that brings together ing for job interviews. The pop-up organizations. Nighttown is offering 2319 Lee Road, Cleveland fashion and fundraising. The event guests a 15 percent discount on their Hts. 44118 shop will offer designer wear for (216) 371-9760 also combines a passion for fashion beyond the office—fur coats, evening lunch with proof of ticket purchase. www.atmacenter.com with the empowerment of women. It gowns and more—all at $10 each. Call Melony Butler at Dress for will be held on Aug. 15 at Nighttown, Ten Thousand Villages works Success Cleveland at 216-881-6048 to from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with more than 130 artisan groups; purchase tickets in advance, as seat- Dress for Success will showcase more than 70 percent are women ing will be limited. @atmacenter108 /atmacenter high-end fashions as the group mem- working in the poorest of regions. bers purge their closets. The clothing The fair wages they earn support Laura Potter-Sadowski is executive direc- will be paired with accessories from healthcare, food and supplies for tor of Ten Thousand Villages in Cleveland Ten Thousand Villages. their families and ensure that their Heights. She is active on the Ohio Fair From noon to 1 p.m., Traci Mc- children are educated and not victims Trade Expo Committee and the Cedar Bride of TeeMcBee Image Consulting of forced labor. Fairmount SID Marketing Committee. will host the fashion presentation. She will focus on how to dress for different body types using versatile August bicycle rides feature pieces of clothing. McBride will ex- plain the seven different body types gardens, ice cream and art and show how staple pieces in your closet can be worn in multiple ways. participants can join in a family bike Guests are welcome to ask questions ride to Coventry School for an out- during the presentation and can pur- life cycle door screening of the movie “E.T. Washington & Lee Service, Inc chase items afterward. 2080 Lee Road, the Extra-Terrestrial,” at 9 p.m. McBride said she is able to see Cleveland Hts., OH 44118 At 8 p.m., the Natural History in others what they don’t see in Museum will present a program, (216) 371-2850 themselves. “My purpose is to give Is Anybody Out There, with tele- Chip Ramsey Owner confidence and influence to others,” scopes and sky-watching. A play- she said. Heights Bicycle Coalition ground is also on-site. From 1–3 p.m., both organiza- Ice cream social sponsors are Join the Heights Bicycle Coalition Katz Club, Edible Cleveland and (HBC) and community members for Cedar Lee Special Improvement fun and relaxing bike rides in August. District (SID). The movie and Cycling is a great way to expand your sky-watching program sponsors are world, meet new people and have Coventry Village SID and Cleveland Protect your family. fun. All ride participants are asked to Museum of Natural History. The sign waivers; helmets are mandatory ride leader is Greg Jolivette and and bike locks are encouraged. You’ll family. Prepare for their need a bike light if you are pedaling in the dark. Aug. 20, 7 p.m./Aug. 22, 10 a.m. future. to noon: Public Art in Cleveland Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to noon: Back to Heights – 2000 to the Present. Betsy Warner, Agent I can help with both. the Farm, Back to Nature. On Aug. 20, Peggy Spaeth, former 2491 Lee Blvd This ride begins at the Coventry Stop by for your free State Farm Insurance and Financial director of Heights Arts, will give Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 ® ® P.E.A.C.E. Arch, at the southeast a talk on public art in Cleveland Bus: 216-932-6900 Review . Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. [email protected] CALL ME TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION. corner of Coventry Road and Euclid Heights in the Heights Arts Gallery, Heights Boulevard, and will feature 2175 Lee Road. rain gardens, bioswales (rain collec- The Aug. 22 bike ride will tour tion areas), permaculture (sustain- the art locations highlighted in Spa- able growing practices), community eth’s talk. At some sites, the artists 1001386.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL gardens, “Food not Lawns,” and an will discuss their work. [Rain date opportunity to meet a new genera- for the bike tour: Aug. 23, 1:30–3:30 tion of gardeners. [Rain date: Aug. p.m.] 2, 1–3 p.m.] Registration is required for the Aug. 20 talk, but not for the bike Join us for — BLUEGRASS SUNDAYS — at St. Paul’s! Aug. 6, 6 p.m.: Family Fun, Ice ride. To register, and for more in- 9 a.m. Communion on the Lawn on August 16 Cream and “E.T.” formation, visit www.heightsarts.org. At 6 p.m. a Cedar Lee Ice Cream Social, at Katz Club, 1975 Lee Road, The Heights Bicycle Coalition was will feature complementary ice formed in the spring of 2010 and works cream, rides on the Euclid Beach to encourage citizens to ride their bicycles Rocket Car, face painting, cupcake for fun, fitness and transportation. Joy decorating and crafts. At 7:45 p.m., Henderson wrote this month’s column.

SUMMER SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Apple Construction 7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist in St. Martin’s Chapel Residential Contractor 9 a.m. Communion on the Lawn Serving Greater Cleveland since 1980 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist/Morning Prayer in the Nave Kitchens, bathrooms, additions and more Find us on Facebook Badge CMYK / .eps 216-321-6639 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church welcomes you! www.apple-construction.com • email: [email protected] 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106 (216) 932-5815 • www.stpauls-church.org

Heights Observer August1, 2015 14 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS KIDS Heights Green Machine wins Pony League title

Michael Adams their pre-high school careers on such a high note.” In thrilling but ultimately convincing Rink was assisted by coaches fashion, Cleveland Heights beat the Chris Thomas and Mike Iammarino. South Euclid Indians 26-8 on July 17 Calling themselves the Green to capture the 2015 Quad-City Pony Machine, the team members are: League championship for the 14U Justin Rink, Owen Lang, Michael age group. Iammarino, Tristen Truitt, Ned The win did not come easily, as Trivisanno, Kinsly Trivisanno, South Euclid claimed an early lead. Patrick Kelley, Andrew Pecoraro, Down by two runs with two outs Jake Rzepka, Peter Eyerman, Suki in the bottom of the third inning, Truitt and Luke Karboski. Heights scored 12 runs to take a The Quad-City League provides commanding lead and never looked a travel opportunity for the older back. RINK MELISSA age groups of the recreation baseball The Heights team used a big inning to get ahead and stay ahead in the championship game. Taking over for starter Justin leagues in Cleveland Heights, South Rink, pitchers Owen Lang and Jake finished the regular season with an early,” Rink said after the game. “A Euclid, Mayfield Heights, Lyndhurst Rzepka—backed by solid defense— 11-1 record and was seeded first in lot of these guys have been together and Beachwood. held South Euclid to zero runs the the post-season tournament. “I was for a long time, been competitive remainder of the game. really impressed with this squad, but have not won a championship Michael Adams is a Cleveland Heights Coached by Jeff Rink, the team especially after they fell behind until today. I am thrilled they ended resident.

Mon. - Thurs. :11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri.: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Heights student attends congress of future scientists Sat.: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Sun.: 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Kate Gillooly “The speakers said, ‘Failure is inevi- Tel: 216-320-2302 Fax: 216-320-2306 table. But with motivation, you can 1763 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 Alex Gillooly, succeed.’ One speaker, Shree Bose, www.pacificeastcoventry.com a rising sopho- said, ‘If you are truly interested in more at Cleve- the subject, failure won’t matter and Award Winning Sushi & Fabulous Malaysian Cuisine land Heights you’ll keep going.’ As I have reflected High School, on this advice, I realize how it will attended the help narrow down the fields of sci-

Congress of Fu- GILLOOLY KATE ence that I want to pursue.” Gillooly ture Science and Alex Gillooly currently is considering a career in Technology Leaders, held in Boston, genetic engineering. June 28–30. “This is a crucial time in America The congress is an honors-only when we need more nimble-minded program for high school students and creative scientists and tech- who are passionate about science, nologists who are even better pre- technology, engineering or math- pared for a future that is changing ematics (STEM). Its purpose is to exponentially,” said Richard Rossi, honor, inspire, motivate and direct executive director of the National the top students in the country who Academy of Future Scientists and aspire to be scientists and technolo- Technologists. “Focused, bright and Now providing orthodontics gists, to stay true to their dream and, determined students like Alex Gil- after the event, to provide resources looly are our future and he deserves including braces to help them reach their goals. all the mentoring and guidance we Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, science can give him.” Walters director of the National Academy The academy offers free services Family Dentistry Inc. of Future Scientists and Technolo- and programs to students who have gists, nominated Gillooly to rep- the desire to learn more about their Call today for your back-to-school resent Cleveland Heights High future in science or technology. Its examination with free fluoride School, based on Gillooly’s academic services and programs include online • General and cosmetic dentistry achievement, leadership potential social networks through which these and passion for science and technol- future scientists and technologists • Specializing in ages 2-100 ogy. Gillooly enjoyed Aldrin’s Q&A can communicate; opportunities for • Fillings with congress participants. students to be guided and mentored • Teeth whitening Dr. Malcolm Walters, Jr. During the three-day congress, by tech and science leaders; and D.D.S. General Dentistry Gillooly joined students from across communications for parents and (216) 382-1102 • 14100 Cedar Rd. #260 the country and heard Nobel laure- students on college acceptance and University Heights, OH 44118 ates and National Medal of Science finances, skills acquisition, intern- winners talk about leading scientific ships and career guidance. research. He was inspired by fellow teen science prodigies; and learned Kate Gillooly is a longtime resident of Flights of Fancy about cutting-edge advances and the Cleveland Heights and mother to Alex Come to Wood Trader for beautiful future of science and technology. and Benjamin, a 2015 Heights High art and inspired treatments “I enjoyed this inspirational graduate. She and her husband, Greg, experience—listening to people my both grew up, and met, in Cleveland own age speaking about their aca- Heights and are grateful to raise their demic achievements,” Gillooly said. family here.

We will be Closed... August 22 – 31 Sizzling Re-opening September 1 Summer Shopping Hours Tuesday 10 - 6 Wednesday 10 - 6 Thursday 10 - 6 Spectacular Friday 10 - 7 13429 Cedar Road Cards & Gifts! Saturday 10 - 5 Cleveland Heights Sunday 11 - 4 216-397-7671 2254 Lee Road Get $20 off on Cleveland Hts Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5 framing over $100 (216) 321-1296

woodtraderframing.com (One discount per visit) SimplyCharmingTheBoutique.com

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 15 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS SCHOOLS

Felisha Gould named CH-UH Cleveland Heights-University Heights district assistant superintendent Board of Education Meeting highlights

Angee Shaker League Educator of the Year, Akron Alliance of Black School Educators JUNE 16, 2015 The Cleveland Outstanding Administrator, Ohio Board Member Eric Coble was absent. Heights–Uni- Association of Secondary School Jesse Lange versity Heights Administrators Middle School Superintendent Talisa Dixon introduced son, parent liaison at CHHS; and Cynthia C it y S c ho ol Principal of the Year, and the Ohio Jesse Lange, newly hired vocal music Booker, public relations liaison. District has Alliance of Black School Educators teacher. named Felisha Principal and Student Appreciation Public comments Gould as its awards. Gould earned her B.A. in Sustainability presentation Environment and sustainability: The board new assistant CH-UH CITYCOURTESY SCHOOL DISTRICT biology from Talladega College, Laura Steinbrink of HLMS Solutions pre- was thanked for working with the commu- Felisha Gould superinten- and holds her master’s degrees in sented a sustainability report on the high nity and for the team effort in the project dent. Her term will begin Aug. 1. biology, secondary education and school facilities renovation. The report for sustainability. There was also a request Gould succeeds Andrea Celico, the educational administration from the included an overview of the project, deci- to maintain the school garden at Gearity sion-making criteria, 2014 eco-goals, and new superintendent of the Bedford University of Akron. and to engage the community in sustain- a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environ- ability projects. Another community mem- City School District, who came to “We are very lucky to have mental Design, or green building design) ber, an engineer, offered his knowledge the CH-UH district as assistant someone as talented and experi- update. Sustainability includes meeting of solar power to encourage its use at superintendent in July 2013. enced as Mrs. Gould coming to the needs of the present without compro- the high school. The board was asked to Gould comes to the position our district,” Superintendent Talisa mising future generations, and preserving use outdoor environmental space respon- with extensive experience and lead- Dixon stated, “I believe she’ll make resources. sibly. ership skills. She began her career an invaluable addition to our Tiger The report discussed the following five Salaries: Although sympathetic to or- as a high school biology teacher in Nation family and we are eager for goals based on the 2014 intensive brain- ganized labor, a community member ex- Akron Public Schools before being her to get started.” storming meeting on achieving sustainable pressed an opinion that the salaries of the design: promoted to middle school principal district’s staff are much higher than those • Achieve a net-zero-ready building, re- in the public sector, and [suggested that] and then high school principal. Angee Shaker is director of communica- ducing kBTU consumption. Computer these should be looked at when the levy is Gould has received a number tions for Cleveland Heights-University use, freezers, coolers, the pool, outside proposed. of awards, including Akron Urban Heights City School District. wall exposure, solar panels, and carbon Release of public records: the board footprint studies all are considered in was reprimanded for not releasing public this goal. records in a timely fashion. The board re- MJM Window Restoration • Build a 100 percent on-site stormwater sponded that the records in question were Why replace? management system where stormwater released, but [it] would discuss the issue Your existing windows can work like new! is reused. further at another time. • Sticky windows • Cracked glass • Achieve zero waste in construction and • Broken ropes • Weather stripping operations, and eliminate food [waste] New hires and solid waste. The following new personnel were intro- You’ll save thousands! • Design and operate the building for hu- duced: 30 yrs. experience • Ask about our winter discount man health, emphasizing clean indoor air. • John Fullerman, assistant principal, CHHS (216) 321-7729 mjmwindowrestoration.com • Design and operate the building to be a • Brigitte Pronty, Oxford Elementary teaching tool for sustainability. School principal • Dwight Hollins, CHHS supervisor of ath- Public comment on the report letics Six community members commented, ex- • Karen Battle, girls basketball coach pressing concerns about the lack of hard • Jeremy Holmes, boys basketball coach numbers showing that the sustainability plan will save energy. The board previ- Leadership for Change course ously voted for a hybrid geothermal sys- proposal tem and questions were asked concerning The board heard a second reading of the potential savings. Roof water and rain- the new course proposal, Leadership for water were discussed, particularly how Change, for Heights High for the 2015—16 it will be saved and used because water school year. This course would provide stu- rates will be increasing. One community dent leaders [with] the structure, opportu- member was disappointed with the report, nity, resources and curriculum for develop- and indicated [that] various partnerships ing leadership skills. Students enrolled in should be explored to optimize opportu- this one-credit, elective course would work nities. Using the school as a learning tool to implement schoolwide service projects, was encouraged, and it was suggested orientation and social events, and men- that an engineering teacher or other per- toring opportunities with underclassmen. sonnel be appointed to develop this pro- This course would help build a positive, gram and supervise sustainability. Reduc- student-led culture and is needed to build ing food waste was also encouraged. the necessary skills in student leaders so they can help facilitate a positive transition LWV Observer: Lillian Houser. to the high school’s relocation to the Wiley Enroll now! campus.

JULY 7, 2015 Food service agreement Lowest college tuition in Northeast Ohio All board members were present. The board authorized a food service man- agement agreement with AVI Foodsystems Easily transfer your credits to Awards and recognitions Inc. This is a local service that considers The board recognized the following: healthy eating a challenge and will work a four-year university • Alex Gillooly, who attended the Con- toward this goal. gress of Future Science and Technology Leaders this summer in Boston, repre- Library budget For more information: senting Heights High. The board approved the financial reports • A $2,500 grant presented to Gearity and the alternative tax budget for the CH- Garden by Chartwells, which promotes UH Public Library System. www.tri-c.edu outdoor learning. High school students worked six weeks in this program. LWV Observer: Lillian Houser. 216-987-6000 • The CH-UH City School District’s com- munication team, which received Na- tional School Public Relations Associa- tion and Ohio School Public Relations Look for earlier and often expanded Metropolitan Campus Association awards. Those recognized postings of meeting summaries online 2900 Community College Ave. | Cleveland, Ohio 44115 were: Angee Shaker, director of commu- at www.heightsobserver.org. nications; Cathan Bricker, administrative See disclaimer on page 7. 15-0123 assistant of communication; Joy Hender-

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 16 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS SCHOOLS Teachers union president offers back-to-school tips for parents

Ari Klein assume an older child will know how over the summer slip backward Look for information coming to get to school. Timing how long it in their education. Our Heights from your child’s school and read it As schools gear up for a new school takes to get to school will help you libraries and librarians can help carefully. Usually there are health year, CH Teachers Union President plan everything, from when to wake guide families to great choices that forms, bell schedules, and important Ari Klein offers back-to-school tips for up in the morning and when to leave are appropriate for children of all calendar events to record. Pay all parents: the house to get to school. Getting ages and abilities. attention to changes in rules, notes The new school year always your child to school before the first I wish summer math was about proper attire, bus schedules, comes quicker than anyone bell will ensure that your child has assigned as well, but there are and a host of other details that anticipates. Before summer break time to get to a locker or classroom opportunities for kids to solve parents need. Hopefully your school slips by, there are small things that to prepare for the day. Most students practical problems around the house offers volunteer opportunities for parents and guardians can do to help need time to prepare mentally for to keep up their basic skills, such parents—volunteering is a great way their children transition successfully learning. as following a recipe or woodworking to see how things work at school and back into a school routine. Most schools make available projects. Don’t discount video games get to know the staff. For children entering a new a supply list and some prepare that provide math practice and Raising children who are ready school, as well as younger children, summer reading assignments. Find can be fun when it is raining to be successful for school takes getting familiar with the school out if your school provides this outside. work and planning. Two good grounds and location can be very kind of information, so you can be At least one week before school sources of information are the helpful in allaying some natural equipped early. Summer reading starts, get out of the summer National Association of School anxiety about going to school. If assignments for CH-UH public routines and re-establish school Psychologists (www.nasponline.org/ there is a playground on the school schools can be found at www.chuh. bedtime, waking and meal schedules. families/index.aspx) and the Amercian property, it might help younger org/summerreadinglists.aspx. Students Setting alarms, eating breakfast, Federation of Teachers tips for children adjust to the school just who come to school unprepared will and starting the day will save a lot parents (www.aft.org/education/ by being on the grounds and taking have a tougher time catching up, and of trouble once school starts. Talk publications/resources-parents). some ownership through gaining a may make a poor first impression on with your children about why it sense of familiarity. a teacher. Even for students without is important to be well-rested for Ari Klein is a lifelong community Consider practicing the route a summer reading assignment, it is learning and school work so they member, math teacher at Cleveland to school with your children if they incredibly helpful to read over the understand there is a reason and that Heights High School, and president of have to walk or take a bus. Don’t summer. Students who do not read it is not a punishment. the Cleveland Heights Teachers Union.

Tear-offs • Re-roofs • All repairs New vocal music teacher Shingles • Slate • Tile • Gutters • Siding • Chimney Work # Metal Roofs Installed named for Heights High Insured • All work guaranteed • Free estimates 1 Flat Roof Experts Angee Shaker Falls High School. In this role, he Roofing Nobody Under Bids Us was tasked with facilitating the The Cleveland successful retention and recruitment Residential Heights- of vocal music students to build Commercial 216-319-0430 University a flourishing program. During his Heights City tenure with Cuyahoga Falls, Lange School District adapted the course of study to has hired Jesse include four curricular choirs, three

Lange to be the CH-UH CITYCOURTESY SCHOOL DISTRICT extracurricular choirs, a voice class new vocal music Jesse Lange and an opera and musical theater teacher at Cleveland Heights High performance course. He directed six School. successful musical productions, filling Congratulations “I am excited Jesse Lange is the roles of drama director, vocal joining our Tiger Nation family,” said director and pit orchestra director. Superintendent Talisa L. Dixon. “Mr. Lange graduated magna cum TO THE 2015 SENIOR CLASS Lange is an accomplished vocal music laude from the University of Akron teacher and will help continue our with a Bachelor of Music in music OF CLEVELAND HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL! tradition of excellence in the high education. He received his master’s school’s vocal music program. While degree in choral conducting, also we will miss the irreplaceable Craig from the University of Akron. The graduating seniors of Cleveland Heights High School McCaughey, who served in this role Craig McCaughey, the previous were accepted to the following colleges and universities for 15 years, Mr. Lange brings his own vocal music teacher, recently retired and received scholarship offers of over $9.3 million. unique experience and outlook to the after 15 years with the district. program. I look forward to seeing him in action.” Angee Shaker is director of communica- Eastern Michigan University Spring Arbor University Lange previously worked as the tions for Cleveland Heights-University Georgia State University Studio of Doug Rioth Grace College Tennessee State University vocal music director at Cuyahoga Heights City School District. Hampton University Tulane University Howard University University of Akron Indiana University University of Charleston Alabama A&M University Indiana University of Pennsylvania University of Cincinnati Alabama State University John Carroll University University of Colorado Boulder Serving the Your neighbor; your plumber Alfred University Kent State University University of Findlay Heights Ashland University Mercyhurst University University of Kentucky since 1989 Baldwin Wallace Miami University University of Memphis Herb’s Plumbing & Heating Boston University Minnesota State University University of Michigan Bowling Green State University Morgan State University University of Oklahoma Bryant & Stratton College Mount Vernon Nazarene University of Pennsylvania • Experts in old homes Bucknell University Muskingum University University of Pittsburgh Butler University Northern Kentucky University University of Pittsburgh at Bradford • Water tanks & heating systems Calvin College Northwestern University University of Rochester Capital University Northwood University University of Tampa • Eco-friendly updates Central State University Notre Dame College University of Toledo Clarion University Oberlin College University of Wisconsin • Fully trained, licensed, bonded Clark Atlanta University Ohio State University Vanderbilt University Cleveland Institute of Music Ohio University Washington Jefferson University & insured College of Charleston Pace University West Virginia University • Residential & commercial Colorado State University Penn State University Westminster Cleveland State University Point Park University Wheeling Jesuit University Cuyahoga Community College Rochester Institute of Technology Wittenberg University Mention this ad for 10% off Denison University Rutgers University Wright State University DePaul University ($100 minimum charge/emergency calls excluded) Shawnee State University Xavier University Drexel University Slippery Rock University Xavier University of Louisiana Duquesne University Spelman College Youngstown State University 216-691-2300 • herbsplumbingandheating.com

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 17 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS SCHOOLS School social workers help students and parents

Carmen Kottha our schools to provide strong sup- portive relationships. Social workers For some students, life gets in the way of ensure that the content of these com- academic success. School social workers munity partnerships remains secular are charged with reducing or removing while assisting students and families non-academic barriers to academic suc- in need. cess. As families prepare for the start of The school social work depart- a new school year, Reaching Heights—a ment aims to strengthen the dis- nonprofit that supports student achieve- trict’s working relationships with ment and teacher recognition, and regional partners and connect with works to connect the community to our local mental health providers, chil- public schools—asked Carmen Kottha dren and family services, the Fam- to describe the role of social workers ily to Family Collaborative and the like herself: Juvenile Court system. One of our

As a school social worker, I’m SHANE WYNN school social workers is the Youth taken aback by all the services Mental Health First Aid Certified and activities we provide for the CH-UH school social workers (from left) Josephine Shelton-Townes, Carmen Kottha, Faith Gordon, Instructor/Trainer for the school students and families of the Cleve- Alison Craig. district. School social workers also land Heights-University Heights created the Cleveland Heights City School District. There really As part of each school’s student abuse, or grief and loss. Children threat assessment, and bullying is no typical day in social work. assistance team, we find ways to and adolescents may need help policies and procedures. We constantly apply our skills and help students who struggle with with family strife, risky behavior, Students and families should adapt our time to meet the needs behavior issues and discipline, anxiety, depression, self-harm, peer contact their school principal with of the various schools, students and and create classroom manage- pressure and bullying. We help any questions about receiving families. We work with teachers, ment problems for teachers. Social create emotionally safe schools, fa- services from their school social principals, psychologists, nurses workers help plan and implement cilitate peer mediations, and some- worker. School phone numbers and and guidance counselors. academic interventions and create times join a parent at the hospital principals’ e-mail addresses can be Every social worker in our manageable academic goals. We when a child is ill. found at www.chuh.org, or by calling district monitors attendance for complete referrals for behavioral Heights school social workers 216-371-7171. excessive absences. When a student health services, make home visits may assist with the logistics of misses instruction, it’s difficult to and connect families with commu- state testing, and play a role in the Carmen Kottha has been a social worker learn, and a student’s lack of atten- nity resources. special education identification and in the Heights schools for the past five dance often indicates other needs. All district social workers are re-evaluation processes. years. She worked with the night school Perhaps a student is missing school credentialed with master’s degrees We also support many extra- program and the Emotional Disturbance because of transportation prob- and clinical mental health back- curricular programs, and helped Unit Classroom at Heights High. She lems, housing issues or the need for grounds. We are state-certified and establish Faiths Alive, an interfaith earned a B.S. in psychology from John a winter coat. School social workers licensed to practice. We know how to collaboration with local church and Carroll University and an M.S.W. from reach out to help families address assess and support students in crisis. synagogue communities who adopt Tulane University in New Orleans. any barriers that are impacting School social workers help their children’s attendance and students and families who struggle overall success. with mental health, substance New Heights High assistant principal is former CHPD officer

Angee Shaker as in protecting our community,” Honored to be your said Superintendent Talisa L. Dixon. The Cleveland “His leadership skills and passion for choice for life insurance. Heights–Uni- Cleveland Heights will make him a versity Heights great addition to our Tiger Nation City School Dis- family.” Bachman Ins and Fin Svcs Inc J.D. Power has honored State Farm® as “Highest in trict has named Under the high school’s new Lee Bachman, Agent Customer Satisfaction Among Life Insurance Providers.” John Fullerman academic structure for fall 2015, small 2245 Warrensville Center Road as a new assis- CH-UH CITYCOURTESY SCHOOL DISTRICT schools will be eliminated in favor of University Heights, OH 44118 John Fullerman Bus: 216-321-1422 Call me today to see how I can help tant principal a more comprehensive structure. In with your life insurance needs. of Cleveland Heights High School. addition to the head principal, there Fellow assistant principals are Jane will be four assistant principals, each Simeri, Alisa Lawson-McKinnie, of whom will be responsible for spe- State Farm received the highest numerical score among life insurance providers in the proprietary cific grade levels and content areas to J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Household Insurance and Bundling StudySM. Study based on 23,171 total responses and Joseph Nicklos (former Oxford measuring 21 providers and measures opinions of consumers with their life insurance provider. Proprietary focus on teaching and learning. study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed June-July 2014. Elementary School principal), with Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Zoraba Ross as head principal. The counseling services depart- State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) 1501054 State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI); Bloomington, IL Fullerman was previously the ment will work under a “house sys- principal of Summit Academy Sec- tem” model in which counselors will ondary School in Canton, where he work in teams with case managers YOU THINK was also head coach of the basketball and social workers. Their services team and director of student coun- will be provided to students from ONE DAY SALE: AUG. 17 YOU KNOW US, specific grade levels, and incoming Get the rest of 2015 for cil. Prior to entering the education freshman students will work with the BUT YOU DON’T ONLY $99! field, initially as a teacher, Fullerman Register by phone or in person served as a Cleveland Heights police same counselors through their senior 9-11 a.m. S. Euclid Methodist officer, 2003–09. year. Church He obtained his B.A. from Myers “I’m very excited to embark on 6-8 p.m. Cleveland Hts. University, then secured his master’s this new path for our high school,” Community Center in education from John Carroll Uni- said Zoraba Ross, administrative Child versity. Fullerman also completed principal. “I believe, under this new Care Cleveland State University’s princi- model, students are able to obtain available pal licensure program, and is in the a more targeted and individualized process of finishing the advanced education experience. I believe this curriculum and instruction program change is very much a step in the from Wright State University. right direction.” “We’re lucky to have John Full- 9 weekly classes to choose from erman coming to our district, as Angee Shaker is director of communica- (440) 655-5394 | [email protected] | jazzercise.com someone with so much unique ex- tions for Cleveland Heights-University perience in both education as well Heights City School District.

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 18 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS SENIORS Tips for avoiding scams No need to wait a month for more community news. get the

SENIOR SCENE low risk and high return, offering low-cost loans or credit cards, and Heights Observer asking for charitable donations. When you receive one of e-news in your inbox every Tuesday. these calls, the FTC recommends Judith Eugene that you ask the person’s name, n- sig up company name and what they are ee It’s a good idea for people of all selling. Also ask them to send you r sign up for free at F ages to be aware of potential scams their offer in writing (including r and cons, but senior adults can all documents they want you bit.ly/Ho-enews o F be especially vulnerable. Because to sign), and tell them you will

n

many seniors own their homes get back to them after you have (No spam; you can unsubscribe with a

and have accumulated retirement time to review the information. c

a single click at any time) s

savings, they are a popular target This is not being rude. It is being

for con artists. Older adults also practical.

grew up in a time when people The Housing Research and were more trusting, considerate Advocacy Center (HRAC) warns and polite. Con artists, also known of several popular housing scams, as “scammers,” attempt to take including fraudulent mortgages advantage of these traits to scam and reverse mortgages, home seniors out of their money. equity loans, foreclosure and debt Scams are perpetrated by assistance, and home repair offers L CAL phone, mail, e-mail, text message, that require large upfront payments. social media and door-to-door They recommend that you ask lots contact. Scammers are very good of questions, research all companies at making their targets feel guilty you plan to do business with, and COFFEE about saying no. They typically get estimates or offers from several act very friendly, call you by your different companies. first name and pretend to care Remember never to give your TASTES about your family and your health social security number, bank situation, while making you feel account number or credit card guilty for not trusting them. information to anyone who BETTER Scammers also try to confuse contacts you—even if they are EAST 9TH COVENTRY LEE ROASTED IN THE 216 1700 EAST 9TH ST 1854-A COVENTRY ROAD 2287 LEE ROAD you into accepting their offer. They asking you to “confirm” the CLEVELAND, OH 44114 CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH 44118 CLEVELAND HTS,OH 44118 PHOENIXCOFFEE.COM 216.771.5282 216.932.5282 216.932.8227 LOCALLY ROASTED IN CLEVELAND OHIO will talk fast, avoid questions, information—no matter how give incomplete or confusing legitimate or official the offer explanations and pressure you into seems. You should initiate all accepting immediately. If you are financial transactions and make not completely clear about and sure you are dealing with reputable comfortable with what they are individuals and companies. proposing, either say no or tell Finally, remember this old them you need time to think it saying: if something sounds too over. Always consult with a trusted good to be true, it probably is. friend or family member before you decide. Judith Eugene is a native of Cleveland According to the Federal Trade Heights who provides life-enrichment Commission (FTC), common classes and activities for senior telephone scams include claiming adults and those with physical and that you have won a prize or a mental challenges through www. lottery, offering free or low-cost lovinghandsgroup.com. She can be products or vacations, promoting reached at 216-408-5578 or judith@ business investments that have lovinghandsgroup.com. A LIFETIME OF

Seniors invited to annual HRRC expo on Sept. 1 CHOICE DOESN’T END HERE. Becky Stager

Home Repair Resource Center Most people think you call hospice when you’re all out of (HRRC) invites seniors to attend options. That’s not true if you call Hospice of the Western its annual Senior Expo, to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 10 am to 2:30 Reserve. As Northern Ohio’s most experienced and most p.m., at the Cleveland Heights Se- contractors. referred hospice provider, we offer more options to personalize nior Activity Center, 1 Monticello No reservations are required for care. Our patients and their families live their lives where they Blvd. the Senior Expo, which is free and Workshops and exhibitors will open to residents of all communities. choose–at our unique facilities, at home, at a hospital, at a help seniors plan ahead to protect Light refreshments will be provided. nursing home or at an assisted living residence. See why more their biggest investment—their For additional information, call families choose the hospice of choice at . home. Speakers will discuss such Wesley Walker at 216-381-6100, hospicewr.org topics as understanding home- ext. 22. owner’s insurance and how to use it, deciding which home improve- Becky Stager has been on the staff of ments will have the biggest effect HRRC since 1989 and currently serves on a home’s resale value, options for as marketing and development associate. using home equity to pay for repairs Visit www.hrrc-ch.org or call 216-381- 800.707.8922 | hospicewr.org and improvements, and avoiding 6100 for more information on programs scams by unscrupulous lenders and and services.

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 19 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS LIBRARY Library and HRRC offer programs for ‘heroic’ homeowners

Sheryl Banks Heights-University Heights Public desirable place to live for both new tractors: how to find good ones, Library System on a series of home and current residents.” how to compare bids, and how to With roughly half of its housing repair classes: Heroic Homeowning. The Heroic Homeowning series make sure you’re getting what you built before 1939, Cleveland Heights The series will provide basic infor- is free and open to all, and takes bargain for. is a city with an older-than-average mation to get homeowners started, place on three Thursdays in August, • Aug. 20 – Doing It Yourself. Even housing stock. These old homes and cover budgeting, working with at 7 p.m., at the Lee Road Library, if you’re new to working with are a great source of pride for many contractors, and simple repairs that 2345 Lee Road (216-932-3600): tools, there are home repairs that homeowners and residents, with 11 most owners can do themselves. • Aug. 6 – The Other Costs of Home- you can handle. This program will neighborhoods and 10 residential “The library’s summer read- ownership. This program looks at provide instructions for some basic buildings in the National Register ing theme is all about heroes,” said the costs of keeping your home in and common repairs, and discuss of Historic Places. Keeping these Benjamin Faller, HRRC executive good shape and suggests strategies strategies for building your skills, homes in good shape does require director. “Taking care of an older for budgeting, saving, and paying planning your project, and com- effort, though, and some residents home presents a unique set of chal- for upkeep and improvements. pleting it successfully. aren’t sure how to go about main- lenges and joys. Learning how to Learn how planning ahead can taining these older homes. take good care of your home—es- help. Sheryl Banks is the marketing and That’s why the Home Repair pecially an older home—is truly a • Aug. 13 – Working with Contrac- community relations manager for the Resource Center (HRRC) decided heroic undertaking. It keeps our tors. This session will cover the Cleveland Heights-University Heights to team up with the Cleveland community strong, and makes it a ins and outs of working with con- Public Library System.

Library to host Digital Bookmobile Aug. 8 The Julia Murphy Tavern Company On Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Lee Road Library will host the Digital Bookmobile, a full- Mon. Burger Fries & Beer Night $9 Tues. Flatbread Pizza Beer /Wine sized, 18-wheel tractor trailer that is Tues. Trivia starting at 10 pm a high-tech update on the traditional Wed & Thurs: "5 for $30" bookmobile. The vehicle is equipped 2 Dine for the $ of 1! Includes 2 small salads + 2 select dinners + a pitcher of Moosehead beer with Internet-connected PCs, high-

OR a bottle of House wine = ONLY $30 CH-UH PUBLIC LIBRARY COURTESY definition monitors, premium sound M-F Happy Hour 5–7 pm systems, and a variety of portable Sunday Brunch 10:30 am–3 pm media players, all of which will help Anyone can browse the grow- the Digital Bookmobile on Aug. Sunday Karaoke 10 pm visitors explore the library’s digital ing collection of bestselling, new 8, there are other options to learn Kitchen Open 5–10 pm Mon.–Thurs. service. Interactive learning stations release, and classic titles, and check about the library’s eMedia collec- 5–11pm Fri. and Sat. will give visitors an opportunity to out a digital title with a valid li- tion. The library’s tech trainers 2260 Lee Road 216.321.6001 search the library’s digital media brary card. Once the digital titles lead classes on how to use eMedia collection; use supported mobile have been checked out, they can be on phones, computers, or e-readers, devices; and sample eBooks, audio- enjoyed online or transferred to a and also offer tutorials to give one- Free books mailed books, and videos. computer or a supported portable on-one help with setting up eMedia to your young child! “The Digital Bookmobile’s visit device. Many audio titles also can accounts. Class schedules are avail- gives us a fun way to promote our be burned to audio CD. At the end able at www.heightslibrary.org or in extensive digital collection,” said of the lending period, titles auto- the library’s Check Us Out program Jackie Mayse, technology trainer at matically expire and are returned guide. the Lee Road Library. “A lot of our to the digital collection, and there To learn more about the Digital customers don’t realize that along- are never any late fees or damaged Bookmobile’s visit, call 216-932-3600, side the library’s physical collection items. and to explore the library’s eMedia of books, music and movies is a whole The eMedia collection is not collection, visit emedia.clevnet.org. collection of digital media that can just for adults, as it also includes If your child is be accessed at any time by visiting children’s videos, chapter books, and Julia Murphy is the marketing assistant under 5 years old the library’s website.” even narrated picture books. for the Cleveland Heights-University and lives in “We sometimes think of our For those unable to drop in on Heights Public Library. Cleveland Hts., Shaker Hts., eMedia collection as our fifth or University Hts., visit branch,” continued Mayse. “It’s a great way for people who are travel- What’s going on at your library? heightsfamily.org ing or aren’t physically able to get to one of our buildings to access our In August, Heights Libraries looks mon repairs, and discuss strategies for registra5on informa5on materials.” outside, with programs that explore for building your skills, planning seed saving, home repair, geocaching your project and completing it suc- LIVES IN IN LIVES HEIGHTS THE

SELLS THE HEIGHTS and permaculture. cessfully. ALLALLA gracious courtyard and Coventry Village Library Noble Neighborhood Library perennial gardens 1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400 2800 Noble Road, 216-291-5665 Shaker Heights welcome you to this custom built one owner home Saturday, Aug. 29, 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, 2 p.m. on South Woodland Hands-on Seed Saving. Saving seeds Geocaching Exploration. Learn about Road. is beneficial for your wallet as well geocaching and go on a group geo- A wonderful home that as your harvests. Staff and commu- caching hunt with the librarians. meets all the nity members will work together to requirements for today’s harvest seeds from Coventry’s Col- lifestyles! University Heights Library laborative Garden, to save them for 13866 Cedar Road, 216-321-4700 SUSAN DELANEY, ABR®,RRS,CNE® next year’s crop. Homes of Distinction Specialist OAR Award of Distinction Tuesday, Aug. 11, 7 p.m. Mega Million Dollar Producer Lee Road Library Permaculture From the Ground Up: 216~577~8700 2345 Lee Road, 216-932-3600 Summer Meet-Up. Sustainable gar- Email: [email protected] Web: susandelaney.howardhanna.com den expert Mari Keating hosts a Thursday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. midseason program for gardeners, BORN IN THE HEIGHTSTHE BORN IN KNOWS THE HEIGHTS Heroic Homeowning: Doing It Yourself. especially those who are using the ALLALL Even if you’re new to a hammer and permaculture system of agriculture. wrenches, there are home repairs Bring questions, comments and Support our local merchants. that you can handle. This program photos for discussion and idea-swap- will explore a few basic and com- ping. Registration begins July 28.

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 20 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS LIBRARY

Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library Board Meeting highlights

• Youth Services Department visits to Mary Doria Russell speaking about her JUNE 15, 2015 schools to promote the summer reading new book Epitaph: a Novel of the O.K. All board members were present. Aquos Board program. Corral. The board approved the expense of • Training of four new Book Bike volun- • The mobile classroom took the basic com- Architect for University Heights $8,554 from the technology fund to pur- teers. puter class, on using the mouse, to Judson Library renovation chase an Aquos Board for classroom use. residents. CLBH Design Inc. has been chosen from Technology Coordinator Matt Hoffman ex- Friends board seeks new members • The mobile computer lab took the intro to eight presenters as the architect for the Uni- plained the interactive features of this 70- President Louisa Oliver highlighted the suc- computers class to residents of Musicians versity Heights Library renovation. Princi- inch wall-mounted, touch-screen monitor. cess of the mega book sale in early May. Towers, and the MS Word Part 1 class to pals in the practice, Marc Bittinger and Mi- She talked about the challenges involved in the Cleveland Heights Senior Center. chael Liezert, have experience with library Balanced Scorecard review disposing of the books that don’t sell, and • At University Heights Library, The Kulas design for many Cuyahoga County library Carlton Sears introduced himself to the called attention to the mural created by Foundation Steinway piano was tuned systems. Their next step is to prepare three board and staff. A former library director Heights High art students in the Harvey and and is ready for use in programs as well as design schemes with price points ranging and facilitator, he will lead the work for the Friends bookstore on the second floor of the for practice by community members. from $1 million to $4.5 million. A timeline Balanced Scorecard/Strategic Planning library. The organization is looking for new • Associate Chris Fries hosted the annual for the project will follow. process for 2016—17. board members. Free Comic Book Day for 105 participants Deputy Director Kim DeNero-Ackroyd who came to play games and receive New circulation services manager presented highlights of the Balanced Score- May public service report highlights: comic books. Many dressed up as their The board approved the appointment of Ty card Measures of Success for May 2015, • With May as National Preservation favorite comic book characters. Emerson as circulation services manager focusing on: Month, the library’s partnerships with at an annual salary of $53,019. Emerson • The acquisition of the New York Times the CH Landmark Commission and the LWV Observer: Anne S. McFarland. has a background in customer service and Digital Database. CH Historical Society resulted in two employee training. He’s had academic • Partnering with CWRU, YMCA, and the lectures: “The Several Lives of Severance Look for earlier and often expanded library experience at Johns Hopkins Uni- Sisters of Charity Foundation to prevent Town Center” and “Landscaping by De- postings of meeting summaries online versity. Outside of work, he holds a leader- at-risk teens from becoming homeless. sign.” at www.heightsobserver.org. ship position with the Cleveland Compos- Library staffer Monica Wilson will assist • The spring series of the Cedar-Coventry See disclaimer on page 7. ers Guild. in researching the number of such teens. author series concluded with author

CLASSIFIED ADS

Eve’s Painting & Heights Hardware NUISANCE ANIMAL TRAPPING Home Repair SINCE 1911 SKUNKS SNAPPING TURTLES RACOONS SQUIRRELS  Interior and exterior painting www.heightsobserver.org  Wallpaper removal OPOSSUMS And Many Others  Housing code violations GROUNDHOGS We Also Pick Up Dead Animals  Tuck pointing Call 216-320-1423 to find  Handyman services Monday-Saturday 9-6 - Sunday 11-4 We are bonded, insured, and main- out how you can advertise CALL STUART tain an “A” rating on Angie’s List. 1792 Coventry Road your business for $25/month. 216-789-0036

216216----387387387----05250525 216-321-4701 INSURED [email protected] www.heightshardware.com LICENSE # 3-18-16-N-T

Window St. James Anglican Catholic Church MJM Restoration Sung Mass

Keep your historic windows Sundays 10:30 a.m. and save thousands! Catholic Faith in the Anglican Tradition Sticky windows Weather Stripping Broken ropes Cracked Glass 1861 East 55th St. Tree Removal • Yard Expansion We’ll make them work like new! Fertilization • Cable Support at Payne Ave. in Pruning • Stump Grinding (216) 321-7729 Cleveland, Ohio (440) 463-7379 for free estimate mjmwindowrestoration.com Mention “Observer”and get 20% off ✴ 30 years in the Heights ✴ www.saintjamescleveland.com 216-431-3252 Certified Arborist Fully insured

ET OUR LOOM N First Ladies of Choice G Y B O ! ALEX’s TREE SERVICE INC. The Pied Piper Fndn School of Health

Certified Arborist

Serving the Heights for 35 years Classes Start Aug. 24 through Oct. 26

Scholarships Available 216-932-3244 4-Week STNA Courses ($200) alexstreeserviceinc.com 8-Week Nursing Course ($300)

VIVIAN THE GARDEN COACH Ask about options for saving your ash trees For more info. Call 1-844-683-4761 VIVIAN VAIL 216.224.8789 www.piedpiperschoolofhealth.com

Tim Weeks FREE INSURANCE QUOTE Of AUTO OR CAR INSURANCE WEEKS AUTOMOTIVE SR22 INSURANCE *FR BOND Complete Auto Repair 1503 Warrensville Center Road $35/Mo LIABILITY**$70/Mo Full Coverage & Maintenance Import & Domestic (216) 691-3950 PROPERTY INSURANCE COMMERCIAL INSURANCE OIL, LUBE & Training dogs with Home * Condo Auto * General Liability In Business Since 1972 Fire, Dwelling, Rental Business Owners www.simonsautoservice.com FILTER SPECIAL teamwork and trust SIMON DAHER, Manager only $25.95 Positive, force-free

Stop in to check out our • Up to 5 qts. oil • Oil Filter training that works! brand new repair facility! • Top off fluids • Chassis Lube (216) 691-9227 • FREE 12 pt. Safety Inspection 216-536-5706 Washington & Co Insurance Agency Inc. (216) 371-2354 1830 Lee Road, CH [email protected] 2565 Noble Road, Cleveland, OH 44121 Excludes hybrid cars. With coupon. Exp. 9/30/15 www.ohioinsurancequote.net

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 21 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS ARTS

(which I bought at one of Coventry us.” By then we had a better record The porches of August Road’s three drugstores—Coven- player—stereo!—with portable try Drugs, Uberstine’s and Merit speakers that I’d pull through the Drugs), sorting through that year’s front window onto the new porch. SONGS AND baseball cards, practicing guitar and Now I was playing albums, not sin- STORIES listening to the radio. These devices gles, by the likes of Bob Dylan, Ian started out as big wooden pieces of & Sylvia, the Byrds and the Beatles. furniture and, over those years, be- Friends and bandmates would come came smaller plastic boxes and then over after band practices or gigs, and David Budin hand-held transistor radios. There we’d sit out on the porch and talk all were always one or two stations in night until my father, a very early

I was sitting on my deck, at the back BUDIN DAVID COURTESY Cleveland that played rock ‘n’ roll, riser, left for work, which reminded of my house, communicating on 1958 comic book (left); 1959 Sport magazine. with great DJs like the Mad Daddy us to go to sleep—on the porch. Facebook, when something I read (Pete Meyers), Bill Randle, Johnny But something happened. Some- reminded me of the front porches of most of the time I lived there, in Holiday and Jerry G. time between playing Dylan records old, and how, when I remember the the 1950s and ’60s, the porch was One of Coventry’s drug stores, on the front porch, while dreading one on the house where I grew up, it furnished with dark-green-painted Merit, also sold records; a metal rack the new school year, and when I makes me think of August. wicker pieces that had belonged to featured the top-40 singles of the had kids of my own, we all moved to Why August? I’m not sure. Pos- my grandmother, probably made in day, which they sold at three for a the back yard. We put decks on the sibly because, after spending about the ’30s or ’40s. Besides the couch, dollar, meaning you got six songs for backs of our houses. And we stopped 10 weeks out there, I became aware two big chairs, table and planter one dollar, and since most albums hanging out in our front yards, where of the subtle hints of the impending (which my mother had turned into then contained 12 songs, that meant we used to see all of our neighbors. change of seasons, rather than— a beverage holder, sometimes filling you could buy an album’s worth for Now we see only the people we during the rest of the year, when the galvanized-steel insert with ice two dollars, which was about what plan to see, and only at times we’ve I stayed inside much more—the and bottles of pop), there was also albums cost at that time. determined in advance—except in big, obvious ones. Being out there a “glider,” a suspended couch that It was a great day, in mid-August our other neighborhood, Facebook. every day, I’d notice signs, like the swung back and forth. 1957, when I was 8, and a visiting And we’re missing those spontaneous slight thinning of the leaves on Until my teenage years, I kept relative handed me a dollar. I walked chats with people, where we used to our big trees that in June and July to myself a lot, and I spent most of up to Merit Drugs and bought pick up news and gossip—though we had blocked much of the sun from my summer vacation time on that “Searchin’ ” by the Coasters, “That’ll now do that on Facebook, too. our west-facing upstairs porch. Or porch—including sleeping out there Be the Day” by Buddy Holly and “Bye I use Facebook—a lot—and maybe it was because I knew, every almost every night. My mother had Bye, Love” by the Everly Brothers. I there’s much about it that I find year from the age of 5 through 18, put up chicken wire, from the top came home and played them, many useful and enjoyable. But it will just that the new school year was only of the porch’s three-foot wall to times, on the little record player I had never be the front porch. weeks, and then days, away, and how the ceiling, convinced that a kid dragged out onto the porch. I dreaded going back to school every would fall off the porch. Because When I was 18, the last year I David Budin is a freelance writer for one of those years. the chicken wire was always there, lived with my family, we moved from national and local publications, the for- Our house, on Belmar, near we never had the opportunity to find upstairs in one house to downstairs mer editor of Cleveland Magazine and Mayfield Road, was not a big one, out if she was correct. in the house next door. There was Northern Ohio Live, an author, and a but the porch stretched across the At different stages and ages, a reason for that, but when people professional musician and comedian. His entire width of the structure, mak- I spent my time out there reading asked my father about it, he would writing focuses on the arts and, especially, ing the porch relatively large. For comic books and Mad magazines usually say, “It’s just the gypsy in pop-music history.

CLASSIFIED ADS

Always Buying Paying Cash Ardmore Tree Service CEDAR CENTER MICHAEL’S ANTIQUES Complete Tree Service HARDWARE  Gold  Clocks OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK   Year-round Jewelry Swords 1970 WARRENSVILLE CENTER RD  Glassware  Lamps SHOP We Sell and Plant  Paintings  Violins 216-291-1111  Pottery  Porcelain Trees & Shrubs  Military Items  Ivory Carvings MONDAY–  Sterling Silver  Oriental Rugs FRIDAY   LOCAL 9:00 AM TO 8:00 PM Bronze Figures Marble Figures (216) 486-5551

• Pruning • Tree and Stump Removal • Feeding SATURDAY 7 Days 8 a.m.– 10 p.m. 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM Support our community. • Firewood • Brush Chipping • Snowplowing SUNDAY 440-461-4611 Member National Arborist Association 10:00 AM TO 5:00 PM FREE House Calls for SENIORS Buying anything unusual Free Estimates Fully Insured Good Neighbor, Good Advice

RAYMOND J. WOHL, CPA 2121 South Green Rd . South Euclid, Ohio 44121 PH: 216.382 .9647 F ***BOOKS ON COVENTRY*** Services Offered: 1820 Coventry Rd. 216-321-2665 Tax Preparation & Planning Open 24 hours at www.macsbacks.com *Investments EDUCATING THE HEIGHTS SINCE 1988 Three Floors of IRA Accounts New & Used Books & Magazines Mutual Funds 3473 Fairmount Blvd. College 529 Plans Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 Used Book Exchange Insurance: 216.321.5868 Bring us your used books! [email protected] Fixed & *Variable Annuities www.fairmountmusic.com Life Insurance

Buy Local First! * Raymond J. Wohl, Registered Representative *Securities offered through HD. Vest Investment ServicesSM Member SlPC Investment & Insurance Products: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value.

AMISH CREWS FOR LESS . ROOFING . NEW GARAGE

. SIDING .WATERPROFING www.heightsobserver.org . CONCRETE . KITCHEN -BATH .FP- TK PONTNG . RM ADDITION Call 216-320-1423 to find .PORCH -WINDW . ATTIC-BSMENT out how you can advertise

. CITY VIOLATIONS - PAINTING your business for $25/month. . NEW GARAGE from - $9875 216 -323- 4483

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 22 www.heightsobserver.org

HEIGHTS ARTS Public Art talk and bike tour planned for August

Mary Ryan with streetscapes, signage, and the breakfast to benefit community arts gallery on Lee Road.” From 2000 to programming since 2001. For a community of fewer than 2013, three permanent murals were While the Aug. 22 bicycle tour 50,000 people, Cleveland Heights is created, along with a tile mosaic, will focus on permanent public home to quite a few public art instal- six streetscapes consisting of artist- art installations around Cleveland lations. The city refers to itself as designed furniture and signage, and Heights—starting at the Cedar Lee “home to the arts,” so it seems fitting one site-specific sculpture. mini-park next to Heights Arts and that public artworks can be found in “Our initial public art project pedaling through the Coventry and parks, on street corners, at schools and was developed just as Heights Arts Cedar Fairmount neighborhoods— libraries, and elsewhere around town. was starting,” Spaeth explained. “I the hour-long illustrated talk on Aug. When Heights Bicycle Coali- was contacted by Coventry to help 20 will also highlight four temporary tion (HBC) president and Cleveland raise money for a soccer field, which art projects that are no longer on view. COURTESY Heights City Council Member Mary The Coventry Arch was installed in 2001. wasn’t my area of expertise, so we A public art street map, with informa- Dunbar contacted former Heights started with the Coventry Arch. We tion on all the works facilitated by Arts executive director Peggy Spaeth 11 permanent and four temporary pub- had a statewide competition for the Heights Arts from 2000 to 2015, is be- about leading a bicycle tour of public lic artworks—primarily in Cleveland project, which was ultimately awarded ing published in conjunction with the art, she consented enthusiastically. Heights business districts—so there is to Barry Gunderson, a professor of talk and tour. Both events are free and Instead of talking and riding at the plenty to see. “Part of Heights Arts’s sculpture at Kenyon College.” The open to the public. Because seating is same time, however, Dunbar and Spa- mission is to make the creativity of aluminum arch, with its whimsical, limited in the gallery, please RSVP for eth will present a two-part event—an our residents visible,” said Spaeth, abstract figures, was designed as “a the talk by calling 216-371-3457. illustrated public art talk at Heights who helped establish the nonprofit symbol of greeting, accommodation, More information on HBC and Arts’s newly renovated gallery on community arts organization in 2000. and celebration of differences,” in other sponsored rides can be found in Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m., and an “We knew we had a lot of artists line with the Cleveland Heights com- an article in this issue of the Observer. accompanying bicycle tour on Satur- in the community and felt that the munity spirit. Most of the public art No registration is required for the day, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. city itself should tangibly reflect the projects were funded through grants, Aug. 22 ride, but helmets are manda- In the past 15 years, Heights Arts creativity of its residents. Public art gifts from individuals and businesses, tory. For more information on public has helped facilitate the installation of was just one of the initiatives, along and fundraisers. The arch, for ex- art in Cleveland Heights, visit www. ample, benefited from the generous heightsarts.org. help of Tom Fello, owner of Tommy’s restaurant, which has been sponsoring Mary Ryan is the marketing and com- Heights artist wins illustration award an annual New Year’s Day pancake munications coordinator at Heights Arts.

(216) 392-1335 [email protected] SUMMER SPECIALS Class 1 Pavers & Remodelers • Residential Driveways • Roofing • Asphalt/Concrete/Masonry • Sealcoating • Kitchens & Baths • Siding & Windows • Sit-In Tubs/Handicap Showers our specialty

Ask for Gary or Mike Need money? 1481 Warrensville Ctr. Road (216) 397-6349 Great Financing www.class1pavers.com JAMEY CHRISTOPH Christoph’s award-winning illustration is featured in a children’s book about Gordon Parks.

Bradley Eckert cants and awarded Christoph its top award for illustrations in published Heights illustrator Jamey Christoph books. received an Award of Excellence from Christoph, a resident of Cleveland Communication Arts for his work on Heights since 2002, currently resides the children’s book Gordon Parks: in Grant Deming’s Forest Hill Neigh- How the Photographer Captured Black borhood. and White America. The publication’s Information about his children’s 56th Illustration Annual features an books and illustrations are available illustration from the book, which at www.jameychristoph.com. depicts impoverished families living in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. Bradley Eckert, partner of the artist, is a The international competition resident of Cleveland Heights, and a medi- reviewed more than 4,300 appli- cal school student.

Come for lunch

Some Day is Now, a luncheon for the future FEED YOUR MIND of Open Doors Academy Featured Speaker: Jonathan Kozol TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 | 12-1:30PM The most widely read and highly honored education writer in America. Junior Ballroom, Cleveland Convention Center Moderator: Co-Chairs: Global Center for Health Innovation Dan Moulthrop Richard and Joanne Clark | Leah Gary 300 Lakeside Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44114

For tickets, visit opendoorsacademy.org or call 216-229-1900.

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 23 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS ARTS Heights ensemble Elégie to perform at Cain Park Peg Weissbrod and Kev Marcus, who met while play- ing in their high school orchestra. The The male vocal quartet Elégie, four pair describes their music as a blend of young men who met while they were highbrow and pop culture—everything students in Heights High’s Vocal from “Brandenburg” to breakdown. Music Department, will open the Besides making uplifting music, show for Black Violin at Cain Park Black Violin is committed to men- on Friday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. toring young fans. According to the Elégie members Caleb Wright, duo’s website, they appear regularly at Brian Barron, Mist’a Craig and Mi- schools, “where they constantly stress chael Hives began singing together the importance of arts education.”

four years ago. Each is classically AIREONNA MCCALL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY Elégie will also perform on Sat- trained and performs in numerous Elégie members Mist’a Craig, Caleb Wright, Michael Hives and Brian Barron. urday, Aug. 15, when it provides the ensembles and chorales, including music for Forest Hill Presbyterian the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. Although Elégie has performed blend of classical, hip-hop, rock and Church’s annual Outdoor Worship All four young men sing both tenor at churches, schools and clubs all bluegrass. service, at 3031 Monticello Blvd. in and alto, with Barron and Hives pro- over Northeast Ohio, its fan base “[Black Violin] saw a video of Cleveland Heights. The service will viding baritone and Craig and Wright grew significantly after the group ap- us performing on YouTube and re- begin at 5 p.m. and will be followed slipping easily into soprano. Despite peared on the WJW-Fox 8 “Morning quested Elégie for their opening act,” by a free community supper. their young age, they display a surpris- Jukebox News” program in 2013. Wright said. “I think our background, ing range of vocal talent, especially Their repertoire of barbershop, and our motto of ‘Bach to Boyz II Peg Weissbrod is a Cleveland Heights High when Wright leaves the upper registers smooth jazz, gospel, rock and R & B Men,’ struck a chord with them.” School Instrumental Music Department to provide deeper bass harmonies than should prepare the Cain Park audi- Black Violin features classically alumna and a staff member at Forest Hill expected for a singer his age. ence for Black Violin’s signature trained viola and violin players Wil B Presbyterian Church in Cleveland Heights.

fabric Artful plans fundraisers Play transports kids sewing patterns to ancient Egypt ribbon Brady Dindia together to be playful,” while help- & inspiration! ing Artful secure the funds it needs Sarah Pease-Kerr In last month’s edition of the Heights to develop the project and make it a Observer, James Henke introduced reality. Registrants will receive free At Lee Road’s Kultivation Theater, local artist Shannon Morris and tickets for planned raffles, and have ancient Egypt comes to life through Artful, a new, start-up Heights non- a chance to win door prizes. There magic, music and dance in a new profit. will be crafts for kids, food and play that encourages children and Open Tuesday through Saturday Artful is a community effort, beverages, and all ages are welcome. families to remember their man- 11-6 pm intent on creating an Artful space The deadline for online registration ners. “Ma’at Is Missing: Deciphering 2026 Murray Hill Road : Cleveland, Ohio in the Heights. The founding com- is Aug. 5. Manners,” written and directed by 216.229.2220 mittee consists of artists, educators, Artful is also working on a po- Kulture Kids’ Robin Pease, invites boltandspool.com and local business owners, all with tential art show to run in conjunc- audiences to journey with a bumbling strong ties to the area. Artful (which, tion with the Heights Music Hop, archaeologist in search of Ma’at, an as ARTFUL LLC, is a registered and a formal fundraiser in October. Egyptian symbol of civility, compas- nonprofit in the state of Ohio) has The October event will draw its sion and respect. been approved by Volunteer Lawyers inspiration from the Kokoon Arts The play opens at Kultivation for the Arts to receive free legal balls of the early 20th century, which Theater, 2134 Lee Road in Cleveland assistance as committee members were some of the biggest events in Heights, on Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. Opening move ahead with the project. An- Cleveland during those years. night audiences are invited to a fam- other beneficial development has “Everyone on the Artful team is ily-friendly post-show reception in come in the form of an anonymous volunteering their time and exper- the lobby. Additional performances challenge grant of $25,000. While tise. Other skilled community mem- are Aug. 22, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and this requires that the committee bers have volunteered their time in Aug. 23, at 3 p.m. Tickets are available raise $25,000, members are hopeful the areas of law, grant research and at www.kulturekids.org and include a that, with community support, they writing, construction, community pre-show family arts workshop. will raise enough funds to receive the development and real estate,” said Founded in 1999 in Cleveland matching grant. Eric Mundson, Artful’s online brand Heights, Kulture Kids is a nonprofit Artful’s first fundraiser, called manager. “With more than 600 dedicated to fostering arts-integrat- playFUL, will be a kickball tourna- followers on Facebook, 450-plus ed learning and cultural awareness, ment to be held on Aug. 9, 3:15–7 on Twitter, and more than 100 on bringing interactive educational p.m., at Denison Park. According to Instagram, Artful looks forward to experiences to theaters, schools and Sarah Curry, Artful’s artists and edu- working with members of the com- community organizations through- cation advocate, the intention is to munity and making the Heights even out Northeast Ohio and across the “encourage the community to come more Artful.” country. For more information, visit Kulture Kids is funded by Your old favorites www.artfulcleveland.org, or www. Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, The facebook.com/artfulcleveland. George Gund Foundation and The are back on Ohio Arts Council. Brady Dindia is a 10-year resident of the menu. University Heights and owner of a Sarah Pease-Kerr is a writer, educator, Bring in this ad for graphic design business, A BCD Creative. and theater enthusiast from Cleveland She is co-founder and development direc- Heights. She works as the dramaturge 15% off your food bill. tor for Artful. and literary manager at Kulture Kids. Happy Hour! Coit Road Farmers’ Market Mon thru Sat starting at 4 p.m. Fresh Local Food Open Saturdays Year Round In Your Neighborhood $6 Appetizers $5 Cocktails 8:00AM to 1:00PM $6 Martinis $2.50 Domestic Beers Wednesdays late May thru November $6 Wines $3.50 Imports 10:00AM to 1:00PM Call 216-249-5455 Expires 11/30/15. Alcohol excluded. or go to www.coitmarket.org Not valid with happy hour discounts or other At Cedar & Fairmount in Cleve. Hts. 216-421-3333 offers/discounts. www.madgreekcleveland.com 15000 Woodworth Rd near East 152nd and Noble

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 24 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS ARTS Heights resident Bachtell shines on Broadway in Boston as a freelance graphic art- public funding as “our saving CREATIVE ist; was a painting major at Cleveland grace.” NEIGHBORS Institute of Art; worked as a gallery BSMA partners with neigh- assistant at SPACES, and as program borhood organizations, including assistant for Peoples and Cultures Community Assessment and Treat- gallery; and had a studio in Little ment Services, a substance abuse Italy. rehabilitation center. Its program Peggy Spaeth She was the second director of alternates weekly drum circle and the now-defunct New Organization dance classes. For seven years, Cleveland Heights resident Bar- for the Visual Arts’ (NOVA) Cleve- BSMA has brought Suzuki violin bara Bachtell began steering the land Art Festivals (1981–84), precur- classes to Villa Montessori school, venerable Broadway School of sors to today’s Ingenuity festival which is closing after 20 years. A Music and the Arts (BSMA) 18 that brings artists and organizations third program is after-school art

years ago, in the same Slavic Vil- together in downtown Cleveland. She and music classes at University SPAETH PEGGY COURTESY lage neighborhood where her then became NOVA’s first program Settlement, a neighborhood cen- Barbara Bachtell, executive director of Broadway School of Music and the Arts in mother lived as a baby. Bachtell’s coordinator when the organization ter that provides social services to Slavic Village. mother, an artist and writer, was became more focused on direct ser- residents of the Broadway-Slavic descended from Bohemian im- vices to artists, rather than events. Village neighborhood. Bachtell original residents in the very spaces migrants who settled there. One She facilitated projects such as slide said that BSMA also has a “wonder- the artists altered.” of her mother’s first cousins was registry exchanges with Chicago, ful relationship with the Cleveland Bachtell is nourished by a Cleveland mayor Ralph Perk. As Boston, and Washington, D.C.; artist Orchestra,” which held its third leadership program of the Na- Bachtell put it, “They didn’t agree open-studio tours; and art in special neighborhood residency in Slavic tional Guild for Community Arts on politics but enjoyed lunching to- places programs, bringing artists into Village with free kick-off concert. Education. “You must nurture gether occasionally.” Perhaps it was hospitals and community settings. BSMA has always offered on-site yourself as a person and learn what this mixture of art and politics in Bachtell is the third director music lessons, both instrumental your values are to be an effective the family lineage that resulted in of BSMA, founded in the 1980s as and voice, and a youth drum corp. leader,” advised Bachtell. “A leader one of Bachtell’s brothers becom- a branch of the Cleveland Music Special projects, such as Rooms is different from a manager—as a ing The New Yorker’s Talk of the School Settlement. The organization to Let: CLE, bring a sparkle to leader you bring people together.” Town cartoonist, another brother became a nonprofit a few years after Bachtell’s eyes. In the spring of Today, Bachtell said, she is “trying becoming chair of the U.S. Com- its founding, and has continually 2014, she was one of three cura- to integrate my artist-self with my munist party, and Bachtell herself adapted to a loss of population and tors for this project, which brought administrator-self,” and trying to becoming an artist and community decline in the economy. Bachtell’s site-specific installations into three find the time to work on her studio arts administrator. continual challenge is “How do vacant houses in Slavic Village. “It art while bringing arts to the Slavic Bachtell’s diverse experiences we sustain this organization when was a terrific experience,” she said. Village community. Truly, Bachtell in the arts prepared her for a the people we serve don’t have the “I ended up with 20 artists in the is a shining star on Broadway. multi-tasking career at BSMA. She resources to pay?” Like many small house I curated (which, alas, was majored in studio art and minored nonprofits, BSMA has a diverse rev- later demolished, despite its ‘good Peggy Spaeth writes about Heights in creative writing at Wesleyan enue stream, but Bachtell especially bones’), along with photos from the residents and their impact locally, University in Connecticut; worked credits Cuyahoga Arts & Culture 1930s and ’40s showing the house’s regionally and worldwide. RSVP to our Open Houses: Sunday, October 11, 2 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2 p.m.

Providing day and boarding Contact Bonnie Konopinski students in grades 9 - 12 with at 216.421.3033 • Groundbreaking bkonopinski@ Montessori montessorihighschool.org curriculum • International 11025 Magnolia Drive Baccalaureate Cleveland, OH 44106 Diploma program montessorihighschool.org • Real-life individualized learning in world-class institutions

Preparing Students for LIFE

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 25 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS BUSINESS Bussey’s Upholstery has been in CH since 1954

James Henke older,” said Bussey. Bussey’s Upholstery Foam ‘N’ Fabric His father continued to work 877-267-4548 Bussey’s Upholstery Foam ‘N’ Fabric at the store until 1977 when, at age 2311 Lee Road Inc., located at 2311 Lee Road, has been 81, he decided to retire. Mark then a Cleveland Heights institution since took over the store with his mother, Mon., Wed., Thurs., Sat., noon to 6 p.m. 1954, when it moved into one side of Emilie Bussey. His father died in Tues., noon to 8 p.m. its current location. In 1975, Bussey’s 1982, and his mother died in 1993. Fri., noon to 5 p.m. expanded, taking over the space next After Bussey married Marlene in www.busseysupholstery.com door, which had been occupied by the December 1984, his new wife started New York Kosher Butcher. It has filled working at Bussey’s. She still works at both storefronts ever since. the store, where she handles most of versity Heights Library. Whenever I The store is owned by Mark the phone calls, as well as some of the need a break, I go over there.” Bussey, 63, and his wife, Marlene. His sales. The Busseys have two children, He also said he enjoys patroniz- JAMES HENKE father, Irving M. Bussey, founded Marlene and Mark Bussey Irene, 25, and Emilie, 15. They have ing the area’s restaurants. “If I have the store back in 1930. It was origi- lived in South Euclid since 1985. time to get lunch,” he said, “I’ll go to nally located at 12305 St. Clair Ave., Almost all of the products it sells are The store’s only other employee one of the restaurants around here. near East 123rd Street, in Cleveland. made in the U.S.A. is James Amie, who has been at But we don’t always have the time, Bussey’s sells fabric that can be used Mark Bussey was born in East Bussey’s since 1998 and is now the unfortunately.” for upholstery, slipcovers and drap- Cleveland, but spent most of his store’s manager. eries, and it sells foam for virtually early life in Cleveland Heights. Af- Bussey said that he really loves James Henke, a Cleveland Heights resi- every size of mattress. Bussey’s also ter graduating from Heights High the store’s location. “We get a lot of dent, was a writer and editor at Rolling sells various tools and other supplies in 1971, he started working at his people walking by who decide to stop Stone magazine for 15 years. He is also the for upholstery work. Bussey’s will father’s store. “My father liked do- in and see what we sell,” he said. “I author of several books, including biogra- also do upholstery work for its cus- ing upholstery work, and I decided also enjoy being only a block away phies of Jim Morrison, John Lennon and tomers, including refilling cushions. to join him because he was getting from the Cleveland Heights-Uni- Bob Marley.

We accept all major vision and medical insurance Great Eye Care. Dr. Ernest J. Robinson Cedar Fairmount set for 14th annual festival Locally Owned. • Comprehensive Eye Exams Outside • Treatment of Eye Diseases prescriptions Walk-ins welcome • Contact Lens Care welcome 2259 Warrensville Ctr. Road • Designer Eyewear University Hts., OH 44118 216-371-5520 Free frame with 4625 Richmond Road purchase of lenses. Warrensville Hts., OH 44128 When you mention this ad 216-765-0532

Observe! LOWE KAYE COURTESY Submitting an article to the Heights Observer Local musicians entertain the crowd at a past Cedar Fairmount festival. is a piece of cake! Kaye Lowe house. There will be pony rides, super - heroes, such as Spider-Man and a ninja Plans are complete for the 14th annual turtle. Princess Elsa and Cinderella 1. The Heights Observer is written by people like Cedar Fairmount Summer Festival to will also be at the festival. The Boys you. So write something. Use a computer. be held on Sunday, Aug. 9, from noon and Girls Club of America will set up to 5 p.m. The festival committee has a photo booth for fun picture taking. added more entertainment and venues For those looking to adopt a pet, for this year’s event. The goal of the the Cleveland Animal Protective festival has always been to thank the League will have animals available community for its support of Cedar for adoption. The American Red Fairmount businesses and to give Cross will be collecting blood dona- 2. Register/log in at the Member Center residents an opportunity to enjoy the tions from noon to 5 p.m. Because the (www.heightsobserver.org). talents of local artists and musicians in need for blood during the summer a family-friendly environment. is high, the Red Cross will make it The arts and crafts sale will be easy for festivalgoers to stop by and located on Lennox and Surrey streets, donate a pint of blood. Cedarwood and in the Zoss bakery parking lot. Plaza will offer free blood pressure This year there will be paintings, pho- readings. tography, glass art, jewelry, basketry, Members of the Cleveland 3. After logging in, click the Submit New Story bath and body potions, purses, hand- Heights Police K-9 Unit will be there button in the left-hand column (Don’t see it? It’s made bags, fiber art and clothing, pet to talk about their work, and Cleve- nested under “Writer”). Then follow the prompts. Hint: keep your original file open so you can easily products, and much more. land Heights firemen will offer fire copy and paste into the text box. The Eclectic Vision, Get Back truck tours. Duo, Wright Reynolds Project and This Cedar Fairmount festival Blue Spruce Cats will be return- is made possible by donations from ing to entertain. Musical Mark and Cedar Fairmount businesses, neigh- Whipples the Clown will perform to bors, the Cedar Fairmount Special 4. Reward yourself; you’re about to be the delight of young festival attendees. Improvement District and a grant published. We’ll review and edit your article, and Cleveland Heights Church plans to from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. let you know if we have any questions. convert the India Community Center For more information, go to into a playland for kids. Ten Thousand www.cedarfairmount.org or call 216- Villages and Open Doors will also 791-3172. Look for updates on Cedar have activities for children. Fairmount’s Facebook page. Thanks to Dave’s Market, the Observer advertising is good for your business popular Euclid Beach Rocket Car will Kaye Lowe is the executive director of the and good for your community. offer rides during the festival. Fifth Cedar Fairmount Special Improvement Third Bank is sponsoring a bounce District.

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 26 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS BUSINESS Trapped! Escape room opens on Coventry

James Henke described as “a zombie lab,” and Pi- rate Tavern, based on “Pirates of the Real-life escape rooms are booming Caribbean”—are slated for opening all over the world. The rooms are sometime in August. Chainsaw, based on video games, where the which is “geared more toward horror player is locked inside a room and fans,” according to Applegate, and a must explore his or her surroundings still-to-be-determined final room, in order to escape. Players must be are also planned, and the owners observant and use critical-thinking hope to open them by Halloween. skills to escape the room. The first Up to eight people can play each real-life escape room opened in game. They are given a backstory Japan in 2008. The rooms quickly and a set of rules, then have 60 spread across Asia, and then, a minutes to solve the mystery of the couple of years later, one opened room. Each of the game rooms also in Budapest, Hungary, followed by features cameras and audio to give many more in Europe. In 2012, the clues to the players.

first North American escape room JAMES HENKE “It’s something different to do opened in San Francisco, and more Alan and Scott Applegate, the owners of the Trapped! with your family,” Applegate said. soon opened, first in New York, then “And it’s also great for corporations Toronto. Now, Greater Cleveland “We had the best time ever,” he said. The two brothers own Apple- who want to build relationships has its first real-life escape room. “I talked to the owner and found gate Construction, and they have among their employees. And it’s not Called Trapped!, the escape out more about it. Then I went to worked on many real-estate projects. scary, it’s family-friendly, pure fun room opened on Coventry Road one in Pittsburgh, which opened in When they found out that the space and very entertaining.” in Cleveland Heights on July 17. November of last year, and checked at 1796 Coventry, where the Next Trapped is open Tuesdays and It’s owners are Cleveland Heights that one out. There’s also one in clothing store used to be located, Wednesdays, 1–10 p.m., and Thurs- resident Alan Applegate and his Cincinnati, which opened this past was available, they immediately day through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. brother, Scott Applegate. Alan first April.” went for it. “Coventry is so unique It is closed on Mondays. The cost discovered the concept in Toronto in Applegate, 46, and his brother, and such a great walking neighbor- of taking part in one of the games March, when he and his two sons— 54, decided to open one in Cleve- hood,” Applegate said. “And it’s is $28 for adults, $25 for students 12-year-old Robbie and 14-year-old land. They both grew up in Shaker close to Case, John Carroll and the and $22 for children ages 12–15. For Tyler—were attending a film festi- Heights and graduated from Shaker Clinic, so we thought it was close information, visit www.facebook.com/ val. “We wanted to do something High. Alan then went to DePauw to a lot of people who would like to trappedcle. besides watch movies,” Applegate University in Indiana, where he come to our escape room.” said. “So I went to TripAdvisor, the majored in economics. He and his Trapped will eventually feature James Henke, a Cleveland Heights resi- online travel website, to see what brother both moved to Cleveland five different themed rooms. One is dent, was a writer and editor at Rolling else was in Toronto. Three of the top Heights in 1992. Alan still lives in open now—called the Cell, it is es- Stone magazine for 15 years. He is also 10 things listed were escape rooms.” Cleveland Heights, on Essex Road, sentially a prison from which people the author of several books, including Applegate and his sons went to while Scott recently moved to need to escape. Two other rooms biographies of Jim Morrison, John Len- one of the Toronto escape rooms. Larchmere Boulevard in Cleveland. —Apocalypse, which Applegate non and Bob Marley.

Music for ALL // Generous Financial Aid TheThe MusicMusic SettlementSettlement Top-quality

Early Childhood Education WINNER: BEST MUSIC INSTRUCTION Music Therapy Music Instruction Open tO All Ages & levels Of experience

Discounts for Multiple Enrollments per family HIGHEST RATING, STEP UP TO QUALITY Enroll online today! Kindergarten. Day School, and Preschool www.TheMusicSettlement.org/all

Our programs are generously funded by: SORT ALL CLASSES www.TheMusicSettlement.org/all BY AGE : or call (216) 421-5806 xt. 100 for info The Music Settlement, 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland 44106

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 27 www.heightsobserver.org HEIGHTS BUSINESS

Cast your ballot Best Home Repair/Maintenance Business today for Best of Best Hairstylist (individual’s name and place of business) the Heights!

Best Barber (individual’s name and place of business) Complete this ballot or go online to: www.futureheights.org

Best Place to Enjoy a Family Outing Deadline for ballot submission: August 31, 2015

Best Interior Decor Please Note! Voting is for Cleveland Heights and University Heights localities only. Best New Business Best Place to Purchase a Gift One ballot per person.

Best University Heights Business Best African-American-Owned Business In order for your ballot to be counted, you need to vote for at least half (10) of the ballot categories and include your name Best Cleveland Heights Business Best Professional Service Business and contact information. Ballots not meeting these requirements will be consid- ered invalid. Best Date Night Venue Best Longstanding CH-UH Business (15+ years) Mail your ballot to: FutureHeights Best Customer Service Best Restaurant 2843 Washington Blvd. #105 Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Best Burger Bonus Question: Questions? Call 216-320-1423 Name:______Best Bar, Pub or Tavern Address:______What New Business Would You Like to See in ______the Heights? Best Place for Health & Fitness Phone:______E-mail:______Best Automotive Business If you are a business owner or operator, name of business: ______

WHY BUY @ IN CLEVELAND HEIGHTS

Named “Ohio Business Of The Year” By Green Energy Ohio

MotorcarsConstruction.com - (216) 932-2400

Heights Observer August 1, 2015 28 www.heightsobserver.org